MBFFS Behind-The-Scenes

The intermission where staff are head down bum up and pacing around in nothing less than flat shoes is such a contrast to the highly staged runway shows. Shouts from the front of house manager to the sound of a hundred footsteps and the rustling of paper, this is the human and not so glamorous side of MBFFS.

But this underrated part of a fashion show rarely covered in magazines or shown in media is one that's left a memorable imprint. I whispered to Marvic: "Is it weird that I find this changeover period more mesmerising than the actual show?" 

Because to these workers - the student volunteers, the sound, lighting and setting crew, the photographers eagerly waiting in the pit - a fashion show isn't all fun and games, it's their job. Seeing them execute it with speed, efficiency and a no-nonsense attitude was very refreshing. These pictures were snapped during the interval between the Fashion Bloggers on Style show and the Camilla and Marc resort show.

So here's a shoutout to all those hard at work behind-the-scenes. They deserve a pat on the back.

By Sharon Jiang 

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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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White for Spring

Picture Source: http://www.style.com

It seems like every season white doesn't go out of style. White in winter, white in summer; designers will find any excuse to incorporate this shade into their collection. Having white as a trend is almost mandatory. Lets be honest, we can all see it coming.

On par with florals (always 'in') and nautical stripes (just doesn't quit), it was unsurprising to see white on the Spring Summer 2015 runways. What is interesting is how each individual label interprets it, bringing something fresh to the table through texture, shape, cut and styling.

Above are my top picks from NYFW S/S 2015.

By Sharon Jiang 

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NYFW Backstage

Picture Source: Shoko Takayasu for Vogue Italia 

An intriguing look into the backstage antics at the New York Fashion Week Chromat, Peter Som & Rodebjer S/S 2015 shows.  I've heard it's absolute chaos behind-the-scenes.

By Sharon Jiang 

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TRENDING: Wide Brimmed Hats

From Pharrell’s Canadian Mountie inspired Vivienne Westwood headpiece at the Grammy’s to the sartorial creations of Christopher Bailey, wide brimmed hats – and hats alike – have been creeping their way into the fashion spotlight.  Felt or suede, over-sized, floppy or structured, headwear of the calibre is just what the Australian summer calls for.

Whether you’re lounging on the beach basking in the warm summer rays, exploring the vast expanses of the Australian landscape or simply walking the high streets, brimmed hats are the go-to accessory for practicality and effortless cool. So with that in mind, it seems almost a sin not to jump on the band wagon.

Of course not everyone can afford the technicolour creations at Burberry. Or the luxurious pieces crafted at Lanvin. So I’ve found solace in the beautifully constructed pieces at Fallen Broken Street and Lack of Color. If anyone knows the who-is-who in wide brimmed hats, these two are truly a head above the rest (pardon the pun).

Picture Sources:

Jan Mercel // You Feelin It // Lack of Color

High Snobiety // Mike Kargee // Fallen Broken Street

From the streets of Byron Bay, Fallen Broken Street is the go-to for you stylish world travellers and crazy cool kids. Their hats have sat atop of some of the world biggest celebrities such as Cara Delevingne.  Their cutting edge pieces are made from excellent craftsmanship and some of the finest material money can buy. They also stock beanies, caps and gloves and now too, mini version of some of their best-selling pieces for children alike. I’m personally eyeing the Dingo in Wine or the Cove in Black - definitely a summer essential.

Channelling a more sophisticated approach to the humble headwear is Lack of Color - clean, minimal and exuding an understated class. These pieces are incredibly versatile for all you ladies out there – take it to the beach, wear it out with friends or even as the ultimate accessory to dress up an outfit on a night out. Made from the finest wool, they are perfectly trimmed with genuine leather or metallic gross-grain ribbon. 

I personally know that Sharon loves Montana Silver Haze. For a trans-seasonal piece with an understated sophistication, the creations at Lack of Color are seemingly impossible to pass by. 

By Marvic Casingal
Primed Men

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Couture Stripes: Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli Haute Couture F/W 2014/15 

Amongst the frou frou and fabulousness at the recent Haute Couture shows, perhaps the most refreshing thing were the stripes at Giambattista Valli.

Minimal and wearable; two words not usually synonymous with Haute Couture but Valli pulls off the monochrome lines with sophistication. They were moulded into wrap dresses, in the pleats of structured A-line skirts and wedged between sheer silk. Such a seemingly simple print was given the couture upgrade through the mix of materials and clash of narrow and thick stripes extending in all different directions.

Although this 2014/15 collection was labelled Autumn and Winter, the clean cut turbans, pulled back hair and Moscot sunglasses injected a carefree resort vibe. Seems like this season's Valli woman will be travelling in nothing less than Haute Couture.

Picture Source: http://en.vogue.fr

By Sharon Jiang 

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MBFWA Trending: The Tropics

Picture Source: Lucas Dawson for http://www.vogue.com.au/ 

Colourful flora and fauna prints were abundant at Australian Fashion Week as designers looked to tropical islands for inspiration.

2014/15 summer's forecast looks bright and sunny thanks to We Are Handsome, Jayson Brunsdon and Suboo. All three showcased a collection either saturated with colour or exploding with island designs.

We Are Handsome brought the fun and energy into Fashion Week, showing their collection at the Paddington Reservoir Gardens. The lush ferns and plants around the makeshift runway complimented the tropical vibe as models strutted out in leafy, animal and oceanic prints. Sticking closely to their aesthetic of constructing pieces that 'capture the spirit and emotion of summer', We Are Handsome took no reserves as they sent out a model who held a live snake. Designers Jeremy and Katinka Somers seemed to be suggesting a tropical getaway is appropriate come the warmer weather.

Jayson Brunsdon's collection was inspired by the rich Brazilian culture, food and people in Rio De Janeiro. Titled 'RIO' it celebrated a modern girl who isn't afraid to walk out the door dressed in cobalt feathers or iridescent sequins. Metallic and reflective materials dominated the collection as models sashayed down the runway in a vision of sexy femininity and funk.
Brunsdon said: "The vibrant Carioca culture clash is infectious," where it seemed the Brunsdon girl is the life of the summer parties.

Suboo placed the focus on resortwear that's both easy to style and easy to pack. It had the essential ingredients for a chic summer holiday; silky maxi dresses and printed swimwear that took you on a trip down LA with those iconic palm trees. The Suboo girl is relaxed and fuss free during the day but can easily pop on a pair of heels and dance the night away.

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MBFWA Cameo S/S 2014/15

All photos belong to Primped and Primed 

Dozens of spotlights beaming down on the runway making a path of light was a clear sign of what was to come.

The bright white beams were clean, minimal and made a powerful wake up call to the packed room of industry peeps. So too was the collection.

Cameo's debut at Australian Fashion Week was everything I expected from one of my favourite Aussie brands. I've noticed a trend with their collections; a sort of formula made up of
a) a unique print (Exhibit A, Exhibit B)
b) their signature shapes.

Catering to the stylish youth (note stylish not sluttish), this Spring Summer 2014/15 collection sticks closely to their DNA. I saw flounce peplum shapes and A-Line skirts printed with an inky black and white floral. Other highlights were off-the-shoulder bustiers and frocks that could easily be transformed from day to night. But what makes Cameo special, in my opinion, are the the fine details. This time I was intrigued by the lacework that was appliquéd onto a button-up shirt or sewn into a sporty bomber.

A special mention must be made to some more colourful pieces which broke their overall monochromatic colour palette. Not sure about you but as a child I was obsessed with those colouring pencils that had the rainbow and beyond swirled into a single lead (THIS). I say this because I don't have a photo of such an awesome print - you'll just have to settle for my elaborate description.

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