Tag Archives: National Convention Centre

FASHFEST REVIEW!—Night 1 Show 1

Amazing opening night and opening show at FASHFEST on 29 September. We were entertained by some great local Canberra designers, hip-hop singer and performer Kirklandd, music director Magnifik, and film clip by Micael Ortiz a local writer and director of short films. But, the main theme was the fashion—and here’s a quick runway rundown (with heaps of pics) of the opening show!

Beleza Designs—creating intricate and stunning costumes for Latin dance productions with a focus on Brazilian Samba and including amazing headdresses, back pieces, and wings. This is their first time at FASHFEST.

Elley Lane—a luxury look on cocktail and evening wear for women aged 17 – 30. Designed to wear multiple ways and made to suit body shape and personal style, the items drape beautifully and are gorgeous to wear. This is Elly Lane’s FASHFEST debut.

CIT Showcase—streetwear for the younger generation, designed by a group of students from Canberra Institute of Technology.

AliceMcCall and Asilio—presented by Rebel Muse these designs are for women with passion, strength and style, and according to Rebel Muse, while having fun and kicking ASS!

Red Segment—FASHFEST has a heart for fashion and this year is supporting the Heart Australia with the ‘Red Segment’. Designers include A’au, Eder by Anna, Edition, Elle Hoopwood, Karen Lee, Red Corner Boxing, SZN, VFP, and Zilpah Tart.

Hunter The Label—more casual streetwear style for the younger female generation. Quality fabrics, and easy wearable designs give Hunter the edge! Hunter is available from CARDIF Collective in Kingston, and is their second year at FASHFEST.

Sovata—classic wear for the classy lady; Sovata brings colour and beautiful shape and style. Inspired by the full skirts and high-cut drape pants of the 50s, there’s a hint of vintage in this collection which is styled for women aged 25 – 65 who love to be noticed. Sovata is bold and confident, and this is her fourth year at FASHFEST.

FASHFEST Night 2 with two more shows is on Friday 30 September.

Still not too late to get your tickets! http://www.fashfest.com.au

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—Zilpah tart

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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’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

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

Local Canberran wins Lifetime Award!

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Those of us who know Canberra well, know that it’s a city unlike no other in Australia. Some of what makes the capital a glorious spot is right before our very eyes—like our national icons, natural beauty and festivals. But there is so much more beneath the surface to discover, as the likes of Jenifer Dwyer Slee know full well. By Wendy Johnson

You see, Jenifer is the Director of Sales and Marketing at the National Convention Centre, working for the InterContinental Hotels Group. One of her big passions is positioning Canberra as a ‘go-to’ destination in the highly competitive conference industry. Jenifer’s passion for what Australia offers in the industry has led her to be honoured with a Lifetime Award from the Professional Conference Organisers Association, for ‘Support, Encouragement and Mentoring to the Business Events Sector in Australia’.

“I love Canberra,” says Jenifer. “I really do.”

It’s a big statement when you consider that Jenifer has lived in or near some pretty special spots while working for more than 26 years in the luxury hotel market, including at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, Sheraton Noosa and in starry-eyed Sydney. After an exciting career in hotels, Jenifer made one of those massive decisions to take a major turn. She moved to the world of convention centres, which brought her to Canberra.

Jenifer is one of only eight Australians, and the only Canberran, to receive this Lifetime Award, in part for her majestic efforts in positioning this country to be a winner in the industry.

Barry Neame, President of the Professional Conference Organisers Association, who presented Jenifer with the award in Adelaide at the association’s eight annual conference on 30 November, sums it up this way: “Jenifer truly cares about bringing business to Australia and to Canberra and has been open and generous in sharing her knowledge in how the hotel sector operates with association members, to help with their professional development and upskilling. This includes helping young people entering the industry acquire quality skills and quickly. Jenifer has always been open to being a mentor and it’s strengthened the industry as a whole.”

Jenifer’s efforts not only benefit IHG and the National Convention Centre, they boost the local economy and generate economic wealth for many in business here, with visitors touring about and indulging in our food scene, local arts and design movement and events and activities.

“It’s good for everyone when we score a major conference,” says Jenifer. “We work hard at it but have a high success rate in winning conferences and events once decision makers have experienced the benefits of coming to Canberra for themselves.” With the growth in tourism in the coming years, the dedication of Canberrans like Jenifer is sure to stimulate even more to visit the capital and surrounds.

“I agree with what The New York Times wrote about us,” says Jenifer. “We have big-sky beauty, breezy civic pride and a decidedly hipster underbelly. Combine that with our vibrancy and developed world-class professionalism and you’ve got the perfect destination.”

Images by Martin Ollman

This is THE FLORA DRESS

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Flowers and fashion are front and centre this year at FASHFEST with a truly unique collaboration between Rockstars and Royalty and Peony n Pearl.

by Wendy Johnson

And the fun started with The Flora Dress that fashion designer Vicky Kidd-Gallichan and floral designer Fionna Tamin created as a teaser to the red-carpet event—now only five nights away. It was fussy work involving hours of meticulous planning and execution but the end result was worth every second for these two talented Canberrans.

It all began with Vicky creating the garment, a corset (the type she is so famous for) and a mini hoop cage skirt. Once made, matters moved into high gear on how to ‘decorate’ the skirt with silk and real flowers. “We wanted a 1920s look so shooting at Lucky’s Speakeasy at QT Hotel was perfect because it has an amazing vibe and suited the look we were going for,” says Vicky. “We even managed to restyle their hotdog cart as a flower seller’s cart.”

To create the dress, Fionna worked primarily in her floral shop and then carted fresh flowers to the shoot location to finish things off on site. More than five types of fresh flowers, including Cymbidum orchids and Spider chrysanthemums, as were Privot berries, Peppercorn berries and Gumnuts. Luscious purples and greens formed the main colour pallet.

The shoot was made possible, as all amazing shoots are, by a team of strong creatives, this time all from the FASHFEST team. Model Hannah Miners will be on the catwalk this year, hair was by Tanya Lancaster who works at THE Hairdressing and is a Team Leader, and makeup was by Katie Saarikko, Creative Director of MUA for FASHFEST 2015 who used creamy foundation by major sponsor Harlotte Cosmetics. The end result was captured by Leighton Hutchinson, Director of Photography for FASHFEST. “I’ve done shoots with Leighton for the previous two FASHFESTs”, says Vicky. “I love his style and the way he uses colour.”

Creating The Flora Dress was a great pilot for what Vicky and Fionna are planning for Rockstars and Royalty’s Cherries in the Snow collection that will appear for the first time on the runway at FASHFEST 2015. “I was inspired by the name of the red lipstick Revlon launched in the 1950s and still makes today,” says Vicky. “I wear it and love it.”

Cherries in the Snow will feature fresh flowers which adds to the complexity of planning, says Fionna, who has been working in floristry since 2007 and who opened her own shop in March last year. “You need to select the right flowers to work with—flowers that will last as long as you need them to. Some flowers simply won’t work since they die if out of water for more than an hour. It’s my first time being part of a major collection and taking part in an event on the scale of FASHFEST. It’s thrilling.”

The collaboration is possible this year because FASHFEST has moved to a new venue, the National Convention Centre, which has massive refrigeration units in its kitchen that can be used to keep the flowers fresh.

FASHFEST is on 13 to 16 May. Don’t dillydally. It’s time to get ready to glam up for FASHFEST, and remember the venue this year is heated, so don’t hold back. Buy your tickets today: www.fashfest.com.au

Credits for Flora dress—Designer: Vicky Kidd-Gallichan, Rockstars and Royalty; Floral designer: Fionna Tamin, Peony n Pearl; Model: Hannah Miners; Makeup: Katie Saarikko; Hair: Tanya Lancaster and THEhairdressing; Photographer: Leighton Hutchinson—taken on location at Lucky’s Speakeasy at QT; Behind the scenes photographer: Samuel Broomby

CIT has Talent!

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CIT Graduate All-Stars at FASHFEST

By Wendy Johnson

Travelling. Tea parties. Sports. Psychoanalysis. Luxury resorts. The corporate environment. What’s the common thread?

The recent graduates in fashion design who will be launching debut collections on the catwalk at FASHFEST 2015, culminating in an All-Star Showcase on closing night. The six young designers, fresh out of studies at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), promise guests an exciting experience. “It’s rare to have such a diversity of aesthetic,” says Steve Wright, who teaches fashion and design at CIT and is FASHFEST’s producer. “It’s why we decided to do the showcase on Saturday, with all labels forming one segment. It will be challenging to choreograph because of the diversity, but intriguing for guests.”

Models: Lara Schroeder; Bronwyn Whitton; Georgia Whitton. MUA: Meg Stewart Makeup. Photographer: Kelda Rundle Photography

CIT is FASHFEST’s official education partner. “We have always believed in growing the industry in every way we can,” says Co-founder Andrea Hutchinson. “That includes providing graduates with a platform for their work. This is about providing new designers with real-life experience and what is involved in the serious business of showcasing and branding a fashion label.”

Read more to check out all the CIT graduates and their labels Continue reading →

FASHFEST Tickets on sale NOW!

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Tickets for Canberra’s most glamorous annual fashion event are on sale now and selling sizzling hot.

By Wendy Johnson (for LFW)

When asked why she wanted to participate in FASHFEST, even though it means lugging a mountain of garments and other paraphernalia all the way from Melbourne, Mariska Thynne didn’t skip a beat. The fashion designer behind the label The Professor’s Daughter, has a sister who lives in the capital—a sister who attended FASHFEST last year.

“My younger sister and I go to a lot of fashion events together, including in Melbourne and Sydney,” she says. “Last year she went to FASHFEST and told me how fabulous it was. She said it was more of a spectacle and a curated show, not just a parade.

FASHFEST is a spectacle. This year will see four days of entertainment, featuring new collections by more than 30 designers, worn by around 80 models walking to the beat of music by 14 live musicians, covering a wide range of genres, from rap to jazz. Read on to find out how this spectacle works, who pulls it together, and view the Faces of FASHFEST. Continue reading →

Fashion for Rockstars and Royalty

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Rockstars and Royalty’s Reign of the Forest

by Wendy Johnson (for LFW)

It was a snippet from an interview with London designer Basia Zaryzka that led Vicky Kidd-Gallichan to name her independent fashion label. “I was living in England and heard Basia say she creates gowns for rockstars and royalty. I thought it would be a fabulous name for a business,” says Vicky. Fast forward to 2007 and Vicky had moved to Canberra and opened Rockstars and Royalty, creating pretty princess gowns, rock ‘n’ roll-inspired pieces and glamourous cocktail dresses.

Anneliese Seubert in Rockstars and Royalty – FASHFEST 2013

It would be challenging to pick which side of the label suits Vicky’s personality best—no doubt it’s a bit of both. She loves colour, has been known to have bright pink hair and has a tattoos on both arms. Suffice it to say that it really doesn’t matter—everything Vicky turns her hands to turns out to be inspiring, whether fairy tale or edgy. Think, for example, about her collection, which she launched at the inaugural FASHFEST, Canberra’s four-day, red-carpet fashion event. Guests were transfixed with the beauty of each piece, including the gold and teal gown worn by the Face of FASHFEST 2013, super model Anneliese Seubert (see pic above). Her more recent Reign of the Forest collection, near and dear to Vicky’s heart, is just as stunning.

Reign of the Forest. Model – Samantha Farrow

Continue reading →

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Tag Archives: National Convention Centre

FASHFEST REVIEW!—Night 1 Show 1

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—Zilpah tart

FASHFEST Designers in Profile—SOVATA

FASHFEST’s Magnifik Music!

FASHFEST 2016 NEWSFLASH!

Local Canberran wins Lifetime Award!

This is THE FLORA DRESS

CIT has Talent!

FASHFEST Tickets on sale NOW!

Fashion for Rockstars and Royalty