Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney

Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney

Sydney Town Hall was transformed into a catwalk extravaganza for Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival. A ticketed consumer event aimed at fuelling the retail economy. Designers entice the consumer with displays of their collections currently instore. An app titled Boodl in association with MBFF was developed so the customer can purchase garments hot off the runway with their smart phone with a tap of their fingertips.

The schedule was divided into several shows. The most anticipated being the Spring/Summer Trends, showcasing looks from 33 Australian designers including Aje, Alice McCall, Camilla, Shakuhachi, Rachel Gilbert and Talulah. The shows duration totalled 45 minutes. Perhaps a fraction too long for most fashionistas who appeared overwhelmed by the number of looks to take in. An average show goes for 15 minutes maximum and this longer duration resulted in the attention span slipping radically for many of the shows attendees.

Key looks included diaphanous, billowy kaftans from Camilla evoking all things bohemian. Perfect for an exotic sojourn for the well versed traveller. Shakuhachi produced digi floral print dresses, bursting with bold flowers and botanica. An Aje standout comprised of a blossoming, floor length, chiffon maxi in petal pink. The bustier featured ruching and the gossamer skirt with provocative thigh split surged as the model strode down the runway. Ginger and Smart embraced the bralet this season, pairing it with jacquard emerald and navy tailored pant, complete with matching jacket worn casually cool over the shoulders. Rachel Gilbert added a dose of high voltage glamour with a flesh tone, strapless gown featuring undulating sequin panel embellishment, highlighting panels of delicate, wasp like, nylon tulle. Perfect for that red carpet event or for mere mortals, that special occasion. Market HQ provided youthful pieces for the budget conscious wanting there fashion fix at a fraction of the cost. Think trend driven pieces such as PVC moto vest, oversized college tees, white lace dress and a midriff baring top in racer silhouette. We Are Handsome continue to dominate the world with their edgy swimwear, think sexy 80s one pieces in shades of sorbet and barely there bikinis perfect for an iconic Australian summer.

Clockwise from top left: Ginger and Smart, Aje, Shakuhachi, Camilla.

By Courtney Jones.

Shakuhachi Fall 2013

Shakuhachi Fall 2013

Australian designer Jessie White of famed, eternally cool, cutting edge label Shakuhachi showcased a covet worthy collection resplendent of 80s 90s Amazonian glamour married with motorsport references.

A manifestation of garments channelled Olivier Rousteing's House of Balmain. Sensational news for all those fashionistas craving Balmain's aesthetic on a beer budget.

Pictured garments included a bold, punchy, cape coat in orange blanketing fabric with split sleeve detail, falling mid thigh, $420. This look was paired with leather Greek fisherman cap, $180 and mock croc high waisted tailored shorts in micro proportions.

A Versacesque 'Tie dye long sleeve dress' in citrus and noir, $180 was a body moulding number complete with slashed sleeves. Statuesque glamazons pay attention, this dress was made for you. Wallflowers need not apply. Nineties punk rebellion allusions were on display.

Art Noveau overtones were evident on a 'Harlequin' leather shift dress featuring burnished gold embellishment, racer front neckline and relaxed style mini dress paired with statement making leather and gold pyramid choker.

Not quite ready to invest mega dollars into the leather legging trend? Then Shakuhachi's libidinous 'Rubberised biker leggings', $180 in black and oxblood are for you. A  high gloss sheen, creating a spray on second skin effect,caressing every curve of the legs and behind. I was lusting after these leggings from the moment I laid eyes on them. Here I am pictured wearing my pair in the decadent shade of oxblood. The techy fabric is ultra comfortable and light weight.

Update your basic wardrobe staple white tee this season with Shakuhachi's 'Mesh Mash' tee in white, $170. Opt for a textural finish of lace and mesh which promotes a modern spin on the classic.

Other garments included relaxed, boyfriend style, distressed, shredded, acid wash jeans worn cuffed. Quilted fabric played a starring role on a shift dress, a-line mini and a boxy vest featuring 4 enlarged pockets, gold press stud detail and collarless gold front zip closure. 

All garments are available at Shakuhachi's flagship boutique in Paddington and online at www.shakuhachi.net.au

Please feel free to view my blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

For personal fashion styling consultations- courtney@modestyling.com.au

By Courtney Jones.