The line featured charming designs that ranged from cute and flirtatious ultra feminine floral prints to the little more risqué French inspired range. Then there were captivating Australiana pieces; with vibrant colours and prints paying homage to Aussie landscapes and Aboriginal art and even pieces reflecting nostalgic childhood memories of Vegemite and, fittingly, Bananas in Pyjamas.

Peter Alexander also featured fun pieces for the boys. Brightly coloured shorts with aviator sunglasses print were a nod to Australian beach culture. Pieces featured the trademark relaxed, tongue-in-cheek styling that has become synonymous with Peter Alexander. A tapered short-sleeve nightshirt was of particular interest and we like the playful mix of colour and contrasting fabrics across the collection.

Wise words by Alexandra Schleibs

Happy snaps by Amanda Phoon

Gary Bigeni’s spring collection was remarkable due his combination of smart fabric, colour choices and straight-forward design. The minimalist aesthetic shows up the small details to each garment, with slightly twisted draping and a mish-mash of fabric pairings.

Dhini in contrast has chosen to use a richer palette of colours. The predominant colours in her designs were marble white, turquoise and inks. There were beautiful sheer blouses, geometric harem pants and dresses with visible zips.

Alistair Trung bought the edgier of the feminine looks to Spring. His designs were architecturally constructed with layers of drapery on floaty sheer fabrics. The embellished and overstated accessories pushed each outfit to a richer plane.

Kuwaii presented us with a strong look for this season. There were cropped blazers, cut out sleeved shirts and pastel playsuits to delight those who dare to wear.

Flannel showed us that leather can be lightened up for the warmer seasons. Here we find relaxed mustard leather tops and a layered leather dress accompanied by a suede Wild West style jacket.

MATERIALBYPRODUCT celebrated the feminine form in their earthy way. We have silky blouses and jackets, long dresses with cut out neck pieces and draped tops. Contrasting this softness, is the presentation of an innovative leather jacket and trench.

Lui Hon supported by Assin reminded us that winter colours can be cool this Spring. Murky shades and flowing fabrics ruled collection. We love the hint of sequins, the leather vests and also a beautiful furry cape.

Alice Euphemia is the ultimate destination in which to check out a fashion goldmine. We were presented with designs from Michael Lo Sordo, Ellery, Tina Kalivas and Romance Was Born; each pushing boundaries of fashion. First a beautiful swaying floral skirt, next an asymmetric, geometric print dress with ruffles, then an eye-catching, spacey-neon print teamed up with thigh high boots. A smorgasbord of sartorial delights.

Therese Rawsthorne ended the show with soft tailoring and more leather. There were loose-fitted blazers, cut-outs shoulders collared shirts, folded skirts and sheer dresses. Also a one shouldered, ruby red dress gave a simply sexy feel to the season.

Pretty prose by Mary Mai
Happy snaps by Edy Lianto

Anyway, the show last night was a good refresher of the bright young design talents we have. Lots of sheer, nothing too voluminous or tailored, shirts are back it seems. The discolicious blouse I wore is also sheer and shimmers gold and purple – bit hard to see in the photos but the uber-stylish Alicia says I look like Violet Crumble in it which I choose to take as a compliment. Because nothing can be bad about chocolate.

Top: Alexi Freeman
Ring: Joolz – it’s resin with real rose petals inlaid in it
Earrings: Did not realise when I got them but totally rip-off Chanel (faux) gold roses

Watch out for Gracie Otto sporting the look on the laws this Spring Racing Carnival. Also keep an eye out for Limedrop as they will now feature in Marie Claire AND LMFF 2011!

Labels invited down under included Little Marcel, Akelakey, Cannisse, Charlie Joe, One Step, Eroik, Feiyue and jewellery by Nature and Taratata Bijoux, Redline and Skalli Pris.

Little Marcel’s name apparently came from their original tanktop design or “marcel”. I however thought their obsession with fun stripes was an ode to French mime Marcel Marceau.

The juicy colours presented by One Step had me yearning for a summer in Europe riding my vintage bicycle and hunting for baguettes. While Teachheart’s witty tees presented pop-culture references with a twist.

Happy snaps by Ker Fern Tan

Afterglow Jewellery by Charms Baltis & Ben Neich gently clinking along the catwalk after winning the accesssories Debut category. Their extravagant yet simple designs were praised for their imagination and “well chosen materials”. Other finalists included Kyoko, Misstoldi, Saralli and State of Nature presenting handbags, jewellery and scarves.

Take a look at the Debut runway show gallery and let me know in the comments below if you concur with the winner or if you’d love to see another of these labels in future…

Apparel finalists at Debut @ Fashion Exposed

Accessories finalists at Debut @ Fashion Exposed

Inventive imagery by Ker Fern Tan

Made in Melbourne will be held at the very grand The Trust at 405-411 Flinders Lane, Melbourne this Saturday 4th September from 7pm. Tickets are just $20 (all proceeds will go to support the McGrath Foundation) and you can click here to book now…

…or you can take your chances to win a double pass to attend!

1. Simply subscribe to our newsletter ‘StyleSnap’ to the right or on our homepage if you aren’t already signed up (we check this).
2. Email win@stylemelbourne.com with the subject line “homemade”. Remember to use the email you subscribed with and include your full name, mobile number and the name of the friend you want to take along.
3. Wait to see if you have won this gorgeous prize! The winners will be drawn randomly, contacted and announced on Friday 3rd September.

Dress: Bettina Liano

Brooch: Eva Q worn as belt buckle – made from couture fabric remnants from Paris!

Nails: Pixie Dust (limited edition) by Kit

Shoes: Toooootally my sister’s and I really should give them back…

Her signature unusual shapes (high waists, extended shoulder-lines, cropped tops and dramatic trains) return along with a hint of animal print, even more tribal print and fringing. A pop of lemon sorbet, fairy floss pink, tiered frills and oversized bows at the bodice ensured an element of girlish fun. While feathered, exotic floral and chain details added a balanced edge to the styling of the collections. A slash of bright pink across the models eyes re-enforced the “wild things” notion.

Leave a comment below and let me know if MLY’s latest makes you want to pack up and head off on safari this instant…

Fab photos by Edy Lianto