Market HQ Runway

When needing the online shopping solution, amongst the classic favourites (ASOS/Nasty Gal/Urban Outfitters), there's a particular Australian site I turn to ... Market HQ. Bookmarked in my 'when boredom strikes' section for casual browsing, Market HQ stocks the coolest Aussie brands such as Mink Pink, Stylestalker, Paint It Red, Finders Keepers, Cameo and a tonne more.

I squealed in excitement upon discovering that they were hosting a show at MBFFS called 'Salute to the Sun'. This debut was everything I expected and embodied the energy of Australian youth. I'm not just talking about the clothing, the show was a performance in itself. Starting off with the fumes of spray paint, the crowd watched as a graffiti artist painted the Market HQ logo backdrop. Halfway through, a dance group emerged from their designated front row seats and danced with the models to 'Blurred Lines'. Not only were bikinis and bandeaus aplenty, but apparently backflips were too.

Fun-loving and colourful, the clothing featured were spot on with what teenagers would actually wear. This means no strange pieces that's deemed as 'art' or 'WTF is that' moments. From printed dungarees to fluro jelly sandals to an amazing array of sports luxe and monochromatic pieces, Market HQ showcased my dream summer wardrobe. I've got my eyes set on sheer bomber jackets and anything with mesh or crazy prints.

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2013 Spring/Summer Trends

All arranged in neat groupings by designer, this year's spring/summer trends were reinforced at Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney (MBFFS). Although a slight repeat of Fashion Week, it was great to see some collections that I couldn't attend at MBFWA months ago. What's even better is you can shop those exact runway looks at Booodl.com 

1. Monochrome 

Black and white in an assortment of forms; structured with clean lines, languid chiffon or sheer lace. 

Seen at Ginger & Smart, Bronx and Banco (picture 1), Karla Spetic, Suboo, Han (picture 2, clockwise from top left) 

2. Prints 

From iconic florals to digital to the psychedelic ... all the more interesting when mirrored. 

Seen at Emma Mulholland, Romance Was Born, Haryono Setiadi (picture 1, clockwise from top left) 

Blesse'd Are The Meek, Alice McCall, Shakuhachi (picture 2, clockwise from top left) 

3. 'Sports Luxe'

Think boxy shapes, exposed zippers, bomber jackets and crops. 

Seen at Alex Perry, Han, By Johnny, Watson X Watson (clockwise from top left) 

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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/

Oversized at PFW Chanel S/S 2013

Wind turbines & solar panels ... it's starting to sound like an ecological geography project. But no, we're talking about the Chanel S/S 2013 collection presented at the Grand Palais for Paris Fashion Week. After careful observation, I finally see the link between the giant propellors and the garments.

Simply, it was an easy, breezy collection projecting this carefree serenity as if carried by the wind. This reference to wind energy is apparent in the grid pattern on trapeze dresses and the reworked tweed to resemble solar panels. Just like the towering rotating turbines, an oversized theme served as a perfect parallel. Think; pearls the size of christmas baubles, massive transparent sun hats and volumminous bell shaped jackets. My favourite? That sequin dress referencing solar panels and the bizarre hula hoop bag (anyone want to take that one to the beach?)

Picture Source: http://www.vogue.com.au/

Aussies at LFW S/S 2013

London Fashion Week ended several days ago and instead of conforming to the norm and posting a rap-up of my favourite shows (which many bloggers seem to do), I thought I should do things a little differently. Maybe it's about time to subtly wave the Aussie flag (metaphorically of course) and showcase the Australian designers who presented in London. After all, I am very proud of our homegrown visionaries who have certainly made a name for themselves and is able to place local Australian fashion onto an international scale.

Dion Lee

With simple and sleek silhouettes, Dion Lee took graphical detailing to a whole new level ... making them literally 3 dimensional.


Sass & Bide

If Spring/Summer 2013 is going to go by Sass & Bide's vision, there's going to be a lot of crossing between feminine and masculine ... light and dark ... and unexpected touches of embellishments. I loved how the designing duo Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton reworked the men's tuxedo adding details here and there, making it flattering to the female form. Also, that last feathered frock with the military-style ornament just left me speechless. I will say one thing though... personally Sass & Bide never disappoints.


Willow

What struck me in this collection was the mixture of bright separates with sheer languid dresses. Such an unlikely combination to be put into the same show but designer Kit Willow-Podgornik make it work. I think the success is in the carefree and wispy silhouettes projecting this sense of movement as if blown by the wind. A certain edgyness was still apparent with the use of exposed bras and bustiers; harking back to the trend of lingerie as outerwear.

NYFW Spring/Summer 2013 Highlights

New York Fashion Week just came to an end and something was itching inside of me to post a highlight rap up. I'm still in the midst of my Spring Series (2012) and this whole Southern Hemisphere seasons being behind their Northern counterparts is starting to annoy me. My last post was a review on the S/S 2012 trends because that would be useful for my Aussie readers. However without posting about the 2013 shows would mean I'm not staying up to date with current events (uhh first world problems). Don't get me wrong, sifting through all the collections was just so inspiring and definitely an amazing way to pass the time.

 

Jason Wu

'With anything powerful you need to send a restrain...while there's exuberance, the textures, the restrained colour palette, really made for a very sophisticated vision of a woman.' - Jason Wu. I definitely agree with Mr Jason Wu that although the overall collection was sophisticated and graceful, there was a subtle implication of a something more dark and edgy. I loved his mixture of leather with sheer fabrics or lace and the interwoven theme of provocation and elegance was apparent in the final gowns. First impressions portrayed a luxurious sumptuousness however with a closer look, the leather harnesses took me back to the days of the fetish trend in Autumn/Winter 2011/12.


Monique Lhuillier

It was aquatic but not loudly so ... more of an understated and refined kind of aquatic. To me, the collection screamed 'glamourous resort wear' with little hints here and there of the oceanic motifs. Gorgeous seafoam blues and teals, a mirrored digital print referencing feathers and water, a fresh flower tucked behind the model's ear; Ms Lhuillier completely sold me with the mermaid scaled frock.

 

 

Rodarte

 

Such a powerful yet detailed collection, in fact so intricate were the embroidery and the textures that it was borderline obsessive. Rodarte this Spring Summer 2013 gave me an impression of a medieval warrior but not just any kind, a headstrong female warrior. The garments filled with leather fringing and chains, had a distinct structure which celebrated the robust side to a woman.  Yes there were dresses and gowns but each seemed to imply a layer of toughness as if to say 'Why should men have all the fun with their metal armour and swords?' I can just hear Beyonce's mantra ... 'Who run the world? GIRLS'  

 

Picture Source

http://www.vogue.com.au/