Thursday evening saw the amalgamation of fashion and writing with the launch of LIFEwithBIRD’s new flagship store ‘Project 7’ and the simultaneous launch of Mitchell Oakley Smith’s debut title ‘FASHION: Australian and New Zealand Designers’.

After having opened their first LIFEwithBIRD flagship store in Melbourne’s GPO earlier this year, designers Nicholas Van Messner and Bridget McCall decided to dip their toes into a location Van Messner describes as being in the midst of a “change over”. He lists FAT and Gorman as other retailers shaking up the Brunswick St fashion scene.

“We were looking into another location in the area and waited six months to see if anything else came up…I guess this was a, what do they call it? Diamond in the rough” he says of the 264 Brunswick St, Fitzroy location.

“I love the big factory windows and the light beams in from the street. We love the idea of punching a stairwell through it.” The current interior is crisp, every inch of ceiling, floor, wall painted in a clean white. It is hard to conjure up images of the previous interior Van Messner describes.

Van Messner and McCall’s achievement as designers is one of the many examples featured in Oakley Smith’s book which profiles 70 reputable designers from Australia and New Zealand. One of the most interesting revelations Oakley Smith says he made during production was the work ethic of the designers being profiled, “working in their own stores on weekends” and going that little bit further.

Mitchell Oakley Smith is already beginning work on another title, and while Van Messner and McCall’s lease is only for 7 months, Van Messner says “we’re 90% sure we’ll keep it.”

Wise words by Taylor Kelly

Images courtesy label

And they sent through all the photos just to tease us…

Images courtesy label

Designers wowing the crowds on the night included Collette Dinnigan, Sass and Bide, Life with Bird, Alice McCall, Camilla and Marc, Fleur Wood and Toni Maticevski. Check out our video and photos below for your first state of Autumn Winter 2010 inspiration from LMFF.

Words  by Bronwyn Miller
Pretty Pictures by Michael Todor
Video courtesy CT Academy Pictures

The collection celebrates silhouettes with voluminous mini dresses, slouch harem pants, jumpsuits and the casual mini-dress like the ‘Something Numb T-Dress’ which makes a statement in a bold orange. LIFEwithBIRD source clever prints and repeat them across multiple garments. You might love the fabric of the black ‘Shadowfax Dress’ decorated with a pink and purple floral design, but it’s your choice if you’d rather take it in the ‘Even Three Top’ or ‘Stingray Jacket’.

Neutral, nudes, mocha, latte and soft shades of grey feature prominently in the collection. Teamed with white, there are beautiful separates in the form of soft fabric shorts, voluminous mini skirts and this season’s vest. Vests are cropped and also transformed into dresses for relaxed glamour. Blazers in black and white are teamed with two-toned mini dresses and sophisticated spring patterned skirts. LIFEwithBIRD are conscious with working pieces together; such as tucking ‘A Child Wakens’ sweetheart fitted top into the high-waisted ‘Why Not Smile Skirt.’ The skirt uses fabric from the top into clever layering and wrap style techniques.

When resort wear was finally accepted as fashion I celebrated as the strictly-for-the-beach bikini now had a fashion counterpart; the kaftan. LIFEwithBIRD’s ‘Whiplash Sundress’ is sheer spring romance meets kaftan by the pool in a soft, white and relaxed fit. Other playful summer pieces are the three series of mini dress, jumpsuit and voluminous halter dress in a dark teal with orange flower patterns.

When accessorised cleverly, the entire collection could dress you from day to night but for those of you looking for a more staple evening piece, LIFEwithBIRD have worked with a dark teal and black pattern for a satin sweetheart mini dress, harem pants and over-laid sheer fabrics in a shirt dress. The high quality and polished fabrics in these pieces result in comfortable yet stylish evening glamour.

LIFEwithBIRD’s Spring/Summer collection was refreshing, demonstrating clever artistic concepts visible in the garments. There were many timeless pieces, interesting patterns and exclusive elements throughout the collection.

Take a look at our favourite selected pieces and leave your impressions of the collection in the comments section below.

Words by Angela Fedele
Images courtesy label

The ever feminine and quirky Dhini opened the runway show, featuring a distinct military feel with models saluting the pack of photographers at the end of the runway.  The colour palette was fresh and wearable, featuring navy blues and electric lime greens.  Pieces were all about the detail, with brass buttons, ruffles, sequins and plenty of draped and folded fabrics.

Life with Bird played up the flirty jumpsuit in their latest collection, presenting the on trend silhouette in both long and short styles, in bold geometric prints.  Bright colours and eye-catching patterns featured upon a variety of simple shapes, including t-shirt shifts, draped tanks and silk shorts.  Life with Bird’s current collection is in my opinion their most wearable and funky to date, so if you haven’t got into the label, now would be the perfect opportunity to get your hands on a few pieces.

I’ll admit that I’ve been an avid Gorman fan for years – however I promise I am not being biased when I say that this is possibly the locally grown label’s most gorgeous collection to date.  In summary, the theme of this range is colour, colour and maybe just a little more colour.  Tops were tiered, dresses were draped and shorts were voluminous.  Skirts were feminine and the palette was very bold, featuring mustard yellow, lime green, multi-tonal prints and less black than what we normally see from Lisa Gorman’s creations.  My personal favourite piece was a simple draped knee length dress in lime, featuring a delightful sequinned sash…so easy, so perfect.

Have you ever been to a runway show and instantly wanted to run out and purchase the entire collection?  Well, if not, I challenge you to check out Ginger & Smart’s latest creations.  If you’re a fan of monochromatic prints, bold electro colour palettes and shapes to flatter all body types, then you will simply fall in love with Ginger & Smart’s line of feminine yet oh so modern pieces this summer.  Shapes included maxi dresses and skirts, delicate blouses and fashion forward jumpsuits.  If you’re after the perfect piece to wear to a glam cocktail party, or even just an afternoon barbecue, Ginger & Smart’s line of bold edgy pieces will have you all set.

Nicola Finetti bought an entire new level of class to the runway this season.  Designs were simple yet bold for evening, cocktail and race wear, in a simple colour range of black, gold and nude.  His eye for detail is truly second to none, utilising textured fabrics and the flattering way in which he drapes and folds the material to create an ultra feminine silhouette is breathtaking.

Kirrily Johnson finished the show with a bang presenting her slightly off beat designs for both guys and girls.  The designer selected a basic colour theme of nudes and blacks, and featured plenty of sheer fabrics and a myriad of draped designs, which we love – because they hide your flaws and emphasise your features.  Silhouettes were simple, with maxi dresses, leggings and relaxed tees playing an integral part in the collection.  Leather and zippered details livened things up a little in what was a very nomadic themed range.

Designer Series 2 was so varied in styles, that it is difficult to pinpoint very strong trends and absolute must haves this season.  However, if I took away anything it would be that the maxi dress is still reigning supreme in the frock stakes, and bold colour and pattern is essential.  For those who prefer to keep it simple, you’ll find plenty of options in black and nude tones.  All in all, the collections on show Wednesday evening were very wearable, very summery and VERY beautiful.

Witty words by Bronwyn Miller

Fine photography by Michael Todor Photography

Miranda Kerr will be instore at David Jones Bourke Street on Friday the 14th August for two styling sessions, Q and A and signings. The sessions start at 12pm and 1pm. Stop by the womenswear department on your lunchbreak!

Have you been checking out much of the State of Design festival yet? It includes quirky things like an oversized Luke Feldman (aka Skaffs) figurine named Maisha perching outside the Royal Exhibition Building and a whole host of fashion related events.

Time to stock up on things to rug up in. Country Road has 25% off guys and dolls knitwear until Sunday the 26th July.

G-Star’s latest collection has just arrived in their Melbourne Central store. Check out a few of the designs form their new ‘New York Raw’ collection from New York Fashion Week at below.

More announcements have come through for September’s Fashion + Aid event (which has secured a major sponsor in i-select). The “four seasons in one day” themed fashion parades will also feature Bleecker St, Mesop and Ed Hardy. While Grant Smilie and a surprise headline act are also booked. A new competition of a grand pampering prize includes a Jason Grech gown and styling, shoes from Tony Bianco, dinner for two at the Press Club and makeover by Modele – heaven. You can purchase your tickets here.

If you purchased Australian Vogue this month you may have spotted French celebrity style snapper Garance Dore put together a couple of pages of inspirations – including Melbourne label Arnsdorf by Jade Sarita Arnott.

Now in it’s third year 30 days of Fashion and Beauty will return in September – we’ll have details of the best events and happenings here closer to the date.

Local model Holly Stewart sports these cute, girly gingham bloomers (below) for Antz Pantz new summer range.

The Australian Government has just announced a new round of grants under its Textile, Clothing and Footwear Small Business scheme. Sixty eight compnies are sharing in $2.6 million including locals Yeojin Bae, Stephanie Downey, Cable Melbourne, Since Grey and Life With Bird. So congrats to all on your new innovations!

ASAP skincare has released a new travel pack including six of their treatments including cleanser, exfoliator, moisturiser, clearskin gel, soothing gel and face cloth. I haven’t tested them out yet but looking into it the company takes a simple, scientific approch to skincare I like and the all white packaging is serenely elegant.

Miss Lyndel Yeo (MLY) Black label has 30% off online now.

Joolz, designed by Airdrie Makim has been named among the top 100 independant designer labels in the WORLD by the Nolcha Fashion Business Network.

Everyone loves to dress up, dance and eat (unless you are some kind of crazy peson) and if it’s all in aid of good cause then all the better. A member of StyleMelbourne’s precious journalism team is involved in running a fundraising ball on the 31st July for the Children First Foundation. If you’d like to get a bunch of friends together and have a big night out you can find further details here.

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Words – Sarah Willcocks

The theme was ‘Winter Wonderland’ and specially designed pieces were on offer from the likes of Life with Bird, Peter Jago, Sass & Bide (tutu!), Willow (a child’s feathered smock), Alice McCall, Cohen et Sabine, Gwendolynne, Jodhi Meares, Jessie Hill, Sarah Schofield, Megan Park, Nikki Stevens and Richard Nylon (potentially my fave with a coral inspired head piece). Even some of Eric Bana’s recent fashion memorabilia, from films Star Trek and Love the Beast, were on offer.

Words – Sarah Willcocks

Images courtesy Eat Street

Fat is having a sale with some fab designer names involved. It’s cash only from Thursday 7th to Sunday 17th May at 210 Brunswick Street.

Boche, a new range of graphic t-shirts, has launched for A/W 09. Model Rhys Ulrich is part of the collaborative creative team.

Lindsay Lohan had been spotted wearing Life with Bird’s ‘Played Your Lover’ dress on the Ellen show and we hear Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway have also recently bought pieces from the local label.

The two best street fashion photographers in the world have been in Melbourne (and Sydney) for RAFW. The Sartorialist Scott Schuman and Garance Dore have been spotted around town taking snaps of our nations most stylish. Garance even captured Luci Anne Tonti from Willow who we spotted months back. Nice to know we’ve got the same taste as one of our faves.

Wittner Shoes in conjunction with the Salvation Army is having a Winter Boot Appeal. Trade in any wearable pair of boots in May and you get $20 off a brand new pair. All proceeds will go to the Salvo’s.

The 51st Logie Awards are on this Sunday at 7.30pm and you know we are only going to watch to see what everyone is wearing. We will bring you full red carpet coverage early next week.

Bloom is again running their You Choose Nail colour competition. Simply vote here for your favourite new colour and it could be named after you! There are nine shades to choose from and you can vote as many times as you like – I think I like the Neon Purple the best but I can’t decide.

All footwear from Fiebiger’s tastily named Summer 09 range are now 30% off. I’ll take one pair of Blueberry or Vanilla Sundae shoes please!

Joolz is offering free giftwrapping and free postage on any Mother’s Day orders. Simply email info@joolz.com.au for an updated invoice on any piece you want to  snare for your lucky mum.

Gorgeous Cosmetics has launched a new mascara called Formula Five. Until the end of May (or until stocks run out) you can purchase a Formula Five mascara in Onyx Black and eye pencil in London for a reduced price of $45.

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Images courtesy APL Photography and respective labels.

Group Show number 2 was a feast for the eyes with an eclectic mix of designs from Life With Bird, Vintage Soul by Emily Highfield, Dizingof and State of Georgia.

Bridget McCall managed to pull together one of Life With Bird’s most desirable collections yet, encompassing delicate femininity mixed with funky geometric patterns and structured tailoring.  Standout pieces were the blush toned silk anoraks teamed with blouson shorts.  Layering was a key feature of Life With Birds latest range, with lightweight vests and shirts featuring in most outfits ensuring each look was pulled together perfectly.

Style Melbourne favourite Emily Highfield’s line Vintage Soul was up next, with plenty of vintage pieces reworked parading down the runway in Emily’s signature style.  On show was plenty of lace, frocks with cutout and military detailing in the form of a bright red shift with brass button detailing and plenty of volume and sequins…what more could you ask for?

Dizingof never fails to impress, and with their collection of stunning gothic Victoriana themed pieces, I was blown away yet again.  Statement pieces included stunning metallic ruffle trim jackets, brocade coats and vests, and skirts teaming with volume and plenty of ‘pouf’.  Upon examining the collection up close in the marketplace after the show, I promptly purchased the entire collection…in my imagination for now at least.

State of Georgia provided stark contrast to the primarily black and white collections, injecting several pops of colour and plenty of fun to the show.  Bold patterns included an adorable carnival ‘Where’s Wally’ style print upon an even cuter ruffled mini dress.  Plenty of bows adorned sweet tuxedo style tank tops, along with a contrasting blue and purple geometric prints featuring in the latter half of their parade.

Judging by the designs in Group Show number 2, Spring Summer 2009 is destined to be filled with feminine yet sexy pieces in a variety of colours and shapes…pretty much anything goes!

Words – Bronwyn Miller

Photography – Michael Todor Todor Photography

Here is where we really get down to business. The official runway parades are the hottest ticket for many in LMFF town (a sell out as per usual in fact). It’s still the start of the week and there is a buzz in the air. The audience is fresh and champagne fatigue has not yet set in. This time around Runway 1 sees the likes of J’Aton, Josh Goot, Life With Bird (or LIFEwithBIRD; whatever “floats your boat”), Sass and Bide, Ksubi, Kirrily Johnston, Romance Was Born, Karen Walker and Tina Kalivas all strutting their collective stuff. That’s some heavy hitting names in Australian fashion right there and a few that are making not-unsubstantial waves on the international stage too.

The Fashion Festival’s ambassador April Rose Pengilly takes a model turn in front of Doutzen Kroes (I know it’s in her job description but she is so freaking gorgeous), Alex’s Perry and Dimitriades, Danni Minogue and Miss Jay Alexander. Wonder what he though of the show? More importantly, what did you think?

Photography – Anthony Licuria APL Photography