Monthly Archives: May 2015

Hidden Treasure at TROVE

Trove is little off the beaten track at Gold Creek and you have to search to find it, but it’s worth the effort. By Aine Dowling

A selection of art and hand-made at Trove, 7 O’Hanlon Place, Gungahlin (Gold Creek Nicholls)

Hidden away from the myriad of shops and cafés that surround The Abbey, Trove is across the road and in the direction of the Dinosaur Museum and sits among a small, but select, couple of cafés, a small craft shop, and a photographic studio.

A collective of artists, creators, inventors, and makers, Trove deserves more patronage than it actually gets. Here’s a little look at what Trove has to offer.

Fiona Hill: artist and painter—view more images at LFW Your Canberra—Fi’s Art House

JAC Designs: stunning upcycled jewellery made from spoons and copper piping

Creations by Holmes: beautiful wooden accessories, toys, home wear, and those gorgeous rocking horses—one of which is donated each year to a local Canberra hospital to assist with fundraising

Silver Sparrow: more amazing upcycled jewellery using watch cogs

Ambience: deliciously fragrance candles, oils and melts

Wombat and poss: gorgeous selection of hand-made clothing and toys for babies and children

What I Made: an eclectic mix beautiful fabric dolls for kids (and grown-ups!) and terrariums

So next time you’re at Gold Creek take a little side trip to visit this treasure Trove—you’ll love it!

https://trovecanberra.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/trovecanberra?fref=ts

360 degrees at Kingston!

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Pre-loved or designer fashion—you can get it all at 360!

By Aine Dowling

Three Sixty Fashion Market, aka 360FM, opened up shop in the Kingston Fitter’s Workshop in October 2014 and is already becoming the place for ethical, sustainable, and vintage (pre-loved) clothing and accessories. Its location is ideal—smack between the Canberra Glassworks and The Old Bus Depot Markets—attracting visitors from both, as well as standing on its own as a unique outlet for bargain designer items.

Recycled bohemian sits among the classic and corporate wear at 360FM

Recycled bohemian sits among classic and corporate wear at 360FM

LFW paid its first visit to the busy market on Sunday and we were impressed with the range of goods on offer. The pre-loved stuff is very high quality but not high-priced; verified by the lovely Fletcher Jones tartan kilt I picked up for less than $40 at Hummingbird Vintage. There are a number of former FASHFEST designers there including Dissonance, and Audrey Blue, plus hand-made jewellery from Peonynpearl, bags from Sash & Belle, candles, and books and toys.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s on offer. Check 360FM website for their next market day.

Ethical and certified fair-trade fashion by Audrey Blue

Gorgeous hand-made jewellery by Peonynpearl

Pops of lime among classic black by Dissonance

Dissonance designer, Annette Clark with her 2013 FASHFEST dress

Dissonance designer, Annette Clark with her striking 2013 FASHFEST dress

Gorgeous bags from Sash & Belle’s Autumn/Winter Collection

Flat out at Hummingbird Vintage

FASHFEST—Colour my World!

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Yes, we know we loved the monochrome, but sometimes you just have to have a bit of colour, and FASHFEST designers really know how to pop a colour. Take a look at some of the colourful and gorgeous creations over the four night event—certain to brighten up any Canberra winter day! By Aine Dowling

Listed in alphabetical order. All photos by LFW unless indicated.

BM Designs

Boho Bird

Hana Apparel Designs

Miranda Sa’khino

Popping colour by Miranda Sakhino. Model: Lydia Honan, Hair and makeup: http://www.sakhino.com, Photographer: Andrew Kiyingi

Recollection

Sovata

Sovata (R) – showcased her collection on Night 3

The Prodigal Daughter

The Professor’s Daughter

Zilpah Tart

FASHFEST—DAY FIVE

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Fashion lovers are buzzing with the new collections launched at FASHFEST this year, and although bump out had already begun yesterday for Canberra’s biggest fashion show ever, 18 designers were still at it on DAY FIVE. While the catwalk experience is the pinnacle in the fashion world, many Canberra designers are inspired by the direct experience with customers that DAY FIVE offers.

By Wendy Johnson

Louisa de Smet, from Corr Blimey, says it’s integral to what she does as a designer. “We love meeting customers direct,” says Louisa. “It gives us an opportunity to understand their needs, refine our designs, and push boundaries with them. Canberra is a sophisticated market in many ways, which makes it all the more rewarding.”

The designers set up in ‘market style’ for DAY FIVE. For customers this was a valuable chance to meet designers to advise on style, colour and fabric, try on garments, get measured up, place orders if stock is not available in your size and, overall, indulge in the wonderful world of fashion.

BMdesigns headwear

Barb Mickelson, from BMDesigns, for example, spoke about her new Heaven and Earth collection, including how she hand-dyed fabrics, including with rust. And she can help customers experiment with her amazing hats. So too can Jade Sargent, the designer behind Sovata, who specialises in a total hatted look. Jade’s collection popped with colour on the catwalk.

Sovata

DAY FIVE was also the only chance customers had to speak with New Zealand’s Melanie Child, who was at FASHFEST for the first time this year. Melanie specialises in producing high-end, upcycled clothing, reusing one item to create another or higher quality or value than the original.

Upcycled by Melanie Child

And it’s was a great opportunity to talk to contemporary jeweller Tanja von Behrens, who collaborated with two fashion designers on the runway. Tanja has designed her new line of graphic jewellery around Canberra’s streets and some of the capital’s icons. She uses 100 per cent recycled sterling silver, copper and brass to create her works, manufacturing by hand as much as possible.

The Design Institute of Australia also attended Day Five to award The Graduate Designer of the Year. The prize is a membership in the Institute, which represents all design disciplines, and a mentorship by the ACT Chapter.

DAY FIVE was held at the National Convention Centre and with free entry and live music by the Director of Music for FASHFEST, Ashley Feraude, has become an integral part of the FASHFEST experience.

Designers participating in DAY Five are all featured on the FASHFEST website. They are, in alphabetical order:

BMDesigns

Corr Blimey

Illusory Cog

Luke Chiswell

Melanie Child

Sovata

More information: http://fashfest.com.au/day-five/

FASHFEST Finale—What a Night!

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Night 4 at FASHFEST was a true finale in every sense—with not only individual designers and their collections on display, but a final parade of all designers over the four nights. Spectacular! Lots more monochrome with a touch of bohemia thrown in from Boho Bird, and some interesting men’s wear from Cameron & James, and Corr Blimey.

By Aine Dowling. Photos by LFW.

Boho Bird is part of Birdsnest in Cooma and includes our fave label Belle Bird as well as That Bird Label and Birdkeepers. All garments are easy to wear, comfortable and perfect for the Australian lifestyle, and we’ve certainly got our eye on a couple of pieces for our next tropical trip! This is Boho Bird’s debut appearance at FASHFEST.

Menswear by Cameron & James of Melbourne focusses on trendy, cutting edge clothing for young men who appreciate comfort and are not afraid to take it to the edge with style. The label is also 100 per cent accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia, so you can also take pride in the fact that you’re helping the environment. This is their debut appearance at FASHFEST.

CIT All Stars features six graduates from the Canberra Institute of Technology who showcased their designs this year. The All Stars show demonstrates the diversity and innovation, and not to mention talent, of the individual graduates. CIT is FASHFEST’s official education partner.

This is Assemblage Project—Karen Lee’s third year at FASHFEST and is famous for her easy to wear, no zips, no darts, garments. Karen’s simple yet sophisticated lines are for women of all ages, shapes, sizes and culture who can transform the garment to suit their personal style. All garments are designed and cut in Canberra with manufacture in Canberra, Melbourne, and Albury.

Corr Blimey is one of Canberra’s most well-known and independent labels and is ‘street sculpture’ at its best! Corr Blimey is a sustainable (minimum waste) designer for both men and women who look to take the lead in life and fashion. All garments are designed and made in Canberra and this is their third year at FASHFEST.

Music on the night from Chanel Cole, Cris Lucas, Kayo Marbulis, and Mondecreen all under the direction of amazingly talented FASHFEST Director of Music, Ashley Feraude (Magnifik).

Ashley Feraude (Magnifik) FASHFEST Musical Director

Designers from previous nights who also put in appearance at the finale, and added more colour to the monochrome, included Sovata, and The Prodigal Daughter.

Sovata (R) – showcased her full collection on Night 3

The Prodigal Daughter from Night 2

And finally, we had to include this from BM Designs on Night 2 because it’s just so bloody awesome! Next Melbourne Cup anyone?

LFW loves monochrome at FASHFEST!

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Monochrome or colour? What’s your take? For our fave selections we asked ourselves ‘would we wear it?’—after all, that’s what it’s all about. Here are our fave monochrome labels from Day 2 at FASHFEST 2015.

by Aine Dowling. Photos by LFW

Belle Bird

We have got to get to Cooma—this is our absolute favourite so far! We are totally loving this cool, professional look—clean and crisp, and so good to have an affordable label that caters for girls with curves. Belle Bird is part of Cooma shop Birdsnest and includes That Bird Label, Belle Bird, Birdkeepers, and Boho Bird. Birdsnest caters for sizes 12 – 22 and also includes gorgeous classic function/cocktail wear, and an entire raft of shapes and styles from dresses and tops to pants and leggings. And lots of Australian wool!

The Label

Designed for professional women who want to stand out from the crowd—the leader, not the follower. Monochrome with edge! And lots of different pieces to mix and match. Excellent!

Mimetic

The capsule wardrobe for professional women on the move with superb mix and match pieces to go from meetings to merrymaking … and all in a 7kg carry-on—fantastic!

Last night at FASHFEST tonight! Have you got your ticket?

FASHFEST 2015—Day 2 Runway

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Giving you a look at the entire collections and designers from Day 2 (strictly night 2) at FASHFEST. Who was our favourite? Too many to choose, but we did have a couple—check out our follow-up post for that one!

by Aine Dowling. Photos by LFW

First up Recollection by designer Philippa Soutberg. This collection is inspired by the Australia’s birdlife and landscape and include classic, timeless pieces designed for women aged 25 – 45. All garments are designed and manufactured in Canberra. This is Recollection‘s second year at FASHFEST.

BM Designs creates headwear also inspired by Australian birdlife and the Aussie bush. Designer Barbara Mickelson has won several awards and her entire collection includes outfits, dresses and accessories. Barb has also taught creative headwear and textiles, and this is her second year at FASHFEST.

Simone Perele from Stephanie’s Boutique Lingerie. See LFW Style Opening Night Runway review for more information.

Hana Apparel Designs is owned by Neda Alemohammad who creates beautiful pieces inspired by Persian designs that celebrate the culture and splendour of Iran, and is designed for women of all ages. All garments are designed and made in Australia, and this is Hana’s debut appearance at FASHFEST. You can read more about Hana at LFW Style Who’s Who at FASHFEST.

At last—so nice to see ‘curvy couture’ on the runway! Belle Bird is about confidence and celebrating those awesome curves! Designed by Peige Eber, Hannah Knight and Emilie White this clothing label caters for women size 12 – 22 and is part of the Birdsnest brand in Cooma, NSW, and includes That Bird Label, Belle Bird, Bird Keepers, and Boho Bird.

Bronwen Stead was a former bikini model and is passionate about sport and millinery—put the two together and you get the amazing collection Angel Wings. All wings are made exclusively in Bronwen’s Canberra studio and this collection is in collaboration with fashion by Dana Carmont.

Graduate CIT designer, Emma O’Rourke makes her debut appearance at FASHFEST with The Label offering signature pieces for modern and professional women. Emma also designs her own prints and has a sustainable and ethical approach to her work, mixing traditional fabrics with techo-materials.

Mimetic is the famous ‘fit in a carry-on’ designed capsule wardrobe from George McWilliam and Melissa Pompeani who create classic clothes for women on the go. Both off-the-rack and made-to-measure garments are designed and made in Canberra. This is Mimetic’s debut appearance at FASHFEST. Read more about this brand at LFW Style Minimise with Mimetic!

Rockstars and Royalty in collaboration with PeonynPearl

And the evening closed with the amazing Rockstars and Royalty showcasing Vicky Kidd-Gallichan’s latest collection Cherries in the Snow. One of the leading Canberra designers, Vicky collaborated on this collection with Fionna Tamin from PeonynPearl to produce the most stunning and gorgeous gowns. This is Vicky’s third appearance at FASHFEST and Fionna’s first. You can read much more about both brands at LFW Style This is the Flora Dress, and Rockstars and Royalty’s Reign of the Forest.

FASHFEST 2015—Opening Night Runway

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Little Jane Lane models with designer Rachel Jane Eager (centre)

The National Convention Centre was buzzing last night with hundreds of people attending the opening night of FASHFEST 2015. Without further ado—here’s who was who, and what was what on the runway.

By Aine Dowling

Ziyah was first off with its lovely resort and beach wear—these designs would suit any age, and any shape. Made mostly from neoprene, the fabric holds the body beautifully and keeps its shape when wet and dry. This was one of our faves on the night. Designer Erin Spain graduated from CIT in 2014 and is already making her mark in the fashion stakes.

Like a tea party? Join Little Jane Lane in feminine and whimsical tea party style complete with buttons and bows, and a little bit of sparkle. Rachel Jane Eager is also a CIT graduate from 2014 and this is her debut appearance at FASHFEST.

Luke Chiswell is a visual artist whose collection takes it to the edge. Influenced by his experience in New York and Los Angeles, Luke’s work explores decoration, texture and silhouette using silk, canvas, linen, lace and flowers.

Love the sun and the sea but hate the boring protective surfwear? Solar Bare has a gorgeous range of protective wear for the Aussie beaches. Inspired by natural marine patterns in beautiful blues, greens and aqua these garments ‘look hot and feel cool, while you look cool and feel hot!’ All garments are designed in Canberra.

That Bird Label hails from Cooma and is designed for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Designers Peige Eber, Hannah Knight and Emilie White work in collaboration with local artists and their clients to create new prints and looks for each season. The label has a strong following in the Monaro and Snowy Mountains.

Bold colours of Africa combined with the muted hues of the Australian landscape merges to make stunning creative garments from The Prodigal Daughter and another LFW fave. Designer Phoebe Mwanza unites her two worlds and colours for those who want to stand out from the crowd. This is Phoebe’s debut appearance at FASHFEST and you can read more about her at LFW Style Who’s Who at Fashfest.

The gorgeous feminine and sexy French lingerie from Simone Pérèle is brought to Canberra by Stephanie’s Boutique Lingerie in Kingston. Simon Pérèle opened in 1948 and is famous for fit, comfort, style, and just a little bit of ‘cheek’.

The Professor’s Daughter had its debut appearance on opening night and provided corporate and business attire with a twist. Designer Mariska Thynne has shoved the basic black suit out of her Peranakan Windows to create colourful and bold pieces while holding true to classic business style. We have to admit that this label is one of our faves, and one we would happily wear to work or a function. Sizes are available in 6 – 24. Read more about The Professor’s Daughter at LFW Style Canberra’s Inspirational Design.

Rounding off the night was Perpetually Five plus Clare with a somewhat unusual ‘nightmarish’ design that somehow required their models to make a rather unique catwalk strut. Always the showman, Mitch Thompson manages to outdo himself every year. Last year it was roller skates, this year a Roman Chariot! By his own admission, Mitch designs are ‘fun’ to look at and wear, and combined with Clare’s surrealism the outcome does not pass un-noticed. This collaboration, titled The Haunted Mask, is aimed at consumers aged 18 – 35. This is Mitch’s third year at FASHFEST and Clare’s first.

Fantastic music on the night from Jack Billman, Hudak, and Suavess.

Night 2 tonight! National Convention Centre—doors open 7pm

www.fashfest.com.au

It’s a FASHFEST Bump In!

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FASHFEST bump in has started!

By Aine Dowling

I spent a fair bit of time in amateur theatre productions in a past life, and I thought I knew what a ‘bump in’ was all about. ‘Can you spare a couple of hours this weekend to help unload the van at bump in?’ Yeah, sure; no problem. But when three semi-trailers—each as big as a house—turn up on your doorstep (and that’s just with the seating) you know it’s going to take a tad longer than a couple of hours. With only three days to go—it’s a FASHFEST bump in.

The National Convention Centre is undergoing a complete transformation, including aforementioned three semi-trailer loads of tiered seating from Melbourne; the likes of which has never been used in Canberra before. The catwalk is installed—the longest Canberra has ever seen at 45 metres, and together with 20 tonnes (yes, you read it right!) of sound and lighting equipment from Elite Sound and Lighting, and LED screens at 2 – 3 times bigger than previous years; you are going to get the FASHFEST experience of a lifetime!

Getting the seating installed in the National Convention Centre

At 45 metres long, the catwalk is the biggest Canberra has ever seen

The Centre foyer will include layout design by Capezio Copeland and Walter Knoll furniture installed by Walter Knoll and Designcraft. A super special VIP area will cater for those who support, sponsor, or have purchased VIP packages to view this amazing extravaganza, and there are three media walls—two in the main area, and one in the VIP.

Walter Knoll chair (with Corr Blimey model in Scaffold Dress)

Then there’s the backstage. At the last count there were:

85 models
16 official photographers
Hair stylists from 23 Canberra salons, all working under Director of Hair, Darren Jones, and Creative Director of Hair, Craig Rhodes—with over 70 stylists all up including teachers and graduates from CIT
Around 50 makeup artists (not including students from CMA Training Group, and Studio A) working under Director of Makeup, Diana Cheetham, and Creative Director, Katie Saarikko.

Then there’s the florists, bar and bar staff, ushers, musicians and entertainers, and we haven’t even started on the designers and their teams. And, of course, not forgetting the FASHFEST team, PR, and media who pull the whole shebang together!

And (but wait, there’s more) it’s not just the four days either. FASHFEST Day 5 is a special event where you have the opportunity to meet and chat with the designers, and get up close and personal with their collections. You can try on the garments, get measured up, place orders, and indulge. You can literally Shop ‘til you Drop and it’s free!

FASHFEST 13 – 16 May FASHFEST Day 5 17 May

Minimise with Mimetic!

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Business travel can be so weary. Pack, pack, pack, and pack again. Drag your heavy suitcase from pillar to post. Unpack to only realise your wardrobe is so uncoordinated it will be nothing short of a laughing stock in the boardroom. Well here’s a hot tip…

By Wendy Johnson

Invest in a capsule wardrobe that is practical, stylish, fashionable, and fits in a 7-kilogram capacity suitcase. Yes—a 7-kilogram capacity suitcase. This is no ordinary wardrobe either. It’s one that will take you from work to social situations in a flash.

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LFW MAGAZINE

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Monthly Archives: May 2015

Hidden Treasure at TROVE

360 degrees at Kingston!

FASHFEST—Colour my World!

FASHFEST—DAY FIVE

FASHFEST Finale—What a Night!

LFW loves monochrome at FASHFEST!

FASHFEST 2015—Day 2 Runway

FASHFEST 2015—Opening Night Runway

It’s a FASHFEST Bump In!

Minimise with Mimetic!