Rosemount Australian Fashion Week: Part 2

More from RAFW! Yesterday was extra fun because I managed to go backstage and watch the models go through hair & makeup!

Lisa Ho
Fashion Week wouldn't be complete without a Lisa Ho collection. She used some really pretty animal and paisley prints, and there was a selection of beautifully draped dresses in tangerine, teal and green. There was rapturous applause when she came out for her bow!

The other show I went to was the Fashion Design Studio, The Sydney Institute joint collection by the four best students who graduated from my school last year. I would love for this to be me one day!

Soeli Pedrozo
First up was Soeli Pedrozo. She stuck to a neutral palette of black, white and gray and experimented with precise folds, tucks and pleats. I got to see some of these garments hanging on the rack before the show and they were even more spectacular up close!

Rachel Sherwood
Rachel Sherwood put on a great show with a bikie vibe. There were geometric panels on all her jackets and dresses, and some exciting pops of neon pink and yellow.

Seema Pun

Seema Pun drew on her Thai heritage with origami detailing and gold headpieces. There was also some crazy styling with giant tennis-ball sized rings and necklaces!

Christian Lines

The last designer was Christian Lines, who put out a street-savvy collection. Not really my style but the futuristic prints and edgy cuts were interesting!

I didn't stick around for the other shows - I heard that the collections by Romance Was Born, Juli Grbac and Sass & Bide were really well-received but I had to go home and work on an assignment (a 10-piece denim collection). Be sure to check out my friend's coverage of Day 3 and Day 4 - she captured some really cool "model off-duty" shots!

Today I'm going to the Fashion Palette conference. Should be fun!

Photo credits: http://justfad.blogspot.com

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week: Part 1

As I've mentioned about a billion times already, it's Rosemount Australian Fashion Week here in Sydney! So surprise, I thought I'd give you a rundown of yesterday's shows. I have to warn you, I'm not a professional photographer or anything so please bear with my photos! (Actually, if you want some amazing coverage of Day 1 and Day 2, check out this blog by one of my lovely photographer pals.)

The style set was out in force and I spent the moments in between shows watching other photographers snap some of the more stylish lads and ladies. (Sadly, no Sartorialist/Garance sightings yet but I am determined to see them in action before this week is over!)

Konstantina Mittas

First up was Konstantina Mittas, who had some neo-Gothic ensembles with lots of puffed sleeves and teeny tiny miniskirts in black, white and bronze. The models sported some pretty spiffy gold eye makeup that gave the impression they were at a masked ball.

Kate Sylvester

Kate Sylvester put on a really cute show inspired by "intrepid adventure". The models were really fresh and bouncy, and trotted along the catwalk wearing gumboots and backpacks in bright pink, red, green, blue and yellow. It reminded me of my childhood (which is sadly receding further and further in my memory).

Aurelio Costarella

Aurelio Costarella put on a breathtaking show that was more of an art installation than runway show. The models came out and then stood on these glass circles, allowing the audience to walk around them and study the intricate embroidery, beading and embellishment up close. It was brilliant (and the models were so patient!)

Dhini

This season, designer Dhini Para Rajasingham drew inspiration from marching bands because "they are a symbol of positivity, bravery and fortitude". A drummer kicked off the show with a bang (actually, more like a drumroll) and then these military-inspired structured pieces came out, one after another. I would love to have all of them but I'd settle for that Phillip Lim 3.1-esque jacket on the left.

Gail Sorronda

Designer Gail Reid's AW09 collecion was called "Ha Ha Battles", which she said was about "laughing in the face of adversity". I think a lot of labels responded to the global financial crisis with a touch of defiance. This show reminded me of 1920s flappers because the models wore really pretty bejewelled and feathered headpieces. And there were lots of ruffles and sheer fabrics!

Marnie Skillings

Marnie Skillings definitely knows how to put on a spectacle! When the lights dimmed, this rocker chick wearing leather pants and a bikini top came out and sat down at a drum set...then started pounding away for the entire show. My favorite part was when all the models came out at the end. The collection was called "All Tomorrow's Angels" but they looked more like one big girl gang.

Hopefully I'll have more for you tomorrow! xo, i.d.

Photo credits: http://justfad.blogspot.com/

I Heart Le Colonel

Le Colonel is the most adorable French accessories line. I love this little headband called the Pink Russian - and the saucy retro styling to match!

Photo credits: http://www.accessoires-de-mode-le-colonel.net/index.php?