MBFWA 2013 DIARY | PT 1

Here's my little insight into the first two days of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. That shit is intense. On the first morning I was greeted at the bottom of the Carriageworks stairs by the inevitable swarm of street style photographers: Tommy Ton, Phil Oh, Candice Lake - it goes on. Oh and no, they weren't eagerly anticipating my arrival. In fact I think they released slight sighs of disappointment and lowered their lenses as they realised I was no one special. The usual famous faces however were sprinkled amongst the mass of people clambering together before the opening show (and 10th anniversary of), Camilla & Marc. Centenera. Bingle. Joos. Waterhouse. First names need no mention. I was lucky enough to scoot on backstage at Camilla & March with KMS California and catch a glimpse of some of the pre-show magic. The hair and makeup was true to the C&M aesthetic and everything I personally love about the label - simple and sleek.
My first show was an Aurelio Costarella installation which was so glam-wow. The collection seemed to be partially 1920s-nightlife inspired, with long, draped and embellished gowns contrasted and intermixed with shorter, modern-day party dresses. Costarella has named the SS13/14 collection RETROSPECT for the very reason that it celebrates and explores many of the recurrent themes of his past collections over the last 30 years.
Roopa Pemmaraju was a breath of new air in between swim shows. I have a special appreciation for the more art-driven collections and Roopa certainly satisfied. The collection featured fabric designs which were created by Indigenous Australian women of the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation.
I was a bit of a fangirl of the swim shows however, 1. We're about to hop on a cold train to Winter town and b. It's been a long time since I worked out...anything. My top picks from the Group Swim show would have to have been Maidenlove and Skye & Staghorn encompassing a solid A.T.G/Lisa Marie Fernandez sexy, sport-luxe vibe.
Day 2 was a bit more of a breeze but still packed a punch with Manning Cartell and KAHLO. The first of the two being a highlight of MBFWA for sure, the collection was enriched with sheer overlays, boxy silhouettes (my fave) and bright metallic apricot and lilac hues with dashes of aztec print. KAHLO - as you know by now - can do no wrong by me. A lot of the same amazing Australian made leather in brand new cuts, shapes and finishes. This show was a standout for me and it probably had something to do with the short film that featured first up, titled Francesca Francesca, directed by Rachel Taylor and starring Hanna Mangan-Lawrence. The film was eering and enchanting, perfectly setting the tone for the show it preceded.
A good afternoon was topped off with a great evening spent at the KAHLO after party. I cannot wait to see what is in the pipeline for those girls. MBFWA 2014 (and world) lookout!