MBFFS: Fashion Bloggers on Style

 

 

Pictures belong to Primped and Primed 

Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney included big successful names into their runway shows making more room for independent bloggers in the fashion industry. Not only does this give us something to look up to but also reinforces how bloggers are now taken more seriously (remember THIS article that caused a massive stir in the blogosphere?). That's gotta be good news for the rest of us small scale 'citizen journalists'.

Last year saw five local bloggers making their runway debut as part of Market HQ's spectacle 'Salute the Sun.' This year they upped the ante; an entire show revolved around five of Australia's most recognizable blogger names. They were Margaret Zhang from Shine By Three, Kate Waterhouse from KateWaterhouse.com, Amanda Shadforth from Oracle Fox, Sara Donaldson from Harper & Harley and Zanita Whittington from Zanita. Not to mention they have a reality TV show on The Style Channel called Fashion Bloggers. *cue the envy*

Marvic and I attended MBFFS with a stylish little lanyard hooked around our necks. Although a media pass is not a glittering and exciting piece of plastic that it was two years ago, I still appreciate taking a seat once again in the media riser. While the guests were sitting on comfy chairs, we were fighting for the best spots on the oh-so-coveted stairs. Working as media also gave us incredible insight to the blood and sweat that goes into producing a fifteen minute runway show. A behind-the-scenes post will be uploaded later during the week.

From Camilla and Marc, to Alice McCall and Michel Lo Sordo, the clothes were a beautiful reminder of the Australian design talent as well as the styling flair of the said bloggers. Although these pieces have already been unveiled at Australian Fashion Week earlier in the year, this was the perfect opportunity for the layperson, like you and I, to cast your sights upon exquisite fashion items. These are some of our favourite picks of the night.

By Sharon Jiang & Marvic Casingal

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BAMBI

Givenchy's last F/W 2013/14 collection seemed to have inspired the Australian label, Cameo. First shown off the runway in Paris, I predicted the Bambi printed jumper (shown above) would be a street style fav and future victim to cheaper high street dupes. Indeed it has been seen on Anna Della Russo, Lily Collins, Amanda Seyfried and Carine Roitfeld, all falling for this Bambi craze.

I have a lot of respect for the local brand Cameo. Their keen eye for original prints and shapes has always surprised yet impressed me from one collection to the next. Props to them again for taking on board this adorable Disney reference and putting their own spin on it (pictures below). Cue the hottest animal print ... the doe (shop HERE).

Picture Source: 

http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/

http://www.vogue.com/

http://cameothelabel.com.au

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White is the hottest (anti) colour

Previously known to be dangerous around spaghetti or unflattering to the body, white was indeed dominating New York Fashion Week. As a child, I was taught that white was not even a colour, but the absence of it. 

In living up to the tacky fashion jargon of 'Hottest colour of the season', come next spring, trends will highlight a rebellion against colour. In other words, anti-colour?

At New York, the connotations of white being angelic and innocent were completely subverted. Alexander Wang took a sporty approach complete with cropped boxy shapes and tomboy styling. Daring cut outs and racer cuts were seen at Lisa Perry who showcased an all white collection. White was also frequently paired with sheer panels (3.1 Phillip Lim) or entirely transparent at Jason Wu. Other designers aboard this anti-colour movement include Sass & bide, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Jill Stuart, Nanette Lepore. 

Picture Source: www.vogue.com/

All fashion aside, there's a more pressing issue that's been debated for eons. 

Is white an actual colour? Educate & decide for yourself HERE. 

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(MBFWA) Gypsea S/S 2013/14

There is no doubt that printed swimwear will be all the rage next summer. Albeit,
swimwear which looks its had a photograph printed straight on popularised by Blackmilk and We Are Handsome have been around for a while. Now the debut success of Gypsea at MBFWA, a Western Australian label, which 'embodies the immense natural beauty in nature' reassures all of us that this hype is not dying down.

Gypsea showcased such a variety that would surely adapt to many facets of personal style.The most nature loving adventurer would enjoy the leafy greens or exotic birds. Girls with slightly quirkier styles can gravitate towards the funky feline piece. A standout piece would have to be that caged sleeve two piece featuring a unique Red Admiral Butterfly wing print (excuse my ignorance but I thought it was a reptile print). Such a creative vision made possible by designer Emma Jones and surf photographer Scott Bauer who I was lucky enough to have interviewed.

1. How did your brand Gypsea start? Was there always this passion to design swimwear?

I've worked as a surfing photographer for 15 years where I had the idea of doing something very different and challenging with my photography work. Swimwear seemed like a cool project to sink my energy into. I met Emma in Hawaii a few years previous through her husband Mikala, she told me about work as a designer and swimwear manufacturer. It wasn't till a few years later I asked her about printing image onto swimwear, she was really intrigued about the idea. We did some sampling and we were both really excited with the results, she then asked if I wanted to be business partners and the rest is history.

2. Tell us about your design aesthetic. 

Our aim is to create swimwear that flatters the female form. Effectively the human body becomes the canvas for the images so it's important the image flows well with the shape of the body. We work in reverse with design, we pick the images then we find the patterns that work well with it. One Pieces are always great to work with as they are such a great canvas. 

3. One very important feature of your swimwear are the gorgeous prints. Are they photographed by yourself?

In the latest collection I have photographed some of the prints, we also have some amazing photographers we are collaborating with, Alex Hyde and Alex Kearns. I do all the graphic work with the label, Emma works on all the pattern design and manufacturing.

4. Describe fashion week in 3 words. 

Exciting, prestigious, inspiring

5. What is one piece of advice you would give to any budding designer trying to break into the industry?

Always follow your dreams and be prepared for a lot of hard work

6. I've noticed you're from WA Australia, where is one place you would recommend for anyone wanting to travel there? 

I live in Dunsborough in the South West, I recommend the Dunsborough, Margaret River region. There's so much to see and do, from surfing, hiking, climbing or just taking it easy eating good food and visiting amazing wineries, its basically got it all.

Picture Source: 

1st my own

rest http://www.fashionising.com/

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(MBFWA) Skye & Staghorn

Australian Fashion Week has officially kicked off! 

I’ve attended the day 1 Group Swim show consisting of Maidenlove, Gypsea, Surface Too Deep and Skye and Staghorn. Amongst the four designers, there was one label with their scuba-neoprene-luxe vibe that definitely stood out; Skye and Staghorn. 

Fortunately, I was lucky enough to get in contact with Dakota Gilbert and Jess Baxter: former childhood friends and now the creative brains behind Skye & Staghorn. Just today, I went for a private viewing of their newest S/S 2013/14 collection 'Calypso' and got some insider information. Their design aesthetic can be summed up in one simple word; amphibious. Versatile and sporty, the pieces are likened to an amphibian which is capable at translating from ‘ocean to land’ wear. In other words, the fine detail of mesh and metallic trims along with the flattering scuba shapes allows for sophistication on the beach but also can be worn out and about for that sports-luxe look.

It's obvious that the two designers stay true to their personality since they ‘design what they love’. They have already built such a strong foundation where the passion to stick to the Skye & Staghorn DNA really shows in each collection. I'm sure that the 'sports-luxe' trend will not be fading away any time soon so look to Skye & Staghorn if you're ever needing swimwear that's not your average triangle bikini! 

Wearing: Baxter Full Piece + White & Avocado Mason Shorts 

Picture Source: 1,3,5 http://www.fashionising.com/

Rest my own

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TRENDING: Holographic

After reading the section in the latest April Vogue Aus edition called 'Vogue Gets Digital', I've definitely noticed a shift in focus towards everything futuristic and digitally remastered.
An epiphany struck at one such quote: 'In the information age, where rapid communication, technological advancements and social  networking have presented us with a new global community, it seems close to anything is possible'. I really cannot debate that. In the 21st century, exclusivity is rare, fashion is immediate, and undoubtedly more fast-paced than ever before. Case in point: runways shows are LIVE-streamed to any dreaming couch potato such as myself and backstage photos can be found (maybe too) conveniently online.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I mean where else would I get my information from? I'm not front row or even industry. It's just this rapid technology has the capability to reach thousands of consumers in such a short span of time. Everyone and their grandma can become a critique. Therefore, designers are constantly caught up in the need to create something so new and fresh, it's borderline thrilling (see Alexander Wang S/S 2013). Shock-value ... I think that's what I'll call it.

Yes... I've realised I'm not talking much about this holographic trend instead going on a rant about something I haven't quite come to terms with myself. The key is not to quote me, but take what I've said and notice it yourself. Personally, I think that we all just want to keep up with the times by dressing like an oil-slicked space martian (go for it!).

My Picks 

1. Senso: Gina in Silver Lazer Metallic 

2. Karl Lagerfeld: Karl 7 holographic-leather watch 

3. ASOS: Holographic Bodycon Dress

4. Proenza Schouler: PS11 Mini Classic holographic 

5. Nails inc: Special Effects Electric Lane 

6. Cheap Monday: Hologram Swing Bag 

7. Chrissie Morris: Sunburst sandals 

Picture Source: http://www.vogue.co.uk/

Dungarees Dressing

If you've never heard of the term 'dungarees', you probably know them as overalls. Still don't know what I'm talking about, then the best description I can give you is an all-in-one-over-the-shoulder-bib-with-legs-holes (use your imagination!) Originally used as protective clothing for farmers and mechanics, it WAS considered quite a standard blue collar garment.

However, not in my book and apparently not in many high profile designers'. Personally, I've taken a liking to the dungarees after remember my childhood running around in denim mickey mouse ones (yes, so stylish). Internationally, the overall was heavily featured in the Spring/Summer 2012 collections and is still making it's comeback for spring 2013. 3.1 Phillip Lim steered away from typical denim and reinvented this 'peasant' piece with hot pink suede or black leather. Speaking of reinvention, Moschino for S/S 2013, toyed with playful cuts outs and added an explosion of floral  Other designers include Ralph Lauren, Isabel Marant as well as high street stores such as Guess, American Apparel and Free People.

Stay tuned for my next post, since I'll be styling an outfit around a pair of dungarees.

My Picks 

Picture Source

http://www.tuulavintage.com/

http://www.ordinarypeople.ca/

http://weworewhat.com/

LFW Burberry F/W 2013/14

How many ways can Christopher Bailey rework the trench? This signature piece is so ingrained in their DNA that a Burberry show is definitely incomplete without it. However for this season, he put a surprisingly romantic twist to the entire collection. Case in point: when the slogan is ‘Trench Kisses’ and a Live Performance from singer Tim Odell (backed by an entire chorus clothed in Burberry trenches) is revealed halfway, you just know it’s something memorable.

Filled with romantic motifs, it was like Valentines Day but on safari. There were love heart prints and animal prints on blouses, coats and leather skirts. Bold colours like oxblood or signal red were balanced out by the supple neutrals of camel, sand and brown. But back to the trenches. Revamped with added metallic detail in the collar or belt, sometimes with a slick of glossy overcoat and even with an added layer of ‘armour’ so suited to Karlie Kloss. 

In future, it will be a rare occasion when any collection at fashion week moves me in the way that Burberry did this season.

Shop Burberry 

Picture Source: http://www.vogue.co.uk/

NYFW Autumn/Winter 2013/14 Highlights

Rebecca Minkoff 

Biggest lesson here is the perfect formula to layering which Rebecca Minkoff just does effortlessly.
Lesson One: Wearing a bulky coat with a mini skirt will ensure you keep a length-to-width balance but may result in freezing legs.
Two: Layering cardigans with button up shirts done right up to the very top looks very quite preppy-chic.
Three: Autumnal shades of plaid or houndstooth pants are so versatile for print mixing-and-matching.
Four: Always (I mean ALWAYS) carry a hits-perfectly-at-my-upper-thigh sling bag.


Jeremy Scott 

There was the conical and the comical. The former referring to the shape of the bustiers and the latter ... well plain hilarious prints. One can always expect Mr Scott's capability for transferring you to the weird side of fashion but when you thought it couldn't get any stranger, in walks giant fur go-go boots (why the hell not?). These looks definitely fall under the love it or loathe it category. I for one, found it extremely refreshing and a bit of a laugh (although those sweater pieces are definitely wearable). Expect that scary jumper to pop up on the streets somewhere along the road (just like the Bart Simpson) ...


Oscar De La Renta 

Definitely a nod towards the Galliano theatricality back when he was creative director of Dior (how I miss those days). There was belted drama with coat-cross-dresses being cinched in at the waist and a gothic Little Red Riding Hood moment. Any De La Renta collection isn't complete without supple feather and satin garments in vibrant shades of turquoise, royal blue and ruby. Lastly, how about that striking embellished Magenta gown?

Picture Source: http://www.vogue.co.uk/