LIFEwithBIRD opened the evening with geometric patterned frocks in a wide range of silhouettes, from body con to dramatically draped. Being Melbourne, shades of grey and the odd black piece were thrown in for good measure.

Alice McCall followed up her sisters’ range with her signature range of quirky feminine pieces, utilising Nan’s couch for a brand new take on the mini dress. McCall ensured she covered all bases when it came to using a variety of textures in her current collection, with knits, jerseys and flowing silks featuring heavily.

Leopold ensured that the boys will be upholding the seemingly everlasting nautical trends, with boat shoes, navy blue and stripes a plenty strutting down the runway.

A girly girls’ dream was Bettina Liano’s Spring range, with pastels, ruffles, frills and faded denim making for a ‘Little House on the Prairie’ vibe. Nevanka went for an excess of silk and chiffon paired with 70’s style prints in their ultra feminine collection consisting of maxi dresses to suit almost any taste.

Lisa Gorman never disappoints, but this has to be her best range to date, with candy colours mixed with just the right amount of muted tones. Shapes were voluminous yet allow for one to show off their figure with the simple inclusion of a cute glittery belt or scarf tied around the waist. Outfits were finished with the most darling purple wooden clogs, a trend which will most certainly be getting a workout this season.

Obus upped the ante yet again, with their current collection featuring an array of voluminous shapes and hippie inspired floral patterns. Throw in the odd corset and full skirt an you’ll win me over any day.

Arabella Ramsay kept in tune with her signature style with her new collection featuring sequins, plenty of frills and delicate prints, while Manning Cartell experimented heavily with varied texture and a widely ranging colour palette.

Nicolangela managed to ensure her latest range of formal themed wear was anything but generic, with plenty of beading and pleat detail to please even the most discerning bride-to-be, or anyone for that matter who is just after the perfect fairytale frock.

Wayne Cooper finished the evening with structure, shape and volume. Utilising a strong colour palette consisting mainly of his trademark monochromatic tones, Wayne’s collection is sure to be a hit this Spring Racing Carnival.

Wise words by Bronwyn Miller

Caro kicked off the show with popping colours and bold designs. Bright pinks and greens and strong tribal patterns gave character to rather understated, no-fuss designs. Basic shift dresses were de rigeur, and very-mini or very-maxi dresses showed there’s no room for middle ground when it comes to hemlines.

Mina and Katusha paraded several items from their earlier collections, in the same monochrome palette they’ve used to build their brand. The bow mini-dress and waterfall tops have obviously been popular enough to win another run in this spring/summer collection. The neutral theme was punctuated by splashes of coral, but a black and white mini dress with panels of unaligned stripes was a quirky standout.

Borsha showed a collection of strong, wearable styles and chaotic explosions of colour, showing the label isn’t afraid to experiment. Borsha’s maxi dresses were an eclectic mish-mash of fabrics and colours, blending paisley, sequins, floral and bold geometric prints into a single anarchic design.
One purple and pink creation seemed inspired by a children’s fairy costume gone into overload.
The label’s more conventional numbers had a strong focus on the view from behind, with backless styles and back-ruffles featuring prominently.

Lisa Taranto stayed true to their style as seen at the Loreal Melbourne Fashion Festival earlier this year. Designs were restrained and ladylike, using lots of black and white. Ruffles and layers of fabric gave the collection a feminine appeal and ribbon-tied backs were a nice styling detail. Sequinned or lacy yokes added that touch of glitz or elegance to the dresses, showing off the strong structure of the styles with the restrained adornment.

Neo Dia punked up the parade with shredded and slashed styles. A jacket that seemed all preppy style and clean lines from the front had a bit of extra edge with a slashed back contrasting the style. Neo Dia had an adventurous and experimental use of shapes and volume – a show favourite was a skirt with fanning squares of fabric creating a concertina-like, sharp-lined volume.
The brand broke away from the traditional silhouette with dresses and skirts structured with protruding round shapes to emphasise the hips, or the side of the body.

Marion Liese’s designs caused a bit of a stir until the crowd realised the collection was lingerie. Liese’s cheeky and nippy designs harked back to the days of Old Hollywood glamour. The structured bustiers and bras and silky slips and petticoat frames had a burlesque appeal with lots of girlie detail. Ruching, roses and ribbons prettied up the sheer, sexy styles.

Silk and Ink certainly captured the zeitgeist that is the Mad Men phenomenon, showing 1950s silhouettes made modern with bold fabrics.
Blue trousers with white piping were a masculine touch among the full-skirted sundresses. A deep purple shirt and skirt combination was the colourful standout of the collection, as well as one dress that showed metallic shoulders needn’t just be for winter when paired with bright, summery blue.

The diversity and contrast of each label’s style made for an interesting showcase of up-and-coming local designers.

That the Made in Melbourne show was also a benefit for the McGrath Foundation was incentive enough for many show-goers to pack the room. Each label donated a piece of their spring/summer collection to a silent auction in aid of the McGrath foundation – a move that shows the substance behind the style.

Pretty prose by Stephanie Anderson

Inventive images by Christos Pavlidis

Red Carpet Style (designs by Aurelio Costrella)

When you are dressing a celebrity for the red carpet you want to go full length. Cocktail length dresses should be left to, their original intent, cocktail parties. Also, as opposed to the lovely designs below, most media publications generally won’t publish a black outfit as their hero shot, so try colour if your aim (of course it is!) is to get your client noticed. Fashion can change a way a celebrity is perceived, so this can be crucial for future work and roles. Working with an individual should also be a personal experience so really work “with” them; don’t just throw clothes at them and say “wear this”.

Fashion Shows (designs by Calvin Klein)

It’s time to put the “show” back in fashion show. Guests expect a spectacle so perhaps advising the designer to leave their dozen, admittedly lovely, beige frocks back in the showrooms for viewings there is the best option. Shows need excitement and this usually comes from colour or print.

Editorial (designs from the divine Madam Virtue & Co.)

When acting as a stylist on an editorial or photo shoot you simply cannot just stick to your own personal style. Being a one trick pony is simply not what being a stylist is about. You have to break out of your comfort zone and look for what other stylist don’t have be that contact, resources or style. Your number one priority is to meet the clients’ brief. Often this means being quite commercial, and you can try to broaden their horizons a bit but mostly it’s about meeting their demands.

Ethereal loveliness from Eva Q

I really do think this glam skirt should be in my wardrobe quicksmart

Urban chic from Harvest Powell

Happy snaps by Carlie Devine

Safa Taghizadeit dabbled into the conflicting world of old and new traditions of men’s fashion. From the man of yesteryear in a perfectly grey tailored suit, to today’s modern man in digital prints, cropped bottoms and sleeveless fine wool, all wrapped up in a perfectly tied sash.

Meg Kolac was vibrant in citrus lime and a yarn of fun. From knitted booties to spotted retro pants, the standout piece was her multi-layered knitted dress, in an assortment of muted colors: red, lime, yellow and olive.

Katelyn Donald’s collection began with smart embellished black jackets and high-waisted tailored pants. Careful attention to the pants gave an insight into what was next: feminine ruching. In a palette of rose, camel and lilac, models clad in sand colored heels, glided down the runway draped in contrasting and intricately ruched dresses.

Laura Anderson, drawing inspiration from the spiraling effect of staircases presented an edgy, leather-bound collection, comprising of sheer leggings, dangerous thigh cut-outs and phenomenal digital printed boudoir.

Jo Templin’s range of fleeting ethereal dreams was made up of a delicate range of white harem pants, maxis and mini dresses. Adorned with soft shoulder details and sheer fabrics, her collection had an aesthetic of freedom and fragility.

Limitless of imagination, Kate Bolzonello presented a collection that could only be described as a fairy tale. With clouds being a clear inspiration, models were padded and puffed in voluminous, quilted tulip skirts and sheer sleeves. Bold and mystical in maroons, greys, creams and browns, Peter-Pan collars put the finishing touch on this magical range.

Sarah Kirby’s play on the illusion of 2-d and 3-d, materialized into a collection of angular-shaped dresses in explosive colors: orange, coral and lilac, and printed geometric lines, providing depth and shadow.

Rebecca Martin’s ‘New Skin’ collection was reminiscent of gladiator armour, with structured corsets, shoulders and breast-plates a key feature amongst the fluidity of sheer creams and blacks under red bodysuits.

With softness and draping appearing to be a key look on the runway, Laura Gardner’s asymmetrical take was refreshing. In hues of camel, creams and lilac, her standout piece was her collared, knotted-detailed lilac jumpsuit,

Fiona Torcasio’s collection was an air of vintage cool, with models strutting down the runway in aviator goggles and lace-up shoes. Her mechanical beauties were dressed in immaculate floor-length trench coats, structured dungarees, working-girl overalls in a swarm of military colors: black, olive, ash and charcoal grey.

Genevieve Kulesza’s amusing collection consisted of a kaleidoscope of luminous, multi-colored lingerie, wrapped in plastic and adorned with mythical sea creatures of the deep.

Taka Kunitoshi’s range for men and women was simple and clean with a heavy emphasis on intense construction. Comprising of a monochromatic palette, Kunitoshi featured cut-outs, sleeveless tops, abstract lines and detailed dresses.

Jack Loder’s modern interpretation the couture ideal was perfectly translated through his classic collection: bejeweled bodices with trailing petals, lace- adorned details and classic silhouettes.

Grace Lillian Lee presented an exotic range made up of speck lings of black and gold. Entitled ‘Intertwined’ her collection was made up of bodysuits, dresses and tights all decorated with extravagant rope detail, sheer fabrics, lattice and eye-popping features.

Closing up the runway, Kate Sala’s collection was the epitomy of French cool. Behind colorful specs and decked in St Tropez white collared shirts in daring primary colors: red, blue and yellow. Kitsch in platform sneakers, cropped tops, sheer details and banded arms in ruched skirts, Sala ended the incredible RMIT runway series on a bright note!

Congratulations to Laura Anderson for being the enviable winner of the coveted RMIT Student prize. Anderson will be heading off to Milan for an internship with a well-established fashion house, to further thrive her skill and creativity.

Wise words by Rosa Nguyen

Inventive images by Daniel Archer

The show began with designs from Jason Hewitt, with pieces in vibrant reds and yellows, featuring feather and bone detail in the accessory pieces around the collars, head wear and the bodices of designs and presented with a rustic feel, and paying homage to traditional Native American culture influences through both design features and accessories.

Next were pieces by designer Eutichia Drakopoulos with burgundy dresses, skirts and shirts all delicately draped and accompanied with rough knit jackets in an intricate display of contrasting textiles and the always fabulous super wide leg pants, complimented with a black knit jacket with haphazard ribbon detail on the back.

Cindy Wei Zhang embodied traditional Chinese porcelain in her collection. With pieces in delicate white silk with vibrant blue symmetrical print, the pieces were dazzling and featured a continuation of the print in some cases into a collar piece. Some print was exaggerated with the incorporation of layers of blue and white tulle to give the garments a physical shape and presence.

Jessica Slade followed a sky blue and yellow theme with a yellow sundress with white cotton detail on the side panels. The classic feel continued with a fitted trench coat and a stunning blue sun dress with intricate neckline detail that added for an exciting variation along the bust line.

Holly Simpson offered a conceptual overlap with pieces that incorporated elements from much loved accessories. Handbag elements such as straps and clasps were used in exciting ways for example a simple silk pants and black shirt outfit presented a surprise when it was revealed that the entire back of the shirt was the front of a would be back pack. This trend continued with long blue dress that incorporated the strap of the purse and clasp into a feature on the left hand side of the dress and actually adding to the dress.

Designer Jane Bunn incorporated another element of everyday fashion into her designs, the humble black bra strap. Sheer jackets, shirts and dresses in champagne, blue, black and purple all featured black bra straps either a detailing feature of the garment or as a visible accessory worn on the arms or wrists of the models.

Stephani Melisa Krisna showcased soft designs with delicate colours. Off white pieces were decorated with light orange folds. A black baby doll dress and shaped skirt were intricately decorated with ruffles of lace and boning.

Raine Taylor embodied the Native American influence with strong designs in leather and micro suede. Burgundy, light blue and black were interwoven to create pieces with personality and presence. The waists of pants and skirts were designed to jut out create contrasting shapes against the female silhouette.

Ashleigh Robertson embodied a futuristic gothic industrial feel for her pieces, utilising metal boning to accentuate aspects of the models forms and to divide up the different segments of each outfit. Mottled grey, black and sheer pleated black were all utilised to give depth to each piece, culminating with an unusual solid over coat as the finale.

Jana O’Callaghan designed soft pieces in grey and white with heavy threading detail around the neckline.

Designer Ema Hewitt offered a ten second clip as to her inspiration for her hula hoop print. The print was created by painting the inside of a hula hoop and then twirling it around her body. This fascinating and very sensual print was presented in varying purples against the white canvases of either the long sleeved dress or halter neck shirt and pants outfit. To add to her original print design, Ema incorporated tiny lights into her heavy white jackets, a dress and even a pair of pants, which were all absolutely awe inspiring.

Blanka Pociask was the only designer in this show to present menswear, and edgy was the tone. Strong masculine pieces with heavy buckle detail in black and grey featured bondage styled leather face pieces. The collection also featured full length small checked kilts with large belt and buckle detail along the seams.

Kasia Gorniak showcased designs in green and white and pink and white leotards, all were complemented with a soft flowing piece that covered the shoulders in a corresponding colour.

Last but certainly not least was pieces by Renee Bock. Retro styled jackets were teamed with long black tethers with white stripes as was the final design, a long draped orange dress with ruch detail along the side, completed with its own tethering effect.

Pretty prose by Alex Schleibs

Fab photos by Daniel Archer

In terms of casual wear for spring, boot cut jeans were teamed with pastel t-shirts and casual shirts with bright prints and patterns in electric blues and vibrant reds in designs by Leopold. Three quarter length pants and denim shorts were contrasted with casual suit jackets in black. Leopold also offered the popular 50’s themed slim suit in ash colours with defining collars as a feature detail.

YD followed suit with bright colours with purples and blues either as a main colour or feature colour in their casual shirts. Ash grey streamlined suits were contrasted with simple black casual suits with buckle detail on the back of the pants legs and around the pockets, in fresh variations of the much beloved suit jacket and pants combination.

Tarocash presented designs with a military feel. Strong collars and pockets gave the shirts strength and character. Tarocash played with colour in teaming black and grey suits with purple shirts and added dimension to black and white designs with symmetrical stripes on their shirts and ties.

However, when speaking about colour in menswear, it is impossible to go past the impeccable designs of Dom Bagnato. The playful mixing of colours and fabrics to produce masculine, powerful pieces is something we have come to expect from Dom Bagnato. Highlights included; an incredible soft yellow vest accompanied by a pair of yellow and brown check pants, a dangerously deep v-cut linen shirt and a pea green sweater accompanied with a pair of grey and blue pants.

Witty words by Alex Schleibs

Happy snaps by Edy Lianto

Alpha60 opened with a dramatic piano instrumental, contributing to a dark, underground feel. Lines were kept long and simple as we would expect with the predominant use of navy and white. Navy silk was refreshed with light printed silk tees layered on top and black dresses were spliced with navy too. Alpha60’s take on the digital print was translated through a black, grey and white interlocking chain print utilised for both men and women. Face of the week Lucy McIntosh displayed the print in an attention grabbing floor length frock.

above. harked back to a time of innocence through paper garland like laser cut silks of white mixed back with vibrant tangerines and subdued greys. Asymmetrically draped boy cut jackets and tailored high waist drop crotch slacks were contrasted against flirty knotted draped dresses, crop tops and jumpsuits in brushed silk.

Limedrop opened with a quirky ensemble of black sheer leggings with polka dots and a matching cropped bustier. Colour palettes were kept to simple black and whites. Retro cut short sleeve shirts were displayed with black voluminous A line skirts. Digital prints featured for boys in the form of long blazers and for girls in silk tanks. Warm emeralds, blues and oranges added spice to the collection and contrast to the more subdued cloud print from their AW10 collection.

Tesla’s stand out garment to hit the runway was a simply elegant black pencil dress with a voluptuous one shoulder frill that ruffled its way under the right arm and up and around to its feature on the left. Black and White geometric prints featured on A line dresses which contrasted against black and white silk separates. Hints of sky blue on bustiers and high waisted shorts functioned to soften the geometric print and predominantly black and white palette.

Jack London’s opening look provided a fresh summer palette featuring a double buttoned, dusty pink blazer pared back with a pair of above the knee cut off chinos and a grey shirt; buttoned and fixed with an unobtrusive black bow tie. Lines were kept clean and minimal with a focus on fine detailing. Blazers in aubergine and blacks with glimmering gold played upon notions of the traditional black dress jacket. Burgundy pants were cuffed and mixed back with light blazers and white tees for a crisp summer look.

FAT’s collection boasted an array of differing styles representing the designers stocked yet managing to retain a very Melbourne feel. It was black on black to open with black cigarette leg pants and a black striped slightly sheer long sleeved tee. There were shirts dresses and high waisted shorts for girls and Lucy McIntosh’s attire suggested that harem pants are hanging around. There were grey on grey suits for boys, silver man bags and dip dye sleeved dress shirts.

Claude Maus Denim was true to its name with a focus on the full length and cut off jean. Forget double denim, indigo, vintage wash or distressed styles. Claude Maus presented clean, easy denim with a focus on finish. Mallory Jansen opened the collection in a pair of blackest black wax coated skinny jeans and a lightweight, long sleeved grey woollen knit. There were skinny cut off light grey wash shorts for girls and loose fitting styles for boys. Edges were kept raw and unhemmed and exposed stitching was paramount.

Trimapee’s focus was black on black and black on white, typifying Melbourne style but with a twist. Open weave garments were layered over simple black and white pieces, exemplifying skill and mastery without being brash. The fringed hems on entirely woven garments were playful while woven necklaces added a central focus to crisp white shirts and black leather shorts layered over leggings. The leather statement was furthered in leather spliced skinny pants pared back with grey and white printed tanks and loose fitting tees.

Carly Hunter’s collection featured loosely draped garments with a careful attention to knotting, twisting and draping. Oversized white polka dots leapt from fine sheer mesh. The same can be said for black. Basic boyfriend style tees and draped dresses featured intricate twisting at the seams adding a subtle and delicate finish.

Inventive images by Scott Gick
Wise words by Taylor Kelly

There are three major themes to keep in mind when updating your wardrobe for Spring Summer 10/11 according to Myer and ambassadors the stunning Jennifer Hawkins and a very charismatic Kris Smith;

MODERN MILITARY ie. Khaki jacket with brass buttons, gold button details, invest in a khaki item such as trousers or skirt to give that military feel

COLOUR BLOOM ie. Soft and flowing florals, short ultra-feminine dresses teamed with ankle height military boot, maxi dresses co-ordinated with the platform wedge for a cool, calm and collected summer look

SHIP SHAPE NEW NAUTICALS ie. red, white and blue and always in fashion, fitted body hugging horizontal striped mini dress matched with white canvas sneakers, a pair of Ray Bans, or the sought after new release retro clear or coloured frame sunglasses from the likes of Prada

Accessories are a highlight; wedges in a variety of colours are a must have, the clog heel is another essential for your wardrobe this season. Stunning gold bracelets, rings and necklaces are also on-trend. Heavy metal detail, studs and chains on shoes and bags are a tougher alternative.

Colour palettes to focus on are peaches, pinks and nudes. Layer them up, and co-ordinate these with khaki to bring in the soft touch. Anything that shimmers to catch that glint of sunshine.

For the guys’ Summer wardrobe add tailored shorts, utility pants, chinos, desert boots, boat shoes, checked and pastel cotton shirts. Accessories including aviator sunglasses, tote bags, and canvas slip-ons complete the picture.

Overall skin is in – let the new season begin!

Our gallery below features Cozi swimwear by Jennifer Hawkins, Wayne Cooper, Nina Maya, TL Wood, Leona Edmiston, Nicola Finetti, Cue, Karen Walker and Melbourne based Arabella Ramsay.

Wise words by Tina Muddle

Fab photos by Ashley McLaren