Rachel Gilbert RAFW 2011 - Day 2

The lights dimmed and the spotlight shone on violinist Jane Cho playing a classical tune..the audience gazed and waited in anticipation..and then there was a pause.. Fat Joe's 'Lean Back' was spun by DJ Simon Pongrass, as model Rachel Rutt strutted the runway in a highly embellished simple silhouette.. the first piece to Rachel Gilbert's Cruise 2011/12 collection "Binding Measures".

On Day 2 of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week I was fortunate to attend Rachel Gilbert's show.  A highly anticipated show and definitely a highlight for me..everyone knows I'm a huge Rachel Gilbert follower!  A Rachel Gilbert collection is the epitome of glamour, elegance and femininety.. and this collection was no exception!  Rachel remained true to her aesthetic, however added an unexpected trend twist.  The collection was inspired by the 'female body form' representing 'power and confidence'.  The collection "reinvented a new style for sexy with hemlines lengthening and necklines rising."  "Binding Measures" consisted of stunning, lavish gowns, embellished and sequin dresses, jackets, and skirts as well as silk pants, blouses and dresses.  Each piece was complimented with diamonds by Jan Logan worth over a million dollars!   Napoleon Perdis created natural, luminous faces, whilst Goldwell's Christopher Hanna created a soft, feminine and neat hairstyle which was pulled back into a low plaited style.  The hair, makeup, and the contrast between the urban and classical music helped to emphasize the powerful and feminine theme.  Rachel embraced a sorbet colour palette including white, apricot, black and the unexpected use of citrus lime.  Her collection concluded with a show stopping citrus lime gown which was exquisite!

And as for the front row?  Fashion's elite were out in full force...Kate Waterhouse, Napoleon, Didier Cohen, April Rose Pengilly, Laura Csortan, Erika Heynatz, Emma Freedman and all my favourite magazine editors.  Rachel Gilbert's designs are exquisite, elegant and stunning, no wonder her International clientele continues to grow from Princess Beatrice, Blake Lively and Khole Kardashian just to name a few!

(Images below courtesy of Sweaty Betty PR)

 (Images courtesy of Vogue Australia)

The Rachel Gilbert Intro

The Rachel Gilbert Finale!!!

(Copyright The Lilac Mannequin)

Miss Unkon RAFW 2011 - Day 2

Sorry for the delay in posts, it's been one show after another and not much time to post!  A few spare moments in the media bar...thought I'd begin posting.  Miss Unkon's "Girls with Kaleidoscope Minds" was quite fascinating... very fairytale Pocahontas like!  Strong tribal and natural elements with a feminine touch!  The collection included flowy dress, sleeveless shirts, shorts, maxi skirts, flares, cut outs, lace and ruffles.  I loved the use of colour, lilac, nude, pinks, corals and white.  I was completely drawn to the hairstyles created by Schwarzkopf.. braids everywhere, it was truly amazing! 

(Images below courtesy of Sally Burleigh PR)

 (Images below courtesy of Breakfast with Audrey)

The Miss Unkon Finale RAFW!  A little dark and the start but light comes and you can see the collection!

(Copyright The Lilac Mannequin)

Karla Spetic RAFW 2011 - Day 1

Throughout fashion week, I've attended quite a few group shows.  I've decided to hold those posts and focus on the individual shows first.  Day 1 ended with the Karla Spetic show which was quite unique.  Karla's collection was inspired by interior design.  Whilst this was Karla's inspiration, the collection resembled the 1960s with a modern twist...Bold and vibrant colours and prints including royal blue, purple, orange, pink and lime green.  The collection included quite a few structured pieces (different to many of the flowy collections I've seen for this coming season)... structured shift dresses with cut outs, high waisted swimwear, pants, jackets, shirts, knee length skirts and a few flowy dresses.  The show ended with a show stopping lime green suit.  I was infatuated with the lilac print dress with cut outs.

Karla Spetic Finale (Copyright The Lilac Mannequin) It will load just give it a second!

Stay tuned for more!!!  The Rachel Gilbert show is coming as well as Michael Lo Sordo, Bianca Spender, Alice McCall and Shakuhachi!

Bec and Bridge RAFW 2011 - Day 1

After two amazing days at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, I finally have some free time to commence my RAFW posts!  I must of course begin with my first show of Day 1, fellow UTS Alumni, Bec and Bridge.  Designers Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston's Violet Haze Spring/Summer 2011/12 collection 'draws on the late 70s in New York and it's ultimate fashion muse, Lauren Hutton.'  The collection is fresh, fun, retro and cool, embracing all the elements of the 70s... very short shorts, pleats, 3/4 maxi dresses and skirts, halter dresses, long sleeve wrap dresses, cropped pants and structured jackets.  The collection included delicate silks, suede and crochet pieces.  Vibrant prints dominated the collection with dashes of colour including gold, white, navy, grey, red and wait for it..Lilac!  My show stopping piece from the collection was the finale dress.. A halter pleated dress which was white and the bottom dip-dyed in lilac.  And I absolutely loved the lilac Acubras!         

Bec and Bridge RAFW Finale!! (Copyright The Lilac Mannequin)

Stay tuned for more posts including Karla Spetic and Rachel Gilbert!

Carla Zampatti Spring/Summer 2011/12 Collection

Receiving an invitation to attend and blog the Carla Zampatti Spring/Summer 2011/12 show was a surprise and an exciting moment!  The event guest list included VIP clientele, celebrities as well as fashion's elite.. It was honour to attend.  Carla Zampatti has been in the industry for 46 years and is considered to be an Australian Fashion icon.  A Carla Zampatti collection is the epitome of femininity, sophistication and elegance and this collection was no exception.
The event was held at the Carla Zampatti headquarters car park (formerly a carriageway dating to the 1800s) at Kent Street Sydney.  The juxtaposition between the raw setting of the car park and the Carla Zampatti clothing was fascinating and effective.  The collection was titled 'The Strength of Simplicity' and this described it perfectly.  The collection embraced femininity, elegance and simplicity and was inspired by the 1990s, focusing on "all about the back."  The show opened with simple and strong lined silhouettes with dashes of red, black and cream.  The collection progressed, with classic and tailored pieces including structured jackets, wide-legged flared pants, trench coats, jumpsuits, shift dresses, maxi skirts, and halter neck draped tops.  The pieces were complimented with unique floating organza hats by Jonathan Howard from Hatmaker.  As the music by the Sydney Dance Company became more dramatic, the mood changed and Carla Zampatti's signature gowns began grace the runway.  The "all about the back", which had slightly appeared earlier, was now the focal point of the pieces.  The gowns were strong statements and consisted of the "sexiest strong graphic back detailing which can be twisted, draped and adapted to suit the mood or occasion."  The fabrics consisted of "new look linens and bamboo to the sheerest organza and georgettes."  Bold and vibrant colours were used including royal 'liquid like' blue, tangerine, striking red, silver, as well as soft creams and pink.
The collection was classic, gorgeous and elegant!  I absolutely love it!  I felt so privileged to be sitting amongst the high fashion elite guests including my favourite magazine editors, such as Kirstie Clements, Jackie Frank and Elizabeth Renkert.  I cannot wait for Bianca Spender's show at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week which begins on Monday!  Be sure to follow The Lilac Mannequin on Facebook and Twitter for constant updates straight from the runway!    

The Carla Zampatti gift bag! 

 (Images above Copyright The Lilac Mannequin)

The Royal Wedding Gown!

The Royal Wedding was amazing!  Catherine looked stunning in her gorgeous Alexander McQueen dress designed by Sarah Burton.  A classic, feminine, glamorous and elegant gown!  Her exquisite tiara was Cartier.  She just looked beautiful and very princess like! 

The second dress was also a McQueen and I am in love with it!

(Images unknown sources)