New York City Style in Melbourne

Phew, it's amazing how time flies when you are distracted by so many projects on the go! I have been meaning to give you this post sooner and not deprive you of another fabulous fashion fix, but alas have only just gotten to it now. Back in March, I was thrilled to hear that my favourite stylist Patricia Field curated a world premiere exhibition entitled New York City Style showcasing 20 iconic outfits worn in the Sex and the City movie.

Nature, Friends, Wine and Fashion! What more can you want!

Last Friday I did the opposite to what most people would be doing at about 6pm. I left the hustle and bustle of the city noise and bars and headed towards the tranquillity of the mountain backdrops in the Yarra Valley. My fashionable companion on this mini road trip was my good friend James Nolen who had a rather special jacket to launch at the event. As you will see below, it's quite luminous and reflected the backdrop beautifully. We were on our way to a rather unique fashion event, where unlike most which are set in urban surrounds, this one was being held at the picturesque Yering Station Cellar Door Gallery space.

Parallel Tensions at MSFW

Well even though I know MSFW is now a distant fashion blur, there was so much to see and do and cram into one week. Reporting back on all of them in time, was unfortunately not possible, but that doesn't mean that they are still not worth showing you. One of those events was a free exhibition held at fortyfivedownstairs of emerging designers showcased by strips of fabric and mood lighting, giving off great shadows and atmosphere like installation pieces of art. It was a chance to see some clothes up close and observe the construction and although not all of the pieces were necessarily wearable, the concept behind them were interesting to see. What do you think? 

Christina Exie

Tettman.Doust

J.K.Kirk

Raggatt

Melanie Bower

Francis Leon

Oracles

Jason Hewitt

Linda Jackson Bush Couture

If you are lucky enough to be in Melbourne, then I would say you should definitely head on down to the National Gallery of Victoria (Ian Potter Centre) to see the free exhibition Linda Jackson Bush Couture which opened on Australia Day. 

Featuring the most dynamic and striking use of colour and textiles,the works by the Australian Artist are sure to engage your sense of the diverse, playful and eclectic. They cover a period from the mid 1970's to the 1990's and is only a handful of the artist's collection spanning a career of over 40 years.

The exhibit is beautifully curated and unlike most previous displays at the gallery, the garments are out on open display, allowing the viewer to be up close with the textiles and observe intricate details. As a lover of colour, the bold, the visually unusual, I was in my element and will revisit this exhibit many times. I do hope if you are able to see it in person, you do so, and if not, then please enjoy these images.

Linda Jackson Bush Couture is now showing at the National Gallery of Victoria (Ian Potter Centre) till the 9th of September 2012 Entry is Free and there are also live talks as part of the program. Check for details.

MSFW Emerging Designers Exhibition

Part Two

The end of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week...time to rest those weary legs.

Designers featured: 

• Alexandra Blak
• Bhalo
• Bioperspective
• Ellison
• Jack Loder
• Kaori Kato
• Lisa Taranto
• Livia Arena
• Neo Dia
• Pageant
• Phong Chi Lai
• Stella Blanche

MSFW Emerging Designers Exhibition

Part One

As I have already mentioned, more than once I might add, there were so many highlights of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week for me, and when I have had a bad day since then, I like to look back fondly on that week and it always makes me smile to think of the energy, creativity and fashion that was in the air. Enough to make a Gadabout grin like a Cheshire cat.


Mid week, and after getting up incredibly early to attend the MSFW Business Seminar Breakfast, I had time to kill between some retail therapy and seeing one of the Men Of Fashion films at acmi. So, what better way to fill the gap than on another fashionable activity, only in exhibition form. 
Found at the 1000 Pound Bend Cafe was the Emerging Designers Exhibition that featured 12 designers, and to my delight, I was allowed to photograph it and thus deliver it to you, should you have not been so lucky to see it for yourself.


What got me interested was the detail, and there was a lot of it. Pleating, embroidery, lapels, origami like shoulders and cut out fabrics.I found myself leaning in close to each piece studying the design, materials and technique that I almost forgot where I was, each outfit transported me to another place. When I finally did leave the space, I felt energised and uplifted by it. 
Made me want to hit my sewing machine!In a good way!

Part Two to follow...