Welcome to GT GADABOUT!!

Well I have certainly dreamt about this day for a very, very long time and I'm glad it has finally come! As I hinted at in my last post, something new began for me on the night of the winter solstice. I officially opened up an Etsy store under the name of gt gadabout of course!

Fashion dances to a new beat at Highpoint

Thursday morning I was thrilled to be able to start the day in a shopping centre so close to home that I have been eagerly awaiting the unveiling of. Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne was launching their new fashion precinct after 4 years in the making and 2 years in construction, the $300 million dollar development is set to become the newest and most fashionable address for all your shopping needs. 

Let the fashion begin-MSFW 2012 Launches

Friday night saw Melbourne's fashion elite once again climb the red carpet stairs at the Melbourne Town Hall to welcome in a favourite calendar week- the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) It felt just like yesterday that I was back there in this beautiful building in eager anticipation of the fashions on and off the runway, but how so much has happened in between, especially in the fashion world. What's old is new again, florals are not just a centre piece you place on the table and you can't get any brighter than the fluro trend! But the crowd in attendance were in their finest as we were greeted with champagne at the door and a variety of performances ranging from opera, hula hooping, the grand organ played and a band got the crowd swinging well into the night. The desert bar was a popular spot too where I was thrilled that as a coeliac sufferer I was able to indulge in the most delicious macaroons and chocolate cake. I lost count how many times I did indulge, but I still craved them all the way home. It was great to see the designers enjoy themselves in the lead up to their runway shows where all their hard work is showcased and have a well earned break. Melbourne really does come alive in Spring and there is a great feeling in the air. I was chatting to two Sydney-siders at the end of the evening and they even said that Melbourne is better than Sydney and that there are things we do better. I couldn't believe there was no state rivalry going on, but I could not agree with them more. Melbourne is fashion, all kinds of fashion, trends, individuality, expression, creativity, simplicity, we have it all and we do it so well. I'm so looking forward to Monday where it all begins with fashion films, free city square fashion shows and free exhibitions and of course the showcase runway shows. I look forward to sharing with you my insights and what I discover so check back with me and remember you can also find me on Twitter and Instagram as gtgadabout for a more immediate fix. 

My fine company for the evening consisted of James Nolen(left) film programmer at ACMI, who programed the Deep In Vogue, Fashion on Film season which begins on Monday and fashion blogger Cecylia with her husband/photographer/blogger Chian Kee. I think we were all a bit high on sugar by this point! Lots of fun!

One of the faces of the MSFW campaign discovers the desert bar.It just made everyone happy! Thanks City of Melbourne and MSFW for a fabulous evening, enjoyed by all. My sore feet were resting up at the end of the night, while I was indulging in the goodie bag and looking forward to the first show! 

SPENCERLACY Pops Up To Delight The Senses

Thursday night I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Melbourne womenswear label SPENCERLACY Style Lab, a new pop up store sensory experience aimed at enlightening the 5 senses in a retail space. For the brands first foray into a retail venture, they have done a great job in providing more than just clothes on racks, but a warm, welcoming space that offers the consumer something special.

For the sense of Touch- there was plenty to go around with garments beautifully displayed around the store. Great chunky knits that you would want to live in on a cold winters day, to patterned leggings and stretch pants as well as shirts with beautiful cutout back detail. I really love the colour palette of this collection as I think they are great basics you could easily incorporate into your wardrobe and would suit most complexions. I felt quite happy amongst them.

Guests had their sense of Smell uplifted with candles burning from Melbourne brand Plain & Simple while sounds came from the Style Lab soundtrack, which were exclusively mixed by Melbourne DJ Lauren Mac. It was a great atmosphere mingling amongst some very fashionable people enjoying great conversations.

A beautiful cabinet from Izzi and Popo who were in charge of our sense of Sight, fitted out the Style Lab with vintage furniture and bold pieces that certainly attract your attention upon entering the store. I felt I needed to introduce myself to our horned friend that watched over us from a great height. The cabinet was well stocked with bold statement pieces from Liberte. I had to divert my eyes from falling in love with too many things as everything in store is for sale, I mean everything, which can be hard for the wallet to comprehend. 

For our sense of Taste, we were in for a unique food experience. In the presence of chef Daniel Dobra from The Aylesbury it was an opportunity to pay attention to mastery and creation in its most mouth watering form, or should I say molecular gastronomy! Using liquid nitrogen to create chocolate mouse balls that were hard on the outside and smooth on the inside and these spoon fulls of Tzatziki and cucumber were so refreshing and it was a joy watching everyones face as they popped them in their mouth. Some very happy customers indeed.

My brogue partner in crime on the night was my fashionable friend James Nolen who was sporting these hot red brogues and blue pants and by coincidence I wore my silver brogues and red pants. Great minds really do shoe alike! Thought we made a nice pair.

For more information on SPENCERLACY, check out any of of the options below and if you are in Melbourne, make sure you pop in to their Style Lab at 124 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.


spencerlacy.com


facebook.com/SpencerLacyStyle


twitter.com/spencerlacy


pininterest.com/spencerlacypin

Cathleen Jia Premieres Her New Collection

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure to witness the launch of the Cathleen Jia Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection. Cathleen creates all the garments herself, with intricate beading and lace using silks and sheer fabrics, all locally made right here in Melbourne. This beautiful afternoon soiree was held at the fragrant Domain Flowers where her feminine, drapery dresses stood just as elegantly beside the natural floral display.

Guests were cueing up to indulge in beautiful mini cupcakes from Cupcake Central. Unfortunately, yours truly had to only but admire from afar (thank you gluten intolerance), but I didn't see an unhappy customer go by.

This beautiful model transformed into the gowns from the collection like a pop up fashion show and allowed us an up close view of the garments, seeing how they hang on the body.

Nothing like a nice glass of wine, fashion to look at, great company and being surrounded by sensational flowers to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Head pieces and accessories all hand crafted by Cathleen.

The designer herself was coaxed up on the platform to take her moment and accept the applause.

It obviously got too much for her as we cheered her on, and all her hard work was realised. Mind you, she had also just 'whipped' up the dress she is wearing the night before! Amazing! Congratulations to Cathleen on a beautiful collection and to the team from Couturing for putting on such a wonderful event, I most certainly had a great time.