Spring Fashion Week

Articles

Party On, by Janice Breen Burns - 8th September 2006
(Credit: The Age)

Two of the three major fashion events in Melbourne this week have finished, but Spring Fashion Week is still running, full-tilt, until Sunday, writes fashion editor Janice Breen Burns.

It is a historic week for frocks: two trade shows - one sparse and chic, one a nuts-and-bolts market that clocked 8000 buyers through the turnstiles - and Melbourne's own Spring Fashion Week (MSFW). By Sunday, it's estimated that up to 100,000 punters will have streamed through MSFW's 100 exhibitions, seminars and parties, and packed the town hall for its nightly odes to a glorious season of bubble, baby-doll and belted frocks, deconstructed suits and the odd dropped-crotch trouser.

In a global glut of fast fashion, the sold-out shows were a reminder of the original talent we have under our nose. Ess Hoshika's deconstructivism was a revelation. A laser-cut broderie cotton lace frock hitched up on one side to expose a white linen dirndl slip was a charmingly simple example of the label's art/fashion hybrid style, and its most wearable collection yet. Winners of this year's Tiffany new designer award, T.V. (formerly T.vanek verner), showed originality combined with impeccable fi nish in soft high-waisted trousers and split and dragged tailored pieces that would compare comfortably with any international designer brand. Vixen cleverly expanded its repertoire into simpler-than-its- usual mixtures of paisley and splotch-floral prints in palettes of pink and magenta, blue and green that will also expand its appeal to 16-to-24-year-old core fashion fans. Gwendolynne and Richard Nylon fused in their inimitable style for more exotic fl ights of glamour. Nylon's towering feathered headdresses opened one show that also featured Gwendolynne Burkin's silk satin gowns that rippled like water around the body, and were anchored with her own lace, constructed on a black net silk base, and crusted with beads and crystals.

Last night's town hall show, The Blue Room, with high-volt collections by Bettina Liano, Bowie, Flux, Leopold, Morrissey, Roger Grinstead and White Suede, were the last of this year's series, but there is plenty of punch left in Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.

SPRING FASHION: WHAT'S ON
Aperture, photography exhibition, Fashion Incubator, until Sunday, 10am-6pm (closes 9pm today).
Jan Logan interactive jewellery workshops, 90 Collins Street, city, until Sunday, 10am-6pm.
The Flinders Quarter handworked to wear 2006 exhibition, Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, from 10am. Finishes today at 3pm.
Moving images: Justin Smith and the Australian Ballet, photography exhibition, until September 17, 11am-5pm weekdays and noon-4pm Saturdays.
Designs on denim installation: a collaboration between Guess and RMIT, today and tomorrow, 9am-5pm.
SPECIAL EVENTS TODAY
Design a fashion collection, CAE workshop, 10am, $50 plus materials. Phone: 9652 0611.
The hidden secrets of Melbourne, fashion walks, 11am- 1pm, and 1pm-3pm, $36. Phone: 0418 332 027 (also tomorrow, same times.)
QV fashion exhibitionists, live snapshot shows, QV Building, Albert Coates Lane, off Swanston Street, from noon. (Free - also tomorrow, same times.)
Create your own spring racing hat demonstration, Lincraft, Australia on Collins, levels 4 and 5, noon-2pm. (Free - also tomorrow and Sunday, same times.)
Australia on Collins Spring Fashion Week luncheon and parade, $40, noon-3pm. Phone: 9650 4355.
Meet the milliner – Louise Macdonald talks about her collaboration with Boss Woman, 230 Collins Street, 12.30pm- 1.30pm. (Free - also tomorrow, same times.) MCM Studio VIP night, The Block Arcade, 282 Collins Street, 5pm-7.30pm (free with booking: tabatharoberts@ hotkey.net.au).
Late night with Lenko, new-season launch party, Lenko boutique, level 3, Melbourne Central, 5pm-9pm.
Spring Racing Carnival cocktail party, Zentini boutique, 95 Queen Street, 5.30pm-6.30pm. (Free with booking. Phone: 9640 0940.)
Jan Logan cocktail evening, jewellery collection show, 6pm- 7pm. (Free with booking. Phone: 9650 9099.)
An evening hosted by Teena Varigos, at her boutique, Australia on Collins, level 3, 6pm- 8pm. (Free with booking. Phone: 9650 5656.)
Fashion @ Fed Square fabulous finery showcase and parade, BMW Edge, $15 and $10, at the door, 6.30pm-9.30pm.
M3 (makeovers, manicures and martinis), the Canary Club, 7pm-9pm, $35. Book at makeoversmanicuresandmartinis. com. (Also tomorrow, same time.)
TOMORROW
Mooks store launch , QV, Red Cape Lane, off Swanston Street, from 10am.
Fashion books @ Fed Square, book market, the Atrium, Federation Square, 11am-5pm.
Nivea Visage girls’ day out, and the Motorola fashion marquee, Flemington racecourse, noon-6pm, $70; 1300 727 575.
Paris End: photography, fashion and glamour, tour and tea, National Gallery of Victoria, 3pm, $18. Phone: 8662 1555.
SUNDAY
Queen Victoria Market style challenge, Corner Queen and Victoria Streets, noon-3pm.
Dessert - The official introduction and launch of Lyndel Yeo, Kitten Club, 267 Little Collins Street, 4pm-6pm, (Free with booking: missyeolaunch@ hotmail.com).

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