Tag Archives: FASHFEST 2016

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—KAREN LEE

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.

FASHFEST’s Magnifik Music!

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By the LFW Team.

FASHFEST has always wowed guests with live music. No piped in music for this red-carpet, fashion event. That would be too easy, and boring. The music lineup recently announced for the 2016 show (29 Sept to 1 Oct) is nothing short of magical.

Magnifik – Ashley Feraude

FASHFEST’s Director of Music, Ashley Feraude, who many may know as the talent behind the magnificent Magnifik, has outdone himself this year, pulling together many musical firsts for the three-day fashion event, with tunes covering a variety of genres from roots, soul, electronica, disco, and house. In 2016, FASHFEST features 25 DJs and live musical acts in total.

Some acts are returning, like high-energy Mondecreen and internationally renowned rapper Tak-Un-Da, who will both launch extended play singles at the event. Fourteen new musical acts are making their debut and more female artists will perform than ever before.

Ashlee McKenzie

Highlights include sister DJ duo, DJ Dimple and Lipgloss, who will play their very own ‘Soul Sister’s’ set. DJ Ashlee McKenzie, one of Canberra’s favorite party providers, will keep guests entertained. DJ Nico Lupo arrives from London to perform his first major Canberra show. This prolific artist has played across five continents and put on more than 150 global parties from London to Barcelona and Ibiza to India.

A three-piece band, led by Canberra-based soul, funk and RnB musician, Simon Anua, will perform, as will singer songwriter and solo acoustic performer NeonHoney. The person behind the alias, Chantelle Milin, sings from the heart and takes you on a sparkling journey.

“The musicians have been hand-picked for the way their individual talent aligns with the themes of each of the six shows,” says co-founder of FASHFEST, Clint Hutchinson. “With FASHFEST, the music is a major component and so critical for bringing the fashion to life.”

NeonHoney

FASHFEST’s emphasis on music is no surprise, as the event has always billed itself as more than a catwalk show. FASHFEST is a total fashion experience, offering a much broader creative scope, including through original films, stunning sound and lighting, as well as amazing hair and makeup.

This year, FASHFEST is three nights and six distinctive shows from 29 September to 1 October. Tickets go on sale soon so keep your eye on social media.

http://www.fashfest.com.au

Scouting for FASHFEST film makers!

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By Wendy Johnson

Ever since it appeared out of nowhere, FASHFEST, Canberra’s most stylish red-carpet fashion event, has been a major platform for amazing talent from many creative industries. It might seem that the spotlight shines solely on fashion designers and their glamorous new collections, but those who have attended FASHFEST know it offers a much broader arts and culture experience—did we mention it’s also a great social night out?

The Activist; directed by Nicky Tyndale-Biscoe

This year, FASHFEST’s fourth, is no exception. And the call has just gone out inviting filmmakers to apply to produce six original short films, reflecting the still-kept-secret themes for 2016. This is an amazing opportunity for filmmakers to stand tall on the FASHFEST platform and showcase their work in front of the event’s large and diverse audience, which includes VIP and national and international guests.

The award-winning co-founders behind By George Studios, Robb Shaw-Velzen, ASC, and Georgina Jenkins, are throwing their support behind selected filmmakers, sharing their wealth of experience and guidance where needed. By George is a major FASHFEST sponsor.

The Cartographer; directed by Hew Sandison

“FASHFEST is a great opportunity to develop and showcase local talent,” says Georgina. “The short films add another layer to the guest experience so we’re looking for filmmakers who will push boundaries with strong, original concepts. Each film must link the FASHFEST theme to Canberra, inspiring the audience to see Australia’s capital in a new light. And each film must feature a music track provided by one of the official musicians selected for this year’s event.”

The Engineer; directed by Hanna White and Laura White

Applicants must be over 18 years of age. They’ll be judged on a range of factors, including strength and originality of concept, interpretation of theme, and strength of their team. “Preference will be given to Canberra region filmmakers,” says Georgina.

Selected filmmakers will receive $1,000 cash from FASHFEST to use for production. The ACT Screen Industry Association is saving filmmakers’ money by providing public liability insurance and also giving a year’s membership for free (valued at $550). Catering—important during long filming days—is by Fresh2Go (CIT Student Association).

FASHFEST 2016 will host six shows, each curated around a theme. “This means those struck by FASHFEST fever, who won’t be able to resist attending more than one show, are guaranteed a unique experience each time,” says FASHFEST co-founder Clint Hutchinson, who created FASHFEST with his wife Andrea.

The Inventor; directed by Jimmy Ennett

The creative brief for the shout out to filmmakers is on the FASHFEST website. Get those cameras in action now!

Applications close Monday 18 July.

Images from FASHFEST 2015 which ran four themes; The Activist, The Cartographer, The Engineer, and The Inventor.

FASHFEST Model Casting Smashes Record!

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This year’s model casting has smashed a record for Canberra with more than 470 models already applying to strut their stuff on the catwalk at the capital’s largest red carpet fashion event. The number of registrants continues to grow, surpassing last year’s record of 300 by a long stretch.

Diversity has always been important to FASHFEST and this year is no different. FASHFEST is on the lookout for male and female models of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. At last year’s event, Red Corner Boxing was looking for athletic models, Karen Lee required a mature look and Prodigal Daughter and Hana Apparel Design selected models that helped them celebrate the ethnic diversity of their designs (Africa and the Middle East).

This year’s judging panel features:

Hayley O’Neill, a Sydney-based stylist and Fashion Office Coordinator at Marie Claire Australia, who originally hails from Canberra.
Robert Coppa, an internationally renowned fashion photographer who has been behind the lens for 12 years.
Victoria Schnable, owner of Victoria’s Models, Canberra’s longest running agency.
Tina Nikolovski, a photographer and now director of Canberra’s newest modelling agency, Devojka Models, established in 2015.
Andrea Hutchinson, Managing Director of HAUS Models, herself former model from Switzerland.
2015 model hopefuls ‘walking the walk’ – image by http://www.cumminsphoto.com.au

The casting is a relaxed day full of selfies and fun with music by DJ Hamish Lardi, who has built his profile playing iconic Canberra events and nightlife venues, NeonHoney, a Canberra-based singer-songwriter, and Ashley Feraude, FASHFEST’s official music director, a DJ and music producer who operates under the alias Magnifik.

“The music will give the models a taste of what they can expect at the live shows. It is also about keeping the energy up so the models can feel good and do their best,” says Ashley.

This open casting is available to all models 16 years of age and above. It will be held from 10am on Sunday 22 May at the National Convention Centre, a major FASHFEST partner.

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

FASHFEST 2016 NEWSFLASH!

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By Wendy Johnson

Designer applications are out, dates are locked in and in 2016 FASHFEST will hold more catwalk shows than ever before. The new dates for Canberra’s pre-eminent and largest fashion event are 29 September to 1 October.

FASHFEST 2015 – photo by Martin Ollman

Why the switch from May? Co-founder Clint Hutchinson says the change in dates was logical.

“We’re now aligned with Australia’s overall fashion calendar and the timing of ‘sister events’ such as the major weeks in Melbourne and Sydney,” says Clint. “And, let’s face it, September is warmer than May in the capital so guests can glam up, as they love to for FASHFEST, without shivering their way through the show.”

Another major change is the number of shows FASHFEST will host in 2016—six in total, with two each day. “The new dates also mean we have the time needed to prepare for the added shows. Each year we get stronger and the event gets more exciting. This year is no exception,” says Clint.

Once again, the event will be held at the National Convention Centre, powered by sound and lighting that will transform the space into something magical.

FASHFEST 2015 runway, National Convention Centre - photo by David Burke

FASHFEST 2015 catwalk, National Convention Centre – photo by David Burke

Designer applications are out now and due 14 February. Once again, FASHFEST is throwing its weight behind local designers as well as designers from interstate and overseas, focusing on independent labels. “Last year, we had 30 designers, including Melanie Child from New Zealand, who was a big ticket item on the catwalk,” says Andrea Hutchinson, Co-founder. “So we’re encouraging a wide range of designers to apply.”

FASHFEST 2015 – photo by Red Photography

“FASHFEST is young by Australian standards and we’re still growing and maturing, learning more and more all the time”, says Andrea. “We’ve come a long way in just three years and our ability to put on more shows during this, our fourth year, is possible because of how much we’ve progressed and the creative team working with Clint and I on the event.”

Let the fashion fun begin … !

LFW will keep you posted on events relating to FASHFEST as they unfold and we’ve already locked in the dates so we don’t miss out.

Fans should also follow the event on: www.fashfest.com.au https://www.instagram.com/fashfest/

https://www.facebook.com/fashfestcanberra

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Tag Archives: FASHFEST 2016

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—KAREN LEE

FASHFEST’s Magnifik Music!

Scouting for FASHFEST film makers!

FASHFEST Model Casting Smashes Record!

So you want to be a Model …

FASHFEST 2016 NEWSFLASH!