I was hugely lucky this week to be invited to report on Canberra's answer to fashion week, Fashfest. It was an amazing display of local designers. We have so much talent here and Canberra welcomed a fashion production of this scale and caliber to showcase all the creatives that live here. It certainly lived up to expectations and attracted national media coverage, as it should have.
I was given media passes for Night 2 and Night 3 and got to see the back-stage area and hit up the VIP. This was my coverage of Thursday night for HerCanberra.com.
Night number two of
FASHFEST sure did have a tough act to follow after the rave reviews from last night’s inaugural opening but despite the high expectations, it did not disappoint.
Night
one of Fashfest had created a media frenzy and I was keen to find out
what all the fuss was about. Sure enough, upon entering the large
industrial space at the airport and taking in every detail, I knew
Fashfest was out to impress.
There was an air of anticipation from
Canberra’s fashion pack, assembled on the chilly night to support local
talent. The champagne and canapés flowed and the music created an
upbeat ambience.
People-watching was a dream, and the crowd seemed to vary from hip
creatives to the more conservative and everyone in between, chatting
about the space, the vibe and of course, what the designers were going
to produce in their shows.
The smooth electronica sounds of local band
Safia
were the perfect backdrop and it wasn’t until I actually noticed the
band itself that I realised it was live music. They were impressive and
another indication of Fashfest’s commitment to showcasing local talent.
With the scene set, it was time to begin the show! Nestled between
three Canberra bloggers, I was in prime viewing position. Here is what I
– and my photographer, Joel Cope – saw:
Jenifer Aniela
Jenifer Aniela’s
designs were first off the rank, and the models glided down the runway
in ethereal creations that were conjured up images of mermaids on land.
Gowns and mini-dresses with sequin detail and floating trains caught the
breeze as the model’s walked. The standout piece was a rainbow-coloured
gowned that was ruched at the front with fabric that floated out the
back like the wings of a butterfly.
Sovata
Next up was a very feminine collection from
Sovata.
Jewel tones like emerald, cobalt and orange punctuated outfits that had
a 1930’s/ 1940’s feel. The outfits were styled to perfection, with
impressive matching headpieces and gloves. My favourite outfit was a
black cowl-neck top and incredibly high waisted emerald pants, belted
with two leather straps at the waist, short leather gloves and a
contrasting architectural headpiece. An unexpected combination but
executed with perfection.
Purepod
The third designer was
Purepod
who produced a pretty, wearable collection reminiscent of the 1950’s.
The pieces were flattering and I feel any woman could wear them and feel
comfortable. Floral headpieces and girly headbands complimented belted
a-line dresses and shirtdresses that were paired with tights in
contrasting colours. My pick of the bunch was a pale blue printed a-line
dress complimented with a floral headpiece- such an elegant pairing
that any woman would feel pretty in.
Andie Meredith
As
Andie Meredith’s
show began, the pace of the music picked up and the model’s strode to
the beat. This collection was polished and I could see myself in many of
the pieces. The collection was made up of a lot of separates, and it
seemed as though the whole collection could be mixed and matched making
it very wearable. Shift dresses, maxi’s and vests were the staples and
glittery scarves and leggings were in the mix to add razzle-dazzle to
the neutral pieces. My fave was a Lurex midi-dress with handless gloves.
Perfection.
Gabrielle Everitt
Gabrielle Everitt
was next and her collection evoked the feel of a garden party in
country England- incredibly feminine. The models held pretty lace
umbrellas; lace being a common element of the garments. Pretty dresses,
suits, blazers and vests in off-white and neutrals. The models played up
to the audience, smiling and curtseying with an elegant air. My pick of
the ensembles was a pale blue, floaty maxi dress with a rope belt that
made me long for spring.
Sofia Polak
Sofia Polak’s
collection was next and models came out in rows of 3 in elegant yet
eddy designs that could easily be worn to the races or weddings. Each
model wore a lace eye-mask creating a darkly romantic vibe. Sofia
creates evening and bridal pieces that are very wearable but have
surprising elements. Dresses with peplum and leather detail added an
element of surprise. The standout piece was a bridal gown with a peplum
frill and leather belt. Now that’s my kind of wedding dress!
Baku
The swimwear designs of
Baku
were out next in their collaboration with Mont. Bikini’s and one pieces
were paired with puffer jackets, beanies and heels that brought
swimwear into a chillier format. The swimwear pieces were bright and
cheerful and looked easy to wear. The models were cheeky and fun and
strutted their incredible bodies down the runway in such a natural way, I
forgot it was almost winter!
Sarah Joseph Couture
The final collection of the night was by
Sarah Joseph Couture
and boy was it couture! Sublimely executed designs wowed the audience;
the attention to detail was phenomenal. There was a bit of everything in
this collection- Aztec beading, jewel-encrusted bodices, lace, flapper
and animal print. I had a hard time choosing the standout piece- it was a
toss-up between the first piece and the last. The first gown made from
exquisite black lace with a plunging neckline and striking red underlay.
The last piece and an absolute showstopper for the entire show was a
black cutout, bondage-meets-couture piece with a tulle skirt. The model
pulled the daring look off with aplomb and the audience reacted with
gasps and wide eyes.
Photos by Joel Cope
