AICD Student Parade
Friday, August 20, 2010
Conceptualising designs, pattern making, sourcing materials, hand sewing, long hours, limited budgets …. who on earth would want to be a fashion designer? It’s not always glitz and glamour, parties and overseas inspirational trips, however on Wednesday night it was time for four of the Advance Diploma of Fashion Students from the AICD to present their magnificent collections to a hand picked guest list at Lauxes in Broadbeach.
Blessed with perfect weather, although a slight chill – the night opened with Alana McBains 2011 Summer collection Mac&Bain which had been designed for women that enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and like to wear simple and elegant garments.
Following Mac&Bain was Astrid King by Candice Turner whose collection entitled ‘The Future Ancients’ took on classic styling with ornate details fused with a twist of moderninity and futurism.
Next up Je z a bel by Aubrey Wright with his collection ‘Ruins of Reality’ inspired by moments captured in desolate landscapes and neglected wastelands with the underlying theme that we often forget what beauty lies in the past. Unique and edgy pieces that very much reminded me of Ksubi’s early days.
Last but definitely not least Amit Ayalon whose collection ‘Becoming Silhouettes; was inspired by fantasy movies such as Neverland, Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Anything that existed in dreams and floated about in our imagination was transformed into a magnificent collection. “Becoming Silhouettes garments are all about giving the wearer a dreamy feel. It’s very avant-garde comes femininity, the fairy and the warrior“.
I was blown away by what was presented, even having had the pleasure of seeing all the garments pre-parade, the amount of detail in every piece, that was hand sewn in the months leading up to the parade was truly phenomenal. They are four very talented individuals. With between 10-14 garments each it was certainly a night for them to be extremely proud – even if they were competing for attention with Will Ferrell And Mark Wahlberg next door dining at Moo Moo’s.
A HUGE congratulations to all the AICD Styling, Makeup and Fashion Business students who assisted behind the scenes – a mammoth effort to dress and prepare all the models and to the models (from Viviens and Katz and those not with agencies) you were all fabulous.
For more info on fashion design, styling courses visit www.aicdedu.com.au
A plus plus for the new A Room
Monday, August 9, 2010
I must say as much as I love my fashion and style, sometimes even I struggle for inspiration. Lately, there has been a slight drought in my inspiration pot – as new season threads trickle into store (with the best still yet to come), I actually thought to myself this morning “Michelle it’s time for a wardrobe detox”. I do these regularly, monthly in fact – doesn’t mean I haul everything out but I re merchandise. Everything comes out, some go back in others go into space bags and voila a whole new fresh perspective on getting dressed every day. It’s definitely the cheaper alternative to a good dose of retail therapy!
So, with the lack of inspiration and a move of a meeting from today to Monday, I decided to grab a couple of spare hours with both hands and head to the brand spanking new concept The A Room!
The A Room is located conveniently next door to Adrenalin at Australia Fair and together these 2 stores are new bff (that’s best friends forever in case you missed out on the new lingo abbreviation trend). It is taking ready to wear fashion to a whole new level with new pieces arriving daily from the catwalks of NY (Willow), London (Sass & Bide), Ginger & Smart (a fav of mine), Camilla and Marc (a close second favourite), Kirrily Johnston, KJ (her new basic range at a lower price point), Natasha, Jac and Jack…..I could go on forever!!!
Whilst I know Australia Fair may not be everyone’s choice of places to shop – I promise you (and I never make promises I can’t keep), it is well worth a venture. It is a destination on the GC. A diamond in the rough you could say.
Dean and his wife Kat have done a fabulous job in refurbishing the old Adrenalin, which did need a little bit of love. If I wasn’t so tired I’m sure I could think of more clever way to write “ You just need to get your butt’s up there and see for yourself!” Stock is walking out the door, sizes are limited and re ordering is not always available – although lucky for me it was this afternoon.
Now, all I need to do is try to work out how I break to my husband that I ordered a Camilla & Marc jacket…..opps guess I just did! x
Welcome to the fashion playground
Friday, July 9, 2010
Recepción, Bienvenue,Willkommen,Welkom, 歡迎, Benvenuto, ยินดีต้อนรับสู่, WELCOME to the fashion playground’s online home. Anyone that has ever undertaken developing a website, I take my hat off to you, because this has been one of THE most challenging things I have ever done, but here it is.
There are still a few things to be tweaked, but that’s for me to know and you hopefully not to see.
Without sounding like a Logies thank you speech, Mark from Fashion Identity has been superb as has Donna from Donna’s creation (who helped me define my logo). I actually started my website design journey in Dec last year. I made a couple of bad decisions and went with “cheaper” alternatives to design and develop my website, as like any business you try to save money where you can. If there is one thing I have learn’t and seriously I should have known this better than anyone, pay peanuts you will get monkey’s, pay professionals, you will have a site that makes you smile.
With that, I hope you do enjoy our site.There is plenty more to come, but for now, this is a good start! Myself and my team have years of experience in retail therapy and love everything to do with fashion, style and image. We look forward to sharing with you what makes us quiver with excitement, takes pride possession in our wardrobe and thing that you simply just must have or know about!
We’d love to hear from you on what you think of our little project, so please drop me an email – michelle@thefashionplayground.com or visit us on facebook. Time for a well deserved Champagne! x