Cooking In Choos: L'OREAL MELBOURNE FASHION FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

L'OREAL MELBOURNE FASHION FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS - Western Suburbs Weekly Article

FULL ARTICLE TAKEN FROM WESTERN SUBURBS WEEKLY

STYLISTAS descended on to the streets of Melbourne as it turned into a fashion hub of editors, bloggers, fashionistas and style-queens all in the name of L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2012.

I was lucky enough to attend a few shows catch up with Perth designers displaying their latest collections and attend a couple of VIP events - here are some of my highlights:

The Wearer's Right Showroom Collective:

In collaboration with LMFF The Wearer's Right Showroom Collective was a presentation of spring/summer 2012/2013 collections by emerging Australian and international brands, included in them were Perth labels ZSADAR ok, On Tour, Empire Rose and Daniella Caputi.

On show was ZSADAR's preview collection Mysteries of the Organism inspired by the connection between mankind and nature.

His garments made of silk, bamboo, linen and cotton lined the racks of what looks like another stand-out collection by the emerging designer.

The edgy pop-up space designed to showcase and celebrate the talent and range of ready-to-wear fashion available in Australia was previously held in Sydney but if the success of the Melbourne launch is anything to go by, who knows, Perth may just be next.

L'OREAL Paris Runway 05 Presented by Cosmopolitan Magazine:

Choreographed by Styleaid creative director Aly May this colourful runway show featured Perth designer Alison Cotton of Joveeba, Rodeo Show, Shona Joy, Talulah, Wayne Cooper and White Suede.

Joveeba's latest collection was very much American Indian influenced featuring leather, knits, velour and feathered accessories, while Rodeo Show went down the girlie track with lace and florals.

Shona Joy had an Australiana flavour about it while Brisbane label Tallulah walked the runway in colour-block patchwork pieces and flowing skirts and dresses.

Wayne Cooper went the mod look with plenty of red, white and black and hometown favourite White Suede rocked the runway in whites, citrus, caps and sunnies.

Spotted: Ricki-Lee in a vintage Chanel jumpsuit and former Madison editor Paula Joye in a pink and cream skirt and blouse combo with YSL boots.

Perry and Perry at The Waiting Room Crown Towers:

Fashion and food intertwined at the Perry and Perry High Tea as the Crown Towers Lobby restaurant The Waiting Room was transformed into a stunning garden party.

In a city known for its culture, food and couture, designer Alex Perry showed off his 2012/2013 Spring Summer collection at the invitation only event - featuring an array of gowns typical of the Alex Perry brand and highlighting three major trends for the warmer months - flow, structural and sheer.

Neil Perry created high tea fit for a queen including finger sandwiches, scones and petite fours while fashionistas sipped on Mumm Champagne.

Spotted: Natalie Bassingthwaighte, former Madison editor Paula Joye, Jesinta Campbell and Lillian Frank.

GP@23

The Official 2012 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Party at the Crown Towers was abuzz with Melbourne's elite.

Although not part of the LMFF program, guests kept the fashionable theme going at the one of the hottest parties of the year.

Spotted: Shane Warne sans Liz Hurley, Ricki-Lee Coulter, Anthony Callea and partner Tim Campbell, Wolfmother, Jesinta Campbell, Harry Kewell, Mark Scaife, Derryn Hinch and Tanya Zaetta.

Note: Other Perth designers to show at this year's LMFF included Aurelio Costarella showing off his Winter 2012 Collection Obscura, Ellery, Flannel and Morrison.

Big thanks to Steph Audino and Dianna Monastra for allowing me to wear their beautiful pieces during this event-filled week.