Category Archives: LFW Style

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—Zilpah tart

By Aine Dowling.

Over the last three years Zilpah tart has established itself as a well-known label in the Canberra region, and is recognised for its unusual and colourful prints that represent Canberra’s unique environment. Designer Yumi Morrissey uses Canberra themed fabrics which include the famous Parliament House dress, through to Canberra’s spring blossoms, and the bright and bold autumn colours of Vivid. Her latest collection, based on a slightly different Canberra theme, will be showcased at FASHFEST 2016.

Federal Member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann, wearing Zilpah tart Parliament House panel dress

Zilpah tart fashion is easily wearable, and recognisable! It’s designed for women who like to stand out in a crowd but be comfortable at the same time. Her designs have been worn by high-profile Canberra women including Federal Member MP Gai Brodtmann, and Senator Katie Gallagher, both of whom embraced the originality of the Canberra themed garments.

Yumi designs her own fabrics for her collections. She takes photographs around the Canberra region and manipulates the images using Photoshop to repeat the pattern, creating beautiful and intricate prints onto the soft feminine fabrics. “For my latest collection I had to travel a little further afield as I couldn’t get close enough to the images in Canberra,” says Yumi, “so I had to make a side trip to Crookwell and use images from there.” The images from Crookwell are only a part of the collection which also includes beautiful Canberra sunsets over the Brindabella ranges, and stunning images from a particularly well-known annual Spectacular event!

Vivid—autumn/winter collection 2016

Vivid red print – original photograph

Vivid red print fabric and dress

Bloom—spring/summer collection 2015

Canberra spring blossoms in Bloom collection

Parliament Kaleidoscope—autumn collection 2015

Parliament Kaleidoscope print panel dress

And what’s in store for spring 2016? Here’s a sneak peek—can you guess what Spectacular event this is?

One of Zilpah tart’s new print fabrics for FASHFEST 2016

Zilpah tart is available online at their website or from CARDIF Collective, The Parliament Shop, and Canberra Handmade Market.

Zilpah tart collection FASHFEST 2015 – photo by LFW

Zilpah tart will be showcasing her latest collection at FASHFEST 2016 on Friday 30 September Show Two at 8.30pm at the National Convention Centre. Tickets on sale now!

Images courtesy Zilpah tart except where indicated.

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—SOVATA

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For four years in a row Sovata has showcased a new collection at FASHFEST. By Aine Dowling.

Sovata collection 2015 – photo by LFW

Those who remember FASHFEST—way back when we were all freezing in an airport building—will also remember the classy race wear and amazing coordinated millinery of Sovata’s first show in 2013. Now we’re comfortably ensconced in the National Convention Centre, and Sovata has ventured slightly away from race wear for her latest collection. LFW caught up with Sovata designer, Jade Sargent, in her home studio, surrounded by sketches, patterns, and colour.

Sovata – previous collection

50/17 Spring/Summer Collection by Sovata is inspired by the 1950s cut and style; from svelte silhouettes, through nipped waists with full skirts, to androgynous tailored pants (think Lauren Bacall and Katherine Hepburn), all with a bold and modern twist.

“I’ve always loved the 50s look,” says Jade, “and so I bought some really old 50s patterns to research the difference between fashion then and the look of today. When you look at images from that period the women look quite different from now, and I had to ask myself; was their figure really so different, and did they all have 20 inch waists, or was it the way the clothes were cut.

“I started making patterns using darting from the 50s—which is quite different from the way darts are used today, and it offers a very flattering silhouette—in order to both incorporate the look into a modern style, and to include my minimal waste and sustainability of designs, which I’m still quite passionate about.”

Although moving slightly away from her zero waste past, Jade has moved into more natural and organic fabrics, including silks and cottons and blends of the two, while still using strong, bold colours together with blacks and pastels to emphasise the cut and shape of the garment. And although not specifically race wear, 50/17 can take you to the races, to work, or out and about. And the hats are yet to come!

Sovata – 2015 collection

50/17 will also include Sovata’s stunning trademark hats; each one complementing the garment, and following through with style and colour.

All garments by Sovata are custom made to suit the individual client’s taste and style. You can see more Sovata designs on their website, Facebook page, and Etsy.

Image Credits: Designer Sovata – Jade Sargent, Photographer Bad Cat Photography – Bec Fasson, Makeup Artistry – Kaarin Helmers, Models Lara Schroder, Georgia Mackay, Location East Hotel Canberra.

Sovata will be showcasing 50/17 at FASHFEST on Thursday 29 September in Show One at 6.30pm. Tickets on sale now!

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—ASSEMBLAGE PROJECT

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By the LFW Team.

Do you know who made your clothes? If you don’t—perhaps you should. Here at LFW we’re all in favour of fair trade and buying local, and if it’s organic and sustainable as well; even better!

Karen Lee

Assemblage Project in Braddon has been operating for a few years now, but in the past 12 months it’s not only changed premises, but also expanded to include a number of local designers most of whom are no waste, use organic materials, and work in Canberra and the surrounding region.

Karen Lee is well known for her no darts, easy-wear draping styles, and together with Edition, SZN, and Pure Pod, Assemblage is now in the forefront of sustainable designers in Canberra, and will be exhibiting their individual styles for the first time as a group, at FASHFEST on Saturday 1 October in Show One at 6.30pm.

All Assemblage designers Karen Lee, Edition, SZN and Pure Pod will each have their own shows to launch new collections on the same night, together with other Assemblage labels High Tea with Mrs Woo, Eva Cassis, Kowtow and Wendy Voon. So you get to see all eight labels in the one show!

One of the exciting things about a visit to Assemblage is that you’ll probably find a designer there cutting, drafting, or sewing on their huge industrial steel worktable—which also serves as the reception counter. The industrial look carries through the shop with old piping as clothes racks, low industry pendant lighting, and a simple concrete floor. Huge windows at the rear provide extra lighting to the cutting and sewing area.

Edition

Styles and fabrics are mixed and include Edition’s soft draping jersey that takes you from work to dinner, and focusses on Selvedge-to-Selvedge designs meaning zero waste. Alice Sutton’s previous collections have been Canberra themed including a nod to the Bogong Moth, and Canberra Brickworks.

SZN clothing is designed and made in Australia and focusses on simplicity. Designer Suzan Dlouhy has side-stepped slightly from her recycled street-wear past and is now using organic materials to produce smock style dresses, batwing tops, and comfy loose fitting dungarees.

Garment colours include a predominance of black, grey, and white with the occasional bold splash of deep blue, vivid red, and earthy burnt orange

Pure Pod was launched in 2006 and is considered one of Australia’s most consistent ethical fashion brands and a pioneer in Eco and Sustainability fashion. Designer Kelli Donovan takes pride in keeping the brand 100 per cent Australian made, using local craftspeople. Pure Pod is for women who really care about what they wear, who makes it, and where it comes from.

Pure Pod – photo by Tracy Lee Photography

Assemblage also includes gorgeous soft knits by Wendy Voon, natural fabrics and textiles from High Tea with Mrs Woo, and ultra-comfy Rollie shoes.

Assemblage Project, Shop 66, 30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon—check the website for open times.

You can see Assemblage Project at FASHFEST Saturday 1 October, 6.30pm at the National Convention Centre. Tickets on sale now!

FASHFEST Tickets—ON SALE NOW!

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In just under two months the champagne will be flowing as FASHFEST 2016 celebrates opening night. Tickets were released for sale TODAY! Be quick if you want the best seats in the house.

Front Row VIP Seats – FashFest 2015

More than 40 designers will showcase new collections this year; with fashion worn by a record-number of models (140 in total). For the first time, FASHFEST will roll out two shows a night, one starting at 6.30pm and one at 8.30pm.

The ticket structure includes front-row VIP seats for $135 ($185 including an exclusive guided backstage tour, which is heaps of fun). Second-row Platinum seats are $100 ($150 with the backstage tour) and Gold—first two rows of the tiered seating—are selling for $69 (all prices incl GST). Also, for the first time, FASHFEST has released $49 tickets. “We wanted to accommodate students on tight budgets and open the event up to the younger crowd,” says Andrea Hutchinson, a co-founder of FASHFEST. “Group bookings are available for some seats—buy 5 tickets, get 1 free. And if you can’t get enough of FASHFEST, buy the two shows package (gold and silver only), which gets you a 10% discount.”

Bubbles and fun at FashFest 2015 – photo by Andrew Campbell

Check out www.fashfest.com.au for what is included for each price point. No matter what you spend on your ticket—FASHFEST is a great social night out. This must-see CBR event certainly celebrates designer fashion, but it also celebrates the amazing talent of many other creatives, including musicians and DJs, original filmmakers, wow-factor hair and makeup and more.

Sound and lighting – photo by Avon Dissanayake

FASHFEST wouldn’t be FASHFEST without extraordinary sound and lighting, pulled together each year by Darren Russell of Canberra’s Elite Event Technology. You won’t believe you’re in the National Convention Centre Canberra once Darren and his time have worked their magic.

FashFest founders Andrea and Clint Hutchinson – 2015

Another creative element to FASHFEST is its themes. Each show is curated around a theme, which ensures a well-thought through guest experience. It puts the event up there with the best Australia has to offer. Themes for 2016 are all described on the FASHFEST website. “Even if fashion isn’t your thing,” says co-founder Clint Hutchinson, “you’ll love FASHFEST for its many other creative elements. I even love it because it’s the best people watching in town.”

FASHFEST 2016—29 September to 1 October. Three nights. Six distinct shows. One total fashion experience! Buy your tickets now! www.fashfest.com.au This gold-star event is supported by Events ACT, ACT Government.

Photography by CumminsPhoto unless otherwise indicated.

FASHFEST meets fletcherLovell!

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fletcherLovell is a brand new range of cute and gorgeous ballet fLats in soft leathers and comfy fabrics, and will be on display at FASHFEST 2016! LFW caught up with Penny Lovell, designer and owner of the brand, and got the scoop on these fabulous fashion items.

Gloria – in gorgeous blues with bling and sparkle!

“In 2014, I experienced a significant loss in my life and during this time, I was inspired to think of all of us as individual artworks; a mixture of emotions and stories,” says Penny. “I wanted women to think of themselves as beautiful complex paintings, colouring the world with every step that they took. Shoes were the natural fit for this vision and my own love of footwear. I chose ballet flats because they are versatile and easy to change to suit your mood. I set up the business in 2015 and launched the website in 2016.”

Isla – in bright red nappa leather

The shoes are designed in Australia and made in Spain from beautiful soft Spanish leather uppers and inners, or fabric with leather inners, and all have rubber soles for comfort and grip. The leather shoes include the Artist’s Palette range of bright colours designed to cheer up your day; the Wearable Art range which is created from Penny’s own paintings or photographs, and the Gallery range which is themed, and currently inspired by Black Square on White Ground by artist Kazimir Malevich.

fletcherLovell sizing is European and closely matches Australian and US sizes. Sizes start at EU36 (Aus6) and goes up to EU42 (12), and includes half sizes between EU37 – 41.

The shoes are handcrafted by a local Spanish family business that makes shoes for some of the biggest European brands. “When I started this journey, I had samples made from different overseas manufacturers but they were not the quality I was looking for,” says Penny. “I’m a huge fan of Spanish made shoes and I’m thrilled with this manufacturer. The quality of their craftsmanship and beauty of the leathers is unparalleled.

Belle – in bright and sunny yellow

“Our shoe boxes are also made in Spain, and one of the wonderful experiences of fLats is opening the box and working your way through the beautifully folded tissue paper to unveil silky smooth pristine shoes. It definitely makes me happy every time I open one of our boxes, and I’m hoping that everyone who attends FASHFEST will see the beauty of the colours and craftsmanship, and fall in love with our fLats.”

fletcherLovell is designed to be at the forefront of a new wave of women’s fashion; where women can embrace their individuality and know that they’re wearing not just shoes, but a work of art!

fletcherLovell fLats are available online at www.fletcherlovell.com ‘… colour your world; one step at a time’.

Annika – colouring your world …

Images courtesy fletcherLovell

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—KAREN LEE

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By the LFW team

Each designer’s fashion collection starts with inspiration. Where the inspiration comes from is not always clear. However, it’s mostly (always) a combination of research and thinking, as it is with Karen Lee, who will launch a new collection this year at FASHFEST 2016.

Karen Lee (centre) – Assemblage Project

“I’ve been exploring the work of various artists that take a minimalistic approach and use minimal palettes,” says the designer, who owns and runs Assemblage Project in Braddon. “The artists catching my attention incorporate structure with asymmetrical shapes and include uneven details. The collection is still evolving so I haven’t yet settled on a name.”

Those who know Karen Lee’s work, recognise the designer has always created contemporary and sophisticated garments that enhance changing body shapes. This collection is no exception. Karen wants women to feel comfortable and confident in her garments, and she wants them to express their individual style when wearing them and take on the garments as their own.

Karen’s collections always look fabulous on the catwalk. She’s appeared at FASHFEST every year since the event took Canberra by storm in 2013. Indeed, her label is a strong draw card for the three-day fashion event. In 2016, the designer promises a dominant, strong, bold collection, concentrating on shape and form. “I’m playing with some avant-garde pieces that bring in sculptural elements, and soft, flowing pieces,” says Karen. “I’m also exploring the idea of contradictions.”

Karen wants to evoke a sense of involvement in her 2016 collection. “I want the wearer to embrace the garments; love what is on the catwalk and say ‘I want that outfit’.”

Karen’s new collection is in tune with the signature restrained colour palette she’s known for. As is always the case with this seasoned designer, the new outfits won’t follow here-today-gone-tomorrow fads or trends. “I design garments that can be worn for years,” says Karen. “Because of their design, quality of fabric, and the way they’re made, my designs celebrate slow fashion and all the term embraces.”

Slow fashion and ethical fashion are at the heart of Assemblage Project. “While the mainstream fashion industry relies on globalised, mass production, where garments go from the design stage to the retail floor in a few, short weeks, the labels I carry do not,” she says. “They’re not just a label. They’re slow. They’re ethical and in many ways sustainable.”

Assemblage Project has carried up to 10 independent fashion labels at a time. Currently, Karen stocks seven labels, four of which will launch collections at FASHFEST 2016—Edition, SZN, Pure Pod and her own label, Karen Lee. For the first time, Assemblage Project itself will also be doing a show at FASHFEST. Stay tuned for details.

FASHFEST 2016 is on 29 September to 1 October at the award-winning National Convention Centre Canberra. Three nights. Six distinct shows. One total fashion experience!

Tickets on sale soon.

So you want to be a Model …

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By Wendy Johnson

Keen to model at the largest and most stylish fashion event on the capital’s social calendar?

FASHFEST is gearing up for the 2016 model casting, to be held 22 May at the National Convention Centre. And already the number of model hopefuls applying has smashed last year’s record of 300.

The casting is ‘open’ which means models don’t have to belong to an agency. Indeed, since FASHFEST is big on training, applicants don’t even have to have previous modelling experience. If they have what it takes, they’ll cross the line and get to be in Canberra’s red-carpet fashion event. The only restriction is that models have to be 16 years of age on the day of the casting.

But what does it take to be a model? Internationally renowned photographer Robert Coppa—one of the five-member judging panel for the casting—says fluidity of motion is paramount as is the ability to exude confidence.

Robert Coppa

“You have to ‘own’ what you’re doing as a model. Coming in and out of poses confidently and smoothly, as though you’ve done it 100 times is the key,” says Robert. “With catwalk modelling you’re meant to look aloof and slightly disengaged because it’s all about showing off the designer fashion.”

The models are each assigned a number and have to glide up and down the makeshift catwalk before the judges. They’ll walk to music by Hamish Lardi, NeonHoney and FASHFEST’s official music director, Ashley Feraude. Keeping nerves calm is a challenge for some, even those with experience.

Other members of this year’s judging panel are Hayley O’Neill, Sydney-based fashion stylist and Fashion Office Coordinator at Marie Claire Australia, who originally hails from Canberra, and the owners of Canberra’s top modelling agencies Victoria Schnabl, Victoria’s Models, Andrea Hutchinson, HAUS Models, and Tina Nikolovski, Devojka Models.

FashFest Judging Panel 2015

As with previous years, FASHFEST is looking for diversity in its models, in part to meet the aesthetics of the different fashion designers who launch new collections on the catwalk. For example, with FASHFEST 2015, Red Corner Boxing required that ‘healthy, clean sports’ look. Other designers, like Karen Lee (who has launched a collection every year since FASHFEST began) require a mature, sophisticated look. Still others, like Hana Apparel Design and The Prodigal Daughter, require a look that celebrates their ethnicity.

While it’s serious stuff, Clint Hutchinson, co-founder of FASHFEST, says the model casting is a relaxed day and heaps of fun.

Nick Ellis (producer) directing operations at 2015 model casting

So if you think you’d like to give it a go, register for the 22 May model casting. If nothing else, you’ll have a great day and gain some great experience. Registration a must before the day of the casting, and you can register at www.fashfest.com.au

Trending Autumn with LFW!

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A few essential items can take you anywhere this autumn, and you probably have them already in your wardrobe. By Aine Dowling

The leaves are falling; nights are cooling, and it’s time to start thinking about getting the boots and jumpers out of hibernation, and check what’s trending in autumn/winter fashion. At a recent Get Your Style On event we were inspired by style guru and amazing presenter, Trish Murray, on autumn essentials and how to ramp up your wardrobe. And the best thing? You don’t need to take out a mortgage to look the part. With some savvy shopping, you can look like a million dollars without the spend! Check out our pics and Get the Look!

Crop jackets

Dark jeans, long tops, and a little crop jacket

Dark blue stretch jeans are definitely an item. Wear them rolled up for a casual look, or full length with cute little ankle boots for a more dressy date, and colder weather—just make sure they’re the perfect fit.

Dark blue stretch jeans

Long sleeveless tops (that cover your butt) look great with jeans and there’s a gazillion styles to choose from. Choose one with some shape that’s not too loose and bulky, and top it with a cropped jacket; one that sits just above or on the waist so the bottom of the top is showing. Stripes are also making a comeback in tops, as is the sleeveless turtle neck. Your little crop jacket can be plain, with or without a collar, or with stylish zip (or other hardware) features. Finish with a tote-bag for casual daytime, or a nice clutch for a great smart casual look.

The pencil skirt

A pencil skirt goes with anything. Wear it short with opaque tights and flats or ankle boots, or on the knee with full length boots or a heel. If you go for black, top it with some colour, you don’t want to look funereal, and many people just don’t like the all black look. A peplum top hides a tummy, while your shaped long top or tunic covers the hips and gives a longer line.

Pencil skirt worn with crop jacket and ankle boots

The boots

For style, comfort, and warmth, you can’t beat a good boot. Ankle boots are great with jeans and skirts, and long boots look terrific with short or long skirts and dresses. So many styles and colours to mix and match with—just don’t wear suede in the rain.

Cute ankle boots with buckle detail

The coat

As mentioned in our earlier post In the Trench, the Trench Coat is back! But, so is colour! Short or long, trench or not, look bright and cheerful in bright blue, forest green, burnt orange, plum, and bright red, or stay true to classic navy or camel. Pea coats, duffle coats, and trench ties or double-breasted will also be seen this autumn.

Winter coats: l-r Duffle, Pea, and military style

and finally … Scarves

Scarves are back—did they ever leave? This autumn/winter sees the arrival of the blanket scarf. A large warm square that can be worn rolled as a scarf or open as a shawl. Don’t underestimate the blanket in its name … round the shoulders, over the knees, as a poncho … you’re only limited by your imagination! And at the end of the season you can use it as a picnic blanket, dog blanket, sofa or bed throw or whatever!

How to wear the blanket scarf. Image by LFW

Thanks to Trish Murray, and Roundhouse Hotel Group, Premier Hotel and Apartments, Belconnen

It’s Vivid!

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Colour your World VIVID, by Wendy Johnson

Vivid is a word that describes perfectly the stunning colours of the leaves gracing the capital during autumn. And it’s a word that inspired Yumi Morrissey, the fashion designer behind Canberra’s independent label, Zilpah Tart, to get behind the lens of her camera to capture picture-perfect images she could use to design three new lines of fabric.

Vivid dress – also available in plain black

Vivid features a print with bright golden leaves Yumi discovered on trees in Yarralumla’s English Gardens. Another print features bold red leaves the designer discovered on trees while meandering through Diddams Close Park, Lake Ginninderra. And the third print—of a full tree image—was created around a shot Yumi took while in John Knight Memorial Park, also in Ginninderra.

Zilpah Tart’s three most popular styles of dresses are made in all three prints. For the colder weather (fast approaching) Yumi has adjusted her designs so some dresses and tops have long sleeves and she’s launching a new line of cape and outerwear.

Flared black cape – also available in red

Vivid loop scarves, which can be worn however your heart desires, are also part of the collection. “They’re light weight and an accessory in their own right,’ says the designer. “We wear a lot of solids in winter in the colder weather here in Canberra. These scarves easily add beautiful pops of colour.”

Vivid Loop scarf

The first time Yumi used her own photos to design her own fabrics representing special spots of Canberra was for the collection she launched at FashFest 2015. One pattern featured Australia’s very own Parliament House and a second the Civic Fountain. It was such a success that Yumi found herself wandering about with her camera in spring, capturing pretty blossoms at Tulip Top Gardens and Lennox Gardens for her Bloom Collection.

With Vivid, Yumi has manipulated the background colour of her photos, changing the blue sky to a grey scale, to form a colour palette that’s easier to wear in autumn and winter. “The grey is also a stunning contrast to the bright leaves on the autumn trees,” says Yumi.

l-r: Lava dress, T-shirt dress, Cowl neck dress

Vivid garments and scarves will be available at Cardif Collective, from Thursday 31 March (second level, Cusack Centre, Green Square, Kingston). Cardif Collective has the largest collection of independent, Australian fashion labels in the inner south. The Vivid collection also includes a gorgeous pencil skirt, and cowl neck top. Check out the full collection at www.zilpahtart.com.au

Vivid cross-front dress

Zilpah Tart products are also available online. Some, like Yumi’s handbags, cushions and scarves featuring the Parliament House pattern, are also sold through the gift shop, Parliament House.

Photography: Zilpah Tart

Make-up: Steph Church

Model: Rochelle Riley

In the Trench!

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Went to a terrific style night recently with style guru and fantastic speaker and presenter Trish Murray, and got the low-down on what’s in for autumn and winter fashion, and, some great tips and tricks on how to ramp up a simple pair of jeans and top and look like you’ve just stepped off the catwalk! But more about that later … what really caught our eye was the Blue Illusion Three-Way Trench Coat.

The trench is going to be ‘big’ this winter, and this trench beats them all.

Iris wears – Blue Illusion three-way Trench Coat

A short style trench in classic navy with tan contrast in the lining, lapels and inner collar, the coat is fashionably double-breasted and comes with a nice buckle belt—how to fasten the belt however, is the monumental question, though the general consensus in the fashion world is that you tie the belt. However, if you’re Iris Apfel (who’s 94 years young and the face of Blue Illusion—and isn’t that just fantastic!) you can basically do just what you feel like … and rightly so.

But back to the trench.

The trench works three ways. First, it’s a very stylish winter coat in 100 per cent pure cotton and looks totally fabulous, but … remove the trench feature and sleeves and you have a sleeveless vest trench. Then, wear the trench feature and sleeves by itself (it’s one piece) and it’s a bolero or cropped jacket that fastens at the neck. How cool is that!

The three-way trench sells for $299 and is available from Blue Illusion online, or from outlets at Westfield Belconnen and Woden, The Canberra Centre, and the Manuka Centre.

And now—how to ‘do’ the belt. You can tie at the front, or back, or do a grand Iris—whatever the heck you feel like!

LFW MAGAZINE

never lost for words

Category Archives: LFW Style

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—Zilpah tart

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—SOVATA

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—ASSEMBLAGE PROJECT

FASHFEST Tickets—ON SALE NOW!

FASHFEST meets fletcherLovell!

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—KAREN LEE

So you want to be a Model …

It’s Vivid!

In the Trench!