Runway Report: L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2012

Bondage accessories on the runway and models staging a silent protest by removing their towering stilettos during a show – the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) delivered another massive fashion statement this year.

March is fashion heaven in Melbourne as the festival brings an overload of colour and beauty to the city. LMFF runs from March 8 -15 and has a Cultural Program spread across the entire month with fashion inspired activities that extend far beyond the runway. The buzz is all about delivering all the key winter trends.

Ginger Smart                  |                   Life With Bird

The big runway shows are at Docklands by the water but this schedule has a unique touch with the shows staged in the architectural gems around the city. One of the best this year was Aphla60 who showed in the St Paul’s Cathedral cobbled laneway - how very Melbourne.

It was twilight when the show began, adding a sense of dark and edginess to their streeetwear designs as the crowd enjoyed the backdrop of the beautiful and haunting cathedral.

International queen of burlesque Dita Von Tesse jetted into Melbourne to model in her own show. Von Folies by Dita Von Teese is the exclusive collection for Target and on the night the crowd showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.

It was reported that when she organised the runway show she wanted models with curves and a natural skin tone so banned fake tan. It was a lingerie collection with a strong nod to vintage, featured dark tones of black and blue with lace detail. To venture onto the wild side there is the animal print pieces.
 

Von Follies by Dita Von Teese for Target Australia

A show that made headlines was when the models removed their stilettos as they walked down the 30 metre runway at Docklands. It was called a silent protest by models who felt unsafe when having to walk on demand in some unsafe shoes.

The audience watched as they wobbled their first few steps then opted to the remove the shoes to avoid tripping or worse a broken ankle. This drew wide spread criticism with some people taking the side of the models and others saying it is their job as a model to walk in what can be uncomfortable shoes and that they showed a complete lack of respect for the industry.

Lisa Ho                          |                Manning Cartell

Key trends: Black was back in a major way and featured heavily across collections from streeetwear to ball gowns. Print layering from head-to-toe will be the winter way to make a bold fashion statement.

The polka dot stood out as the print of the season and was seen in just about every colour and size possible. The mini skirt is set to be huge for winter and dressed with flowing blouses then a long trench for that much needed warmth.

Gold is the glam colour of the season and will give an added lift to any outfit.

Ellery                             |               Arthur Galan

For the guys the jacket of the season is the Pea Coat in military colours of dark green and deep brown. Bow Ties are set to be the biggest accessory and crossed over from streetwear to dressing for the red carpet. The toning down of a suit for a more casual look with sneakers or casual shoes was seen on the runway.

The skinny look has disappeared with tailoring having a more relaxed fit. This was evident in the male models chosen for the runway that had more bulk than previous seasons.

Calibre                       |              Brent Wilson

The festival finale was a red carpet extravaganza from Melbourne designer Toni Maticevski whose designs have featured on red carpets all over the world. He showcased his latest collection with a few key pieces from previous seasons.

He sent down the runway dresses that floated in shades of black, grey and white. He, as always, used only the finest detailing with exquisite sequins and beading that sparkled.
 

Toni Maticevski

Goodbye LMFF 2012 - you have been fabulous, colourful and another wild adventure.

-Craig Lawson
Stylish Communications & Events

Imagery: Lucas Dawson Photography