TOP 12 FASHION PREDICTIONS FOR SUMMER 2017

1.  SATIN SLIPS

(H wears a brandE satin slip, necklace from Betts, cuffs from Lovisa, bracelet from Dubai, shoes from the Philippines and clutch from Colette).

2. BLACK AND GOLD

(J wears a choker by Natalie Rolt, top by Steph Audino, pleated pants from Bardot, earrings from Lovisa, shoes from the Philippines and clutch by Jessica Bratich).

3. STRIKING COLOURS

(H wears a vintage maxi and belt, sunglasses from SABA, earrings from Lovisa and shoes from Novo. J wears a Natalie Rolt slip, earrings from Lovisa and shoes from the Philippines).

(S wears a playsuit from Piper, sunglasses from SABA, opal necklace from Santorini, earrings from Colette, orange beaded necklace from Diva and shoes from the Philippines).

4. PATTERNS

(H wears a Jonté maxi, vintage necklace and heels, and Lovisa earrings).

(S wears a Camilla dress, shoes from Betts, earrings from Lovisa, bracelet from Dubai and clutch by Jessica Bratich).

5. METALLIC PINK

(H wears a Jonté gown, clutch by YSL, earrings from Colette and shoes from Iceland).

(H wears a custom made two piece satin set by Wild Horses, shoes from Betts, earrings from Lovisa and clutch by Jessica Bratich).

6. VELVET

(H wears a MINK PINK velvet slip and cap by Bardot).

7. WHITE

(Dress by MAURIE & EVE).

(Nails by Glamour Nail Bar).

8. CLASSIC SLIDES & SLIDES WITH BUCKLES

(Slides from Sportsgirl).

(Buckle slides from hobbs).

9. OFF THE SHOULDER

(Top by C/MEO COLLECTIVE).

10. CHOKERS

(H wears a choker and shirt dress from Sportsgirl, a cap from Bardot and sneakers from Platypus).

11. CAPS

(H wears a top from Lululemon, tights from Running Bare, sneakers from Platypus and cap from Decjuba).

12. ROUND BAGS

(S wears a top and tights from Sportsgirl, sneakers from Skechers, bag by Jessica Bratich, earrings by Kitsu and cap by Bardot).

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Ever wanted to know what happens behind the catwalk? Well here’s your chance! Allow me to give you exclusive backstage access to the Bespoke Graduation Show 2016.

Across the years I’ve attended several runway events and never did it cross my mind that the overall success of that 30 minutes of RUNWAY BLISS is dependent on the amount of work exuded by a number of very talented people. Only until this year when I started doing some back of house work did I come to the realisation that a runway show is almost like a stage show. The models are the actors, the volunteers are the stage crew, the choreographers, designers and stylists are the directors, then you have the hairdressers, make-up artists, photographers, and lets not forget the light and sound crew setting the ambience and adding light and shade. Without this crew the “show would definitely not go on”. And what a misfortune for us that would be because let me tell you the Bespoke Graduation Show was unquestionably not one to miss!

As soon as I entered the BOH area I knew I was in for a treat. The garments were RAW and embodied elements of high fashion. The amount of fresh talent that I witnessed blew me away to the point that I could not help but to approach the designers and tell them how much I admired their work.

I had the privilege of meeting one of the up and coming designers, Montika Sillapaduriyank. She was very down to earth and emanated talent, kindness and modesty. Her humble words were “I can’t believe I’m graduating! Two years ago I told myself that I was going to stop sewing.” Imagine if she had! We would not have been able to observe such enormous talent. It just goes to show that you should never give up on anything that you love no matter how tough times get. Perseverance = Achievement.

Montika’s dresses were extravagant and ornate giving a Kawaii Japanese Fashion vibe. They were the definition of “girly” consisting of layered pink fabrics, flower embellishments and knitted pieces in baby pink, blue, purple and white. Each garment was paired with what I like to refer to as “lolly shoes”.

                                                 

Photograph from Montika Sillapaduriyank's Instagram

Other standouts included Zina Jozina, who took us on a mystical journey with her Japanese theatre inspired apparel. Her Kabuki collection was covered in Japanese kanji that were digitally printed from the designers own paintings. She also incorporated 3D printed plastics and fringing.

                                                                                       

Original prints were furthermore viewed in some of Gracen Steinepreis pieces, and she showcased a stunning black transparent dress with what looked like, but most likely wasn’t, leather leaves.

Sophie Watson, Montika Sillapaduriyank, Gracen Steinepreis and Irgna Sanic made knitted clothes that were modern and stylish, and Addy Pasquele impressed us with her sparkling fishing line dress and her unique hand painted midi which was painted by Ingrid and Ching.

Fierce colours, pom poms and tops made by sewing teddy bears together, is purely Kate Hannah’s signature style as (R) pointed out. “She has a unique style that she radiates herself and you always know which pieces are hers”.

Jasmine Nielsen rocked the runway with her angelic designs in gold and white and Christy Law made an impression on (A) with her black and gold printed white coat.

The white silk collection by Sarah Mah, can I just say WOW! Not only was it effortlessly stunning but her collection displayed marketable potential. It combined a level of sophistication and romanticism.

Naomi Hall’s collection was also highlighted in white with interesting cuts that added shape and body. It was a truly clever collection that looked simple and elegant but was full of technique.

What a show of originality!! Congratulations class of 2016 you have proven yourselves worthy to be labelled as designers and have displayed that you are a force to be reckoned with. These rising stars must be watched and a standing ovation is definitely warranted.

SWIM + RESORT

With the AUSSIE summer into full swing, the Fashion Council WA recently had its third annual SWIM + RESORT Show at Bathers Beach House. The event swarmed with models, former Miss Australia contestants, Perth's prominent public figures, reality TV stars and the everyday Joe like you and me. We all came together for our love of fashion and our admiration for the brands Amore + Sorvete, First Base, Ivory Daze, Natalie Rolt, Budgy Smuggler, Skye & Staghorn, Zingiber, Chalice Clothing, Gypsea and Sass & Bide.

The show began with splashes of YELLOW, one of the in colours this summer and then went into flirtatious side-slit swimwear. The runway was painted in colour as the models came down the catwalk in BABY PINKS, VIBRANT BLUES and VIVID ORANGES. However it was noted that the timeless colours of white and black will still be a hit this summer. 

Each resort or swim piece, for the female models, was flawlessly styled to perfection with either statement sunnies, au courant jewellery, head scarfs and lets not forget those sandals and bags made of STRAW, that aren’t very practical but lets face it we all wanted to get our hands on just because the models made them look, excuse my colloquial language, ‘really COOL”. 

NATALIE ROLT made us fall in love with the colour black again by making it clear that the new black is BLACK and dazzled us with striking gold and animal printed garments.

The second show saw the runway transformed into an exotic jungle with floral installations by the very talented Sheridan Tjhung. SASS & BIDE did what they do best and astounded us with stripes, prints and cheeky bralettes. My FAVOURITES from the Sass & Bide collection include the black leather HARNESS, and the black GLITTER knotted bustier with matching fitted shorts.

Photographer: Faith Moran

To the show I wore a cute Natalie Rolt number, the STRATEN SET in Terracotta styled with gold cuffs by Lovisa, the Grady clutch by Jessica Bratich and nude pumps from the Philippines. I absolutely love this Natalie Rolt piece as it is versatile and can easily be dressed down with white sneakers, an earthy brown clutch from Sportsgirl and a white and black scarf from Factorie, which I did for RnB Fridays Live.

L wore the Natalie Rolt  KHLOE JUMPSUIT in white, the SLAKE WHITE DELUXE CRYSTAL BRACELET from Swarovski, white heel sandals from Betts, a metallic silver clutch from Colette and layered necklaces from Lovisa. I predict that we will definitely be seeing a lot of white this season.

Photographer: Faith Moran

                             

Overall Swim + Resort proved itself up-to-the-minute and was one of the most enjoyable fashion events of the year. A special mention goes out to the canapés, drinks and gift bag which didn’t disappoint.

Next week I will be covering the BESPOKE 2016 Curtin Fashion Grad Show from a different angle so stay tuned.

Love H xx