Now it’s Thursday and I am suffering ever so slightly from Wonderful Wednesday – but in the best way a fashionista can – sore feet and champagne brain.
After the fabulous GPO shows at lunch yesterday, I was looking forward to my evening at the Designer Parade, followed by the Eco Luxe Fashion Expose. A quick wardrobe change at work (and didn’t I get some looks walking down Collins Street in my strapless frock and gold shrug during peak hour!) and it was on for a night in Melbourne.
Designer Parade 2 at the town hall in Melbourne was to feature Dhini, Ginger & Smart, Gorman, Kirrily Johnston, LIFEwithBIRD and Nicola Finetti. Kicking off at the VIP bar, champagne and breadsticks were the drink and canapé de jour and we mingled with the fashion set while awaiting the arrival of the gorgeous Jess Hart. Dressed in an orange maxi dress with (very) deep purple lipstick, Jess and her sister posed for many a photograph – she was difficult to miss in the orange and everyone wanted a happy snap!
Sitting front row at the parade with Jess Hart directly opposite me, and Kirrily Johnston not 3 feet away, I had to pinch myself to stop smiling at the excitement of it all. The town hall doesn’t feature a runway as such, but an open stage/dancefloor configuration that actually gives the models some room to move when passing each other (or slipping on the polished floor in skyhigh heels).
Soft peach and pastels joined vibrant brights and flowing fabrics on the runway while an interesting choice of sandal /thong/tied up shoe structure piece adorned the boys feet at the Kirrily Johnston parade. LIFEwithBIRD reminded me somewhat of pyjamas but I imagine the girls wouldn’t be wearing the 13cm Peeptoe platforms to bed.
A quick look in at the Little Black Dress Exhibition on Little Collins Street (divine – you must see it!) and onto the Eco Luxe Fashion Expose at Alumbra, Docklands.
Sustainable fashion is an up and coming trend – fabrics made from sustainable materials, as well as processes and production methods that are carbon neutral. My personal favourite was Vintage Soul featuring dresses adorned with bows, but the boys gear – quite wearable as opposed to the earlier designer show – was a stand out. Other labels at Eco Luxe included Lady Petrova, Made in Donald, Rachael Cassar, Eva Q Design, Obikinomi, Boche Collection, Kiss Chacey, Etiko and shoes by Vivien Westwood’s Melissa.
More fun and frivolity was to come and we departed Docklands for the CBD again, headed to The Emerald Peacock on Lonsdale Street for the official after party, a great venue with a rooftop lounge area and classy décor. Also fabulous cocktails – it had vodka, juice and a flower, and likely a host of other bits and bobs but it was VERY good! I met some serious fashion folk – a doctor who takes annual leave to attend the weeks’ activities – and chatted about the earlier parades and what was to come.
As the night wound up, I fell into bed tired but happy, dreaming of all the fashion of the day and looking forward to volunteer shifts for the rest of the week. Check out www.msfw.com.au for all the events and sign up to the newsletter for daily updates!
