GINGER AND SMART RESORT 2017

GINGER AND SMART RESORT 2017

Design duo Genevieve and Alexandra Smart of Ginger and Smart produced an effervescent collection brimming with practically minded pieces. Charming, sophisticated garments flourished on the runway offering freedom of movement.

Swimwear was introduced to Ginger and Smart's Resort 17 collection, the show opening with a sleek, optic white, semi transparent, undulating one piece. Details included a round neck, keyhole, underwire bust, long sleeves, form fitting panelling and an open back design. Accessories comprised of raffia pool slides, arctic white weekender with rose gold hardware and a minimalistic bum bag worn nonchalantly on the hip. A mesh characterful sunhat featured a gargantuan brim which covered the model's entire face and back falling elegantly under the glutueus maximus, the ultimate in sun protection for an exotic excursion abroad.

A cornflower blue, sheer, off the shoulder kaftan oozed with fluidity. Swimwear was paired underneath consisting of high waisted black bottom, diamond torso cut out, floral, halter neck, crossover bust in delectable watercolour shades of cobalt, lavender, mocha and pearl. Simplistic oyster grey, strappy leather pool slides concluded the breezy number.

Energised cool dominated on a terracotta, off the shoulder one piece with sensual torso cut out. The swimwear acted as a bodice when married to a floral, high waisted, panelled, diaphanous midi skirt in delicate shades of blush, rose, sky, ink and lilac adding tenderness. The wraparound style featured plenty of body baring flesh on a hot summer's day.

A bold cabana stripe, asymmetrical, cropped flounce top starred in a colour palette of electric eggplant, azure, lime splice and vanilla. A matching voluminous mullet skirt was teamed to the crop and exuded good times and balmy nights spent in paradise. The striking shades and silhouette sure to garner plenty of attention.

A royal blue, sheer, lace tunic, offered gossamer airiness. Elongated sleeves worn off the shoulder engulfed fingers. A halterneck, t-bar design was layered to an athletic, cutaway royal blue one piece adding a geometric element to the softened arabesque.

Other key garments included a liquid silk, dusty pink, halterneck, bias cut, midi slip dress modelled by Nicole Pollard. A zig zag, wraparound woven mini skirt was layered to the dress with raffia fringing cascading from the hem. Minimalism versus maximalism came in the form of a snow white, v-neck asymmetrical crop layered to a bulky, raffia infested matador cropped jacket. A spliced torso melded effortlessly into a wraparound raffia mini skirt. Billowing, languid trousers offered an elegant interplay of draping when layered to the textural mini. 

A fashion forward display evoking relaxed Australian prestige.

By Courtney Jones. 

STEVIE MAY SPRING 2015

STEVIE MAY SPRING 2015

Byron Bay designer, Cassie Vecchione of bohemian label, Stevie May delivered an undeniably charming collection aptly titled 'First Bright' for spring 2015. Earthy neutrals embodying nomadic luxe reigned supreme. The peasant folklore muse took us on an exotic journey; think globetrotting adventures to the likes of Peru, Morocco and Guatemala with organically textured raw linens, Ikat prints and whispers of sensual lace playing a starring role throughout.

Key pieces included the 'Palace Nights Maxi Dress', a nonchalant, floral, wraparound maxi dress which was punctuated by shades of butterscotch, lady bug red, midnight and duck egg blue. The undulating pattern also graced languid Palazzo pants, a flirtatious playsuit and a free flowing maxi skirt. Quintessential bohemian wardrobe staples for the deluxe hippie.

Ikat was very much in attendance and highlighted the 'Diptera Top' and 'Ikat Mini Skirt'. Other garments to feature the bold graphic print included an open neckline, long sleeve mini dress, kaftans, panelled maxi dresses and kimonos. Technical fabrics and hand painted prints brimmed with pulchritude. Monochromatic Ikat looks were fused with denim accents.

Pattern lace evoked dark romance. "From the shadows saunters a freshness" stated Vecchione. The 'San Antonio Maxi Dress' channelled just that with sheer panels of obsidian lace igniting the come-hither number. A deep decolletage and fine ebony tie featured on the neckline while the dress flowed freely in relaxed proportions.

Other covert worthy items comprised of the 'Run Carolyn Kimono' and the 'Don't Tassel With Me' dress which displayed gold embroidery, rustic fringed hemlines in shades of oatmeal with raw effects dominating the tailored gypsy effect.

Isabel Marant devotees will rejoice over the 'Coral Garden Top' and skirt twinset. The structured, hand painted, navy grazing shell complete with ivory tassels was teamed to a drop waist flounce mini. With an affordable price point, attain the famed Marant signature look for less.

Surrender to your sensuous side. Walk the Stevie May way.

Stevie May is available online at www.steviemay.com.au, Myer Bondi Junction and selected boutiques throughout Sydney.

1. Eyes To The Wind Top $179

2. Run Carolyn Kimono $349

3. Nori L/S Top $149

4. Diptera L/S Top $139 / Ikat Mini Skirt $139

5. San Antonio Maxi Dress $219

6. Don't Tassel With Me $219

7. Coral Garden Top $139 / Coral Garden Mini Skirt $139

8. Palace Nights Maxi Dress $219

9. Bahamas Maxi Shirtdress $219

10. Eyes To The Wind Top $179

By Courtney Jones.

 

Emilio Pucci Spring 2015

Emilio Pucci Spring 2014

Fashion extraordinaire, Peter Dundas of Emilio Pucci produced a breathtaking collection, bursting with pulchritude and rich in bohemian luxe. Dundas channelled the seventies with ostentatious displays teamed to peasant folklore.

Natasha Poly opened the collection in a plunge, floral embroidered mini dress with white scalloped lace framing a bare decolletage, wrists and thighs. The blossoms featured intricate beadwork . Terracotta fudge suede under the knee boots were adorned with ankle eyelet detail. The embroidered embellishment continued to frequent the runway and also starred on a macrame, racer front cutaway column maxi. A bandeau was worn underneath and revealed a toned side torso. A striking macrame poncho with excessive suede fringing was the ultimate beach cover-up for the luxury loving globetrotter.

Saccharine shades featured on a delicate, rouleau strap chemise  twinned to matching narrow flared trousers. A scarf choker in sumptuous shades of mandarin, mustard, peony pink, azure and lavender was the perfect accompaniment. 

A triangle cut out feminine maxi complete with beaded spaghetti straps and bust detail was suspended by silver, circular disc detail. Diaphanous silk fabric in Pucci's signature archival print came complete in muted shades of sherbet, mustard, magenta and ice blue. 

Punchy mandarin, forest green and white graced a cropped kaftan with bell sleeve detail. The boxy blouse lent a lackadaisical approach to the ensemble which was married to hip hugging embroidered shorts with tassel adornment. Toffee, cut out gladiator heels added polished panache. Seventies jumpsuits were updated and were highlighted in elongated, sleek proportions. Think narrow flares with pocket flaps acting as a subtle peplum creating shape throughout the silhouette. A dungaree dress in the bold shade of turquoise lit up the runway.

A riot of colour was starred on an electric tomato, burnt paprika and amethyst billowy high-low hem dress. Details included bejewelled bib necklace and baby doll arabesque. Sheer decadence and impeccable glamour accented the ensemble. 

The collection closed with a succession of generously cut maxi dresses in a kaleidoscope of colour. Tie-dye fabrics rich in liquidity garnered plenty of attention in voluminous proportions championing luxe bohemian goddesses.

By Courtney Jones.

Billion Dollar Babes S/S 14/15

Billion Dollar Babes S/S 14/15

Australian designer Michelle Cooke, of Billion Dollar Babes produced a jubilant line up for her S/S 14/15 collection. The collection kicked off with BDB's Resortwear line. Think exotic, maxi embroidered kaftans in staple shades of midnight and black, perfect beach to bar ensembles. Bohemian references reign supreme, brimming of energised cool. Gathered peasant blouses teamed with nautical striped bikini bottoms are a chic cover up option. Ideal for a tropical paradise sojourn. A sassy tropicana, halter jumpsuit comprised of gathered neckline, attenuated sash belt and palazzo pants in relaxed proportions. The tropicana print continued to feature on an azure, wraparound, flounce cap sleeve maxi dress complete with thigh high split, adding seductive charm.

Sporting luxe references crept in and were evident on a boxy mesh muscle tank and mesh jogging short. A drop waist, crew neck, short sleeve, flounced hem dress was a sizzling number for the bold. A striking, ombre, shirtmaker maxi dress in delectable shades of duck egg blue and indigo was a standout garment. The diaphanous skirt oozed of class.

Cocktailwear comprised of an asymmetrical, turquoise, graphic print dress with side split detail. A knee grazing, body con version was a sassy annexation. Lace played an integral role in the collection and starred on charming tennis tops, dainty pencil skirts and lace up kaftans in shades of spearmint, black and ivory.

Enticing eveningwear consisted of a bourgeois, v-neck knee length dress with slimline belt creating a defined silhouette throughout the waist. The body skimming godet arabesque was a flattering design and is available in shades of daffodil and staple summer white. For those seeking a floor length gown this style featured in sizzling black. Enchanting lace panels punctuated a floor sweeping evening dress. A scintillating, intricately embellished navy and nude gown is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Clever drapery was prevalent on a boatneck maxi featuring ruched waist and sensuous open back, cowl neck detail. A fine silver chain graced the back, body jewellery at its finest. A lustrous sequin adorned dress complete with ribbon straps and waist bow belt featured in shades of azure, blush and black. Metallic accents flourished on a gold, peak shouldered column dress with circular disc pattern. Sheer sophistication teamed with allure best describes this sultry number. Lackadaisical glamour came in the form of a crisp white shirt worn unbuttoned to the navel and knotted at the waist. Sleeves rolled up nonchalantly. The classic shirt was married to a sequin maxi skirt in ice silver and ebony.

Billion Dollar Babes exclusive collection is available online at www.billiondollarbabes.com.au

 

1. Amelia Lace Dress

2. Penelope Dress

3. Amelia Beaded Dress

4. Lily Shirt Dress

5. Lily Embroidered Kaftan

6. Lily Peasant Blouse

7. Bridget Dress

8. Lola Godet Mini

9. Bridget Dress

10. Stellar Dress

11. Penelope Skirt

12. Penelope Dress

 

By Courtney Jones.

Q&A with Australian designer Kelli Wharton of womenswear label, Talulah

Q and A with TALULAH designer, Kelli Wharton

EASTERN SUBURBS NEWSPAPERS- What was the driving inspiration behind your Mercedes Benz Spring / Summer 14/15 collection?

KELLI WHARTON- Crystal tropics was designed for exotic vacations and spring oceanside escapes, silhouettes are soft and feminine, juxtaposed with strong graphics, detailed finishes and silk fabrics to instil confidence in its wearer.

Splashes of spring florals play through print, decorating one piece bodices, beach sarongs, silk maxi dresses, paisley shorts and kaftans. Innocent whites whisper springs new romantic sensuality,

with crochet apparel and sheer panelling finishes, while frilled details enhanced bikini separates that are mixed and matched for eye catching and feminine beachside combinations.

ESN- Which garments from Talulah's S/S 14/15 Collection would you pack for the ultimate summer, exotic, sojourn?

KW- There are too many to choose from! This is one of my favourite collections yet – but I say that every season. A standard that we have featured in one of our campaign images and look book is the Sail Away Mini Dress. A white summer dress with soft tropical print and layered white fringing – the ultimate throw on to take you from pool to bar on your next vacation.

ESN- Complete this sentence: The TALULAH young woman embodies...

KW- Creativity, confidence and femininity.

ESN- You've created a swimwear line, Talulah Swim and a High Street line, Isla by Talulah. Any plans to branch out into anything else?

KW- We have some exciting new product lines launching this year including a TALULAH homewares range using the TALULAH prints and brand aesthetics.

ESN- How important is social media to your business? Do you use those platforms for specific purposes?

KW- Social media allows us to have personalised shopping experiences with our customers, communicate our brand aesthetics through different channels and to different customers and provide exceptional customer service for each customer that engages with the brand 24/7.

ESN- What is a typical day for you and your team?

KW- My family and I are lucky that we share our office and home with the beautiful surroundings of Byron Bay and its beaches. In A typical day my husband and I are up  early with our two children, drop them off at day care and then head over to join our TALULAH team at TALULAH HQ. Every day is busy in the office, but we are lucky that everyone who is part of our team loves what they do. Plenty gets done in a single day, but the day’s definitely run away with you. My husband is company Director and I am Creative Director for the TALULAH business and each of our brands that fall under the TALULAH title. In a typical day I share my time between designer new ranges, working with our Sales and Marketing Manager and leading the creative direction for the business.

ESN- Where did you attain your design acumen?

KW- I have always been creative. When I was younger I would design apparel and sell to local boutiques. As the demand for my designs grew I refined my skill to showcase a consumer collection at fashion week. This was where TALULAH was born. Since launching in 2005 I have built a team of creative women around me to help build on my own design skills, to grow the TALULAH brand that has a team of female talent behind it.

By Courtney Jones.

Emilio Pucci Pre Fall 2014

Emilio Pucci Pre Fall 2014

Stalwart, Peter Dundas of Emilio Pucci presented a triumphant display this Pre Fall 2014 season. Majestically stylish garments for the proverbial globetrotter were present throughout the collection.

Look 1 comprised of a sloping shoulder cocoon jacket with poncho like qualities. The jacket featured Ikat embroidery in shades of magenta, crimson, white and black. The jacket was paired to white, flat front jodhpurs with illusionistic side black panelling creating a sleek silhouette. The pants were tucked into intricately laced midi boots with triple buckle detail.

A plunge kaftan oozing with liberating connotations came complete with diaphanous 3/4 sleeves with ornate, embellished hem and cuffs.

Robin Hood inspired ebony, suede, lace up, over the knee, second skin boots with eyelet detail concluded the look.

A flamboyant, fairy floss pink, faux fur, oversized, double breasted coat fell mid calf and was accompanied by muted fuchsia suede boots. A look not for the faint hearted. An effervescent, boatneck maxi column dress complete with cascading pink and purple motif was a winning combination of pulchritude and polished bohemia. A graphic, architecturally inspired, aubergine, black and white body skimming dress was attenuated by a robe style belt. Colour blocking was prevalent on a cobalt and snow white envelope clutch.

A pristine white cape coat with funnel neckline revealing black fur trimming was a chic and simplistic garment with just the right dose of minimalism thrown into the mix. A suede and waxed leather, textural, large size satchel was clutched casually.

A Florentine Pucci signature scarf print turtleneck dress in beetroot featured diamond print design and was married to desert sand suede boots. Stretch ponti suiting in the eye catching shade of azure featured on stretch ponti leggings and safari inspired hip length jacket. Leather dungarees were worn effortlessly with braces slumped casually by the side of thighs. The dungarees were twinned to yellow and cobalt, embellished,studded boatneck knit with subtle fluted sleeve.

A sizzling, sirenesque, teal body con, floor sweeping jersey gown complete with libidinous hip high split was held strategically together with gold button and elastic toggle detail. The split revealed matching teal suede thigh high boot. A burnished bronze, scintillating sequin tux with black lapels was a lavish addition. Flat front cigarette leg trousers screamed Studio 54. An Ikat print, duchesse satin, textural plunge evening gown with tulle trimmings, peplum and cummerbund starred in the shades of cobalt and black. This was the closing look of the show. A standout, timeless classic with an avant garde edge.

By Courtney Jones.

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.