Bianca Spender and her mother Carla Zampatti opened David Jones‘ Autumn Winter parade for 2010; their first collections with the department store. Spender presented puffed shoulders in bronze silk, while Zampatti paired bold red and lush amethyst to striking effect. Both included welcome elements of, that often abused fabric, velvet.

Alannah Hill continued her embodiment of Minnie Mouse turned coquette in gold and pinks.

Bow and rosette details at the shoulder, neck and waist are Alex Perry’s signature this season.

Dark florals and sturdy wool jackets were on offer from Trelise Cooper.

Sabatini provided a lot of texture, in the form of crochet, tufts of feathers and merino wool.

Jewelled collars embellished patterned and block coloured gowns in black and cream from Thurley.

Heavy on leopard print and (faux) fur paired with bold red and hot pinks Simona’s collection made a striking impression. With the overtly ‘Beverly Hills in the 80’s’ overtones it was almost a surprise when the soundtrack didn’t turn to synthesizers and saxophones.

Calibre likes a check shirt and black skinny jean combo on guys this Winter.

Gorman injects elements of funk this season with polka dots and star motifs and black leather.

A unique marbled print frock in plum and yellow was the highlight of Lisa Ho’s showing.

A masculine attitude ruled for Anna Thomas with plenty of classic coats, pinstripes and houndstooth.

Fleur Wood presented plenty of seasonal black with mini-stripes and a little draping as features.

Zimmermann’s Drape String dress is a nouveau take on the little black dress. Their fractured crystal print is another stand out.

George Gross and Harry Who’s collaboration takes heed from Spanish influences for the upcoming season. The former tries the classic black lace and bolero look of a heroine from a Zorro novel, the latter leans more towards a very modern matador in leather.

Akira plays around with elements of shibori-style dying and presents tactile garments in peachy orange and luscious purples for his collection.

The collection from Ginger and Smart sounds aggressive – with lazer cuts that look like gills, acid yellow and electric blues – but is instead confident and modern.

Red is the eye-catching colour of choice for both men and women according to Arthur Galan AG.

Kirrily Johnston’s unisex range is all about natural hues, organic shapes and imagining the wearer is a little bit wild.

Soft tiers and mottled prints (actually clam print) emulate creatures from the sea in a completely unique way in pieces by Willow.

The most fitting garden party dress has been created by Easton Pearson this season. The wearer will feel like an assimilated part of their floral surroundings.

Colette Dinnigan’s collection takes on French undertones; must be all the time the designer spends there. Jealous.

And finally, Sass and Bide stick to their instantly recognisable signature looks with tough stud and beaded embellishments and harness style necklines.

Pretty prose by Sarah Willcocks

Inventive imagery by Chris Moore

The David Jones marquee was a hot spot for people and horse watching and I was thrilled to be their guest for the day, kept company by a trio of other fashion editors; Fashionising’s Tania Braukamper, Style Hunter’s Amanda Martin and The Vine’s Melanie Hick (plus a glass or two of delicious Veuve Clicquot). We spied Suzie Wilks in a sexy black Dolce and Gabbana, Miranda Kerr, Andrew Demteriou, Ricky Ponting, Livinia Nixon, Rick Molinsky, Anthony Capon, Alannah Hill, Sass and Bide’s Sarah Jane Clarke, Emma Freedman, Gracie Otto, Giaan Rooney and George Calombaris. The stand out was Megan Gale – thrilled about her win on Viewed – in racy red and a wide brimmed hat; very Rodeo Drive (as opposed to any old street) Pretty Woman.

Pretty prose by Sarah Willcocks

Happy snaps by Anthony Licuria APL Photography

My favourites included openers Thurley with their feminine deco-era designs, Trelise Cooper’s “I’m just going on a luxurious European holiday” style collection and the midnight hued, vase shaped gown by Harry Who & George Gross. Safari-luxe and explosions of rainbow colour were emerging themes across the divergent collections.

Another highlight was the genius Oz themed soundtrack. Songs from Hunters & Collectors, Men at Work, Kylie, AC/DC and a whole host of Australian musicians covering iconic Australian songs, gave a patriotic touch to David Jones’ ‘Great Southern Summer’ showcase. Summer can’t come quick enough.

Words – Sarah Willcocks

Photography – Anthony Licuria

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

Lisa Ho presented two gently ruffled, layered floor length gowns, one in ivory, but my favourite was in a deep red wine hue. If you happened to be walking the Oscar red carpet today, sporting one of these dresses wouldn’t go astray.

The sheer theme turned up again with Fleur Wood, Willow and Trelise Cooper all including filmy fabrics in their collections.

Don’t be afraid of colour for the winter season; Alannah Hill’s stand out outfit featured electric pink accents in a beret-style fascinator, pink bobby socks and oversized corsage. Thurley also used pink to great effect against a biker jacket with a very salable ruffled frock. George Gross featured vibrant green, purple and red with a metallic sheen while Willow threw in a pop of orange Fanta to warm up her collection.

Similarly don’t forget to bring the sunshine back with the springtime prints of Fleur Wood’s florals or Collette Dinnigan’s lilac butterflies. Who cares if it is raining outside?

Ladylike dressing is a standard and chic fallback for cooler weather. Check out the Anna Thomas collection of blouses and mildly retro print skirts. Or look to Trelise Cooper for navy and ivory blazers with frilled collars.

Guys could embrace subtle elements of tuxedo dressing that we ladies have appropriated from them in past seasons. Look for that familiar stripe detailing up the leg on slacks as per Calibre or even try a cummerbund instead of a belt as AG does. AG also makes the classic tux more casual by styling it sans jacket.

The crowd pleasing collection was from Sass and Bide with their intricate frocks, short at the front trailing at the back (that sounds like a description of a mullet haircut but trust me these gowns were far more sophisticated). Not sure about the styling though – I don’t know of many an occasion where I’d wear my goddess like $800 dress with street sneakers and grungy caps. My favourite collection was from Trelise Cooper. The designer has mastered the art of seductive dressing without being obvious in the slightest. Skirts had unique ruffled hemlines that floated as the wearers walk making sure you can’t but help watch them walk out of a room.

So, according to DJs, if your desire is to keep on trend this upcoming season add something a little sheer, a plethora of ruffled movement or add a block of bright colour to your winter wardrobe.

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Words – Sarah Willcocks

Photography – Patrik Nemes PNP Media