‘Feast of Fashion’ part deux

Melbourne’s GPO celebrated the L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival in true high-end GPO style, with the fashion precinct’s retailers joining in the celebration and exhibiting their latest in-store collections. The intimate runway invited its audience to feast its eyes on the delectable fashions of Australian and international designers, tantalizing taste and style. Two performers throughout the runway tempted the models with a fruit platter, with the intrinsically prepared event serving up tempting wardrobe treats. Full of grace and elegance, the runway was a delight to see and experience, with the designers showcasing their autumn/winter range which is wearable and versatile, often accessorized with black boots and leather gloves.

Alexi Freeman’s collection of predominately black and white experimented with prints, which featured in dresses above the knee and on leggings. The trench fabric this season is light-wearing, perfect for those confused winter days Melbourne tends to have when it isn’t quite warm, yet isn’t cold enough for a winter coat.

Ben Sherman believes that ‘looking good isn’t important, it’s everything’, and has recreated this for the male who wants to groom himself and dress to impress, with their range of blazers, jeans and ability to create the pretty preppy look with a shirt and knitwear. Ben Sherman also brought back the denim on denim look for the men, while ladies can expect to dress up their denim with the union jack tee, with patriotism to fashion.

Metalicus has stayed true to their long line styles; draped materials and layering to create the ultimate look, while Nicola Waite also experimented with the use of layers with waistcoats.

Nicola Waite included directional pieces with layers in striking black and bright yellow to liven up winter dressing.

French boudoir is back in vogue, with Digbys range showcasing stunning and elegant pieces, featuring a shiny, raw-silk blue suit with purple scarf, and the long jacket teamed with a dress, perfect outfits for a stopover at a café to indulge in a croissant.

Arthur Galan AG’s collection is remarkable to see, for his precise tailoring and precision for detail, always creating the ultimate sharp suit. This season Arthur Galan is embracing the ‘wet-look’ jean, worn cuffed up, and teamed with a waistcoat and collared-scarf.

Karen Millen embraced wool for the cooler months, contouring the female physique. Her work dress, so beautifully structured and beautifully tailored is elegant enough for work, however fashionable enough for any runway occasion.

Veronika Maine had shirred shoulders and dark gold hues, juxtaposed with a silk blue dress with sequin bolero. The popular trend this season is colour on colour in texture variations, with many designers experimenting with this trend, particularly to excite Melbourne-black.

Hussy gave out military instructions, teaming a silk, cropped cargo in grey with a military white double-breasted jacket.

For a bit of tasteful cheek, IM lingerie showcased two designs in their cream and red range, with the corset, lace, bow and sheer detailing leaving little to the imagination, however enough to keep you guessing and to excite your outfit with fashionable undergarments.

Baccini & Hill are spring-carnival ready, with the first purple dress being a standout beauty for the show. The blue evening dress oozed glamour, with fascinating fascinators already making their mark, well ahead of racing season.

Christopher Chronis brings sharp suits back for the men, with silk lapel detailing, and tailored wool peacoats, light to wear with no bulk. The growing trend this season for the men is light trenches, shifting away from the heavier fabrics while still in the transeasonal period.

To finish the runway, Brides of Melbourne had the perfect dresses for a lady’s special day. A strapless, diamante embellished lace dress above the floor, trimmed with a champagne sash below the bust was enough to make any girl want to get married. The strapless dress, with a long train and corset bustier, along with high-quality silk and pearl detailing is the perfect dress for a fairytale reality.

The feast of fashion was enough to satisfy any wardrobe appetite with an exciting season of fashion ahead of us.