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

Entries from around the nation are recreated live for the judges; L’Oréal International Professional Development Director Michel Claire, Marie Claire magazine Editor Jackie Frank, international hair stylist Laurent Decreton, international colourist Jo Hansford, L’Oréal Paris Make Up Director Rae Morris, photographer Jason Capobianco and beauty commentator Dhav Naidu.

The winners;

The Colour Trophy Award
Mariam Enegd and Frank Apostoplopoulos
BIBA in Fitzroy Victoria

Men’s Colour Award
Frank Apostoplopoulos
BIBA in Fitzroy Victoria

Next Generation Award
Avril Stevens
Cataldo’s Salon in Woden ACT

The ceremony included an inspiring live styling showcase from French haute couture hair stylist Laurent Decreton who has worked on the runway looks for uber-labels like Chanel, Yves Saint-Laurent, Jean-Paul Gaultier.

The Fashioning Melbourne discussion took place at the State Library of Victoria with a panel of five fashion experts: Janice Breen-Burns (Fashion Editor for The Age), Debra Mar (Designer of blacklisted at the Fashion Workroom), Bec Cole (stylist for Madame Virtue) and Sener Besim (General Manager from Scanlan and Theodore). The discussion was led by Robert Buckingham (Founding Creative Director of Melbourne Fashion Festival) and run in conjunction with the State Library’s til you drop: shopping – a Melbourne history exhibition and L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Favourite places to shop and earliest shopping memories were just a hint of the topics discussed. The panel talked about what makes Melbourne unique as a shopping destination as well as the progression of retail. “The progress of retail is due to boredom” thinks Burns. The panel agreed that the future of Melbourne retail looks bright due to the changes that retailers are implementing to cater for their customer’s changing needs. Melbourne CBD department stores (David Jones and Myer) are evolving to customer demands through their re-development and presentation of a “house of brands” under one roof.

Growth of the internet and online purchasing is a trend that retailers cannot ignore. “Retail 101 says you must have an online presence” said Burns. Another trend that is becoming more prevalent in retail is “Hyerlocalism”, which refers to retailers making a connection with their community. This connection can be made by providing a service that benefits the community or by bringing people together e.g. having a coffee shop for people to gather in. Hyerlocalism will be one of the reasons we will continue to need actual shops, despite the growth of online retail. “Retail is not just about buying anymore, it is about the experience that comes from styling, food and entertainment” explains Burns. Shopping is a form of entertainment and will continue to play an important part in our community and daily lives.

The SLV’s ’til you drop exhibition continues until October with a series of events throughout the year. To see what’s coming up next visit them here.

Wise words by Courtney Symes
Image Spring and Summer Catalogue, No.78, Foy and Gibson, Collingwood, 1928

Inventive imagery by Carlie Devine

The fashion at the polo is vastly different to your traditional Spring Racing garb. Take your Oaks day outfit and inject a good dose of country meets yacht club aesthetic or the poshest beach party outfit you’re ever likely to wear and that’s more on the money. A hat is certainly not required – unless it’s the wide brimmed variety to keep the freckles at bay – though a floral hairpiece or headband is often a nice touch. This year they are introducing a best dressed male and female comp so press your linens and put some effort in. Take a leaf from the books of ambassadors Lauren Phillips and Rhys Ulrich – that’s them up there with one of the equine stars of the show.

PS I usually stay away from mentioning sponsors but at the polo launch recently they introduced a drink called Lady Luck (by Cruiser) and I fast warmed up to the concept. Finally a girly pre-mix with soda water instead of too much cloying, sugary lemonade! They were actually refreshing – great for summer so if you like your drink more on the savoury side might be worth a sip.

First runner up was Teresa Love in an outfit of her own creation. Inspired by the abstract folds of a dog-eared racing form guide, Teresa created her own dress and hat. The second runner up was Lana Scoville wearing a Grace Lee ensemble.

The daily finalists

The entrants

Fashion in the Emirates Marquee

Fab Fashions on the Field photos by Christos Pavlidis

Wise words by Sarah Willcocks

Emirates images courtesy Gina Milicia

Commentator Jeff Banks said vintage prints, simplicity of design, and “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” dresses were the key trends this year. The field was dominated by ladylike touches, with predominantly structured dresses, touches of lace and pearls, and gloves making an appearance in spite of the hot weather.

1950s silhouettes were combined with 1920s glamour, creating a curious mixture of eras, and towering heels were a must. The attention to detail in every aspect of dress was remarkable, with most outfits carefully crafted and accessorised to achieve the classic, restrained races look.

This year’s winner was Deborah Hunter who, in Dolce & Gabbana, impressed the judges in a 1950s black and white polka dot skirt, beaded singlet, and sequinned beret which created a sophisticated and classic ensemble.

The judges showed their appreciation of diversity by awarding the prize of first runner-up to Rosa Wax , who wore a maxi-dress in bold zebra print with ostrich-feather trim, feathered hat, and the attitude needed to successfully pull of such an ensemble.

Second runner-up Jamie Lowe stuck with the ladylike trend in a scalloped Nicola Finetti dress matched with a black belt, bold strappy heels and a black and white “hatinator”.

Competition was stiff, with hundreds of women tempted by prizes valued at around $400,000. But it’s not over yet. The competition for the Myer Fashions on the Field 2009 continues, with the finals taking place on Crown Oaks Day, in what is sure to be a spectacular display of Melbourne fashion.

Take a peek below inside the lush, Indian-inspired Emirates marquee; another of the most fashionable hotspots at Flemington on Derby Day and other fashion around the racetrack.

Pretty picture above by Anthony Licuria

Wise words by Stephanie Anderson
Emirates images above courtesy Gina Milicia

I have not personally managed to squeeze in time to visit Designers’ House yet. A relatively recent addition to Melbourne’s boutique retail scene, if their bathrooms look as opulent as they are pictured below what must the rest of the shopping experience be like? At the moment Designers’ House is running – what else – but a fantastic Spring Racing competition. The prize is the “Ultimate Girls Day Out at Oaks Day”. The winner and three friends will be treated to Endota Day Spa and Botanica Hair treatments, $1000 for a new outfit for the winner with help from a stylist, a limousine ride to the track and passes into the Inner Circle at Flemington. To enter you must make a purchase of at least $50 at Designers’ House before 29th October and fill in the entry form.

Has anyone visited the new DFO at South Wharf yet? It has only opened just last week at 20 Convention Center Place next to the Melbourne Convention Center. If you have, what do you think it’s like compared to the other DFO centers?

Homeware obsessives rejoice. Australian designer label Mozi has flung open the doors on their first flagship boutique in Melbourne at 769 Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn.

Cult/Celebrity (oxymoron?) denim label Pepe Jeans is set to open their fourth boutique in Victoria at Chadstone on 14th November. There’s a sneak peek of the space’s design below that includes statement gates at the entrance and black chandeliers.

Lipstick Queen Poppy King will be in Kit stores later this month for a bit of fun “lip reading”. Meet her and have you lips read at Kit counters in Myer Melbourne from 1-3 pm and Myer Chadstone from 6-8pm on Thursday October 29th and again at Myer Melbourne from 1-3pm and 5-7pm on Friday October 30th.

It’s events season so you may want to add a new gown or two to your repertoire. Leiela are currently holding a drastically reduced (up to 75% off) sample sale that might be worth a look in if you have a big event on your calendar.

Up and coming Victorian designers who would like a boost to their career should really consider entering the LiveStyle Design Search by V-Raw (first they gave us the joy that is sugarfree V and now this!) The winner will be able to showcase their collection at next year’s second LiveStyle Fashion and Music festival, $8000 to put it together and mentoring from designer Bowie Wong (pictured below). You have to get your entries in before November hits.

Newly opened is Bella Moon – a jewellery destination at Shop 2, 341 Sydney Road Brunswick. Bella Moon’s own label in on offer alongside the work of other Australian jewellers. Find gold and sterling silver pieces studded with semi-precious stones and pearls or have something created especially for you.

Young skincare label Coast to Coast has a mantra of combining knowledge of Australian native botanicals with modern science to create affordable skincare and beauty products that actually work. They have also just opened their first flagship boutique in Melbourne Central.

Yay! Country Road is offering 40% off selected dresses until November 1st.

To look and feel fantastic while clothed you either need some very sexy, frothy underwear or some fab structural, supportive undergarments. After recently emerging from a season of winter roasts and hibernating on the couch there is probably a greater need for the latter as we are in the midst of a wave of the Spring Racing Carnival’s flirty frocks. Holeproof is sending their experts into Myer Melbourne’s fashion and underwear department to offer fitting and advice on what styles are on offer and what shape works best under which dresses. The complimentary VIP Shapewear fitting experience will be on tomorrow until Friday from 12pm until 2pm.

The Chambord Shine Awards Ceremony is being held tonight! Fingers crossed for our favourite Melbourne designers who are among the ten finalists; Ben Smith from Anon.Women, Dhini Pararajasingham of Dhini Couture, Sonya Kraan and Michelle Czech. Lisa Timos now of Sydney’s Moss and Spy also began her fashion life here. Each designer has had $1000 to create a gown inspired by a Chambord cocktail either the Cham Cham, French Martini, Chambord No.5 or the Chambord Fruit Cup. Delish!

From the looks of the fashion parades on offer on the day Myer is betting on bold, bright, bursting colour this Spring racing season. I’d put money on that.

Inventive images above by Patrik Nemes Fashion Village

Happy snaps above by Anthony Licuria APL

Guests above in the exclusive Emirates Mounting Yard Suite coutesy SDP Photo.

Pretty Prose by Sarah Willcocks

Many Australian designers of note were represented throughout the show, with Karen Walker’s bright coloured mini dresses making quite a splash, as did Camilla and Marc’s classic cream frocks with rich embellishments in the form of zippers and ruffles. Arabella Ramsay did girly chic in a way that only she can, with plenty of ditzy florals and earth toned details, whereas Manning Cartell went for maximum impact with plenty of layers and patchwork fabrics. Jen Hawkins very own swimwear label Cozi was on show which featured a variety of bright floral prints and strong colour blocking in a myriad of styles to suit women of almost any body shape.

Aurelio Costarella’s beautiful collection was definitely a personal highlight, with orange waterfall ruffles, rich beading and dresses simply oozing femininity on display.  Nylon Flocks (diffusion line by the man himself, Nicola Finetti) showed the less is certainly more with his striking range of subtle cocktail frocks in rich golds’ and blacks, it was clear that Finetti was more about the simple details such as draping and quality fabrics when it came to piecing together his Spring collection. Bettina Liano took the opposite direction this season, ensuring that not a sequin was left unsewn on both bottoms and tops, whereas Carla Zampatti went for dramatic evening glamour with her signature taffeta designs in bold blues, baby pinks and classic blacks.

For the boys you may ask?  Well, denim cut of shorts and bleached out jeans are certainly on trend this season as paraded by Country Road, Saxony and Wayne Cooper Men. Politix kept the leather jacket trend happening for the guys, with an icey hued biker jacket a particular favourite of mine.  Boardies from Surf Rider featured bold prints and heavy checks, which adorned the bodies of several lovely looking male models. Flinders Lane proved that checks and tartans never go out of style, displaying several shirts of this nature, teamed with funky print tees and casual shorts and jeans.

The key trends of the season? For the girls it is maxi dresses, bold prints and bright colours, cut off denim shorts and heeled, chunky sandals.  Boys should invest in a pair of bleached denim shorts, flat white sneakers and some quirky print tees…also some hot board shorts never go astray.

Wise words  by Bronwyn Miller

Perfect photography by Michael Todor Photography