Fabulous Friday Fashion Profile

Australian fashion designer Wayne Cooper has been very much in the spotlight this week. I started writing this profile previously to this and as this is a fashion blog, I've decided to post this profile as planned. This is a profile of a designer; I have no interest in the other matters, nor do I intend to voice any opinion on them here.

Wayne Cooper is one of Australia's foremost fashion designers and his recent presentation at the Rosemont Australian Fashion Week (May 2008) marked his tenth year at the fashion week shows. While he has firmly established himself in the Australian fashion community, Cooper is in fact from London, and started out on quite a different track before his move into the world of fashion. While having a strong sense for design, Wayne Cooper studied law before deciding that his true calling lay in the world of fashion design.


Deciding to take a leap of faith, Wayne Cooper left the UK to follow his desire to work in fashion and arrived in Australia in 1985. Here he took a job at Sydney fashion store Masons and undertook training in fashion at the East Sydney Technical College. After a seven year business partnership and period of 'learning the ropes' in the fashion industry Cooper decided to strike out on his own by starting the Brave fashion label. Together with stylist and creative director Jean Ferraud, the Brave label was developed alongside the exclusive Wayne Cooper label started shortly after in 1996. Hallmark features of the collection were established early on, with the designer and creative director spending time in Paris, London and New York, ensuring that the finest of fabrics and textiles were chosen for the 'Wayne Cooper' label.


In 2002 the designer took the bold step to implement a sexy, youthful range to replace the Brave label. A cheeky and irreverent label - Wayne - was launched. This saw the shift from the more romantic influence of Brave to a funkier, rock-n-roll styled label that gained massive appeal with models, actresses and bright young things everywhere. A rapid ascendancy in the Australian fashion ranks saw Cooper become a regular fixture at the annual Melbourne Cup, giving live coverage from the event with his irreverent humour and witty commentary being a hit. Following on this success he participated as a co-host on the Australian series of 'What Not To Wear'. Not afraid to tell the stylishly challenged exactly how it is, the success of Cooper was cemented in his role changing women from femme fatals to femme fatales.


Wayne Cooper is today recognised as one of the foremost designers in Australia fashion, and through the careful mixture of luxurious fabrics, lavish design and the innovate and technology savvy fashion shows this designer has firmly established his own niche in the industry. Particuarly celebrated are the unique shows staged during Australian fashion week. These are the one event that most express the unique influences and intrigues of Cooper as a designer. Over the past 10 years Cooper has staged some of the greatest must see events of Fashion Week. The key to these events is the lavish styling and dramatic production, combining unique locations with cutting edge technology and sensational soundtracks. Cooper's muses include Talitha Getty, Faye Dunaway and Michelle Pfeiffer, and international models including Sarah O'Hare, Amber Valetta, Eva Herzigova and Linda Evangelista have participated in Coopers shows.


This year's collection was no exception and the 2008 Ultraviolet collection was a much anticipated event bringing together a beautifully staged show with lavish designs and superbly made, luxurious clothes. Wayne Cooper has in the course of his career in Australia established a much loved clothing label and established himself as one of the leading designers in the country, bringing a unique flair to Australian fashion.





2008 Ultraviolet Collection photos from WayneCooper.com.au

Winter Dress Ups

Well I think I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a huge fan of the frock, but so many are quick to overlook this failsafe of elegance and fashion in favour of pants when winter sets in. For the truly stylish woman however this is the ultimate in winter ease. There is nothing that sets you apart as truly elegant so much as a winter dress worn well with a good matching coat. Since the revival of knee high boots as a fashion staple, it is easier than ever to remain warm in a good dress during winter.

One of my favourite dresses is from Australian label Anna & Boy, this black button-thru dress is truly the definition of simple elegance, with black ribbed cotton and a draped style that sits below the knee with a deep v neck and long sleeves. I think this dress lends itself to both office wear and cocktail elegance and is the ideal little black dress (LBD) for the winter months.

Another gorgeous dress to bring a splash of summer to the winter months is the Fleur Wood Evoking Thoughts Dress. This dress is available in black, white, red and marigold. It is the marigold coloured dress that I particularly love; this dress is a little ray of sunshine for winter wear. I love the casual styling of the pussy bow collar and the ever so chi-chi details in the 3/4 length sleeves.

The ultimate cocktail dress is the DISAYA Swan Lace, Cut-out Sleeve Dress, which truly epitomises the direction that winter 08 has taken in Australia this year. This dress layers the crochet lace with hear details over a satin shift that sits at the knee. The lace detail extends across the bodice and along the sleeves.

There are so many more dresses to choose from than the few mentioned here, whatever your taste, to achieve the true height of winter sophistication then you are sure to find a dress that is an elegant and timeless winter option.

Anna & Boy Button-Thru Dress at LeBlackBook.com.au - $256.00

Fleur Wood Thought Evoking Dress at FleurWood.com - $390.00

DISAYA Swan Lace Cut-out Sleeve Dress on sale now from Runwaygirl.com.au - $332.80 (from $512.00)

Hot Hoodies and Cool Tees from Decibel Clothing

If you are looking for something casual to wear that incorporates great design and the best of local talent, then Decibel Clothing is just the ticket. I love these great tees and hoodies that incorporate exceptional art from local designers with well cut, quality fabrics.
Decibel Clothing is a local design company from Adelaide in South Australia. The ethos of this company is based on an underlying focus on quality and specifically non-sweatshopped products. Decibel source designs from local artists in South Australia, giving them a unique chance to have their designs incorporated and utilised by this growing fashion label.
There is a strong commitment to South Australian themed products in the art used for this clothing label. Being a South Aussie myself my personal favourites are the Frog Cake t-shirts. These cute t-shirts feature the green frogs of every SA child’s schooldays with a simple “riddup” written over head.
I love these original designs and funky styles and I strongly recommend you take a further look at this range of clothing if you are after something uniquely Australian and comfy; be it a warm winter hoodie or a cool summer tee. Whatever the season, Decibel clothing has something original for you.

http://www.decibelclothing.com.au/

Stay hot when the temperature drops!

Winter is the ideal time to really let elegance take the lead. In Australia we’re renowned for being casual and laid back in our style, and I think this really goes hand in hand with our hot climate. While it isn’t impossible to be elegant in summer here, it is undoubtedly an easier option when the cool months come along. So with winter setting in, it’s the perfect opportunity to channel your inner film star; sporting your favourite winter coat to combine impeccable tailoring with some of the fabulous scarves, hats and gloves that are in style this year.





I really love the range of gloves from Australian label Tribu, these are one of the hottest items around right now. There are a range of full-length and regular gloves, but I particularly love the variety of colours, including ruby reds and vibrant blues alongside staples in black, brown and taupe. The cuffed Kat gloves are truly chic and the fabulous Claudia full-length gloves are quite unique these days. My personal favourites are the Casey and Jean gloves (pictured); these kind of simple gloves are ideal for all sorts of occasions and will see you through the winter in warmth and style.

http://www.tribu.com.au/

The Fabulous and Famous | Australian Fashion Week

Well this week is the highlight of the Australian fashion calendar – yes, ladies and gentlemen – I’m talking about none other than Australian Fashion Week. So whilst I’m a very busy little vegemite around about now, I couldn’t skip this chance to talk about at least some of the fabulous designers that are showcasing their talent in Sydney this week. Over a hundred designers will be showcased during the week; whilst it’s impossible to cover all of them here, for now let me get started taking you through just some of the designers who have presented collections.

The Week so Far
Since kicking off on Monday, RAFW shows have already been presented by Australian fashion big guns Alex Perry and Lisa Ho, while a debut RAFW collection was presented by emerging designer Konstantina Mittas.

Alex Perry’s show was a classy collection, with gorgeous evening dresses, beautifully cut day dresses and impeccably tailored and elegant suits. This collection suggests an underlying elegance that harks back to the days of glamorous black and white film. The gorgeous detailing and care in the cut of the pant suits paired with elegant and feminine silk shirts suggests an element of Marlene Dietrichesque quality, while the day dresses inspire comparisons to a young Elizabeth Taylor or Audrey Hepburn. This paired with funky sequined animal prints, micro minis and some pretty 50s inspired denim pants and full skirts promises this is a highly wearable collection and one that has appeal for women of all ages and temperments.

Lisa Ho presented a collection that could be seen as something of a departure from what you may have considered the usual apparel of this fashion house. Undoubtedly the new trends have been given a nod and I think if you have associated Ho’s designs with floral, floaty sundresses then you may find this collection offers a new take on this, and a new path for the designer. Big sleeves, short hemlines and other popular sixties elements have been incorporated here in a collection of very wearable, chic dresses.
The more floaty traditionally Ho style dresses have been given a new lease on life, in block colours like deep blue, fire engine red and golden yellow, as well as bold prints. The shift cut dresses paired with silver platforms are characteristic of the sixties feel that is coming through in this seasons collections. For more casual chic the silver thongs offer a summery option and the large bangles in the signature colours of the collection pull the look together and complete the outfits.
Some of the more overtly modern/trendy elements are perhaps a bit more miss than hit, but predominantly Lisa Ho has stayed on track to incorporate current trends in the kind of dresses and other apparel that have long been the trademark of this designer.

Konstantina Mittas debut show incorporates a number of more avant garde elements, with models sporting fringed ‘veils’ hanging to the waist. This sci-fi inspiration makes for a uniquely modern collection for the first showing of this emerging Australian designer. I love the patent leather boots and winged ankle boots. The sheer layered dresses are floaty and fanciful and a great addition for the summer season.
The new take on the little black dress has an eighties feel to it and the carefully cut silk jackets paired with lace under shirts continue along this theme, in a more Victorian-eighties style fusion. For a more casual element, the green sleeveless hoodies are a unique summer take on this staple of winter comfort. Bright elements are also incorporated into the predominantly neutral collection, with turquoise embroidery and green hot pants. This is an unabashedly modern collection, from an inventive and creative emerging Australian talent.

The Lisa Ho and Alex Perry collections present consummate examples of style from some of Australia’s beloved and established designers. These are grown up clothes for the modern woman, offering casual chic through to elegant evening wear. On the other hand, for all the bright young things out there looking for a fresh, funkier fashion alternative, my money is on Konstantina Mittas.

Designer and Label Profile: Leona Edmiston of 'Frocks'

Well in the interest of continuing the theme I started with last time – who better to profile than the indomitable designer and head of fashion label 'Frocks'; Australia's own original frock girl - Leona Edmiston.

Leona Edmiston started her career as a fashion designer in the 80s, and with her former business partner, designer Peter Morrissey, established the feted Morrissey Edmiston label. Gaining popularity with both local and international celebrities this partnership established the success and renown of both the designers and the clothes became a wardrobe staple for the fashion conscious until the partnership ended in 1997.
When the Morrissey Edmiston partnership ended Edmiston forged her own path. Since the launch of her solo label in 2001 the Edmiston brand has grown to include the ‘Little Leona’ range, ‘for little ladies’, the ‘PINS’ hosiery range, the ‘Leona’ line of clothing and a signature fragrance!

The penultimate Leona Edmiston line is the ‘Frocks’ label, that since its launch has quickly taken its rightful place as a popular choice for the elegant woman. The attraction and beauty of the 'Frocks' collection stems from the underlying ethos of Edmiston's collection. The heart and soul of this fashion range is the simplicity of a great dress as a symbol of feminine elegance and glamour.
The ‘Frocks’ label creates beautiful and unique dresses, using interesting prints and colours, that when worn endow the woman with a chicness and sophistication. Whilst we may be spoilt for choice with so many high street stores these days, there will never be a substitute for quality! What is so appealing about a ‘Frocks’ frock is the use of high quality jersey, silk and cool cottons to produce uniquely stylish and unrepentantly feminine apparel.

Not one to rest on her laurels, the Autumn-Winter 2008 range is yet another example of how Edmiston captures this ultra feminine and sophisticated feel in her clothing line. Imbued with bold prints, rich colours and ‘whimsical details’ these are clothes for serious fashion lovers – not overtly avant garde, but rather elegant dresses made with quality fabrics and cuts that can be worn by real women!
Further to this, the autumn-winter collection marks an increase in the range of sizes available, with the designer showing her commitment to creating fabulous clothes for real ladies – whether a size 6 or a size 24.

Leona Edmiston is an exemplary designer – showing innovation both in design and in business ideas – attributes that are truly characteristic of where Australia and the Australian fashion industry is heading today.

*I just want to include a big thank you to Prue at Leona Edmiston for taking time out of her busy schedule to help with the photo for this post!

Frocks

We Aussie girls love a good frock (dress if you aren't up on our lingo). If you don't believe me then a quick look at the turnout of ladies in frocks at the annual Melbourne Cup should be enough to confirm this for you! So without further ado – let us take a look at some of the great moments of the frock in Australia.

Jean Shrimpton and 'that dress'
Firstly, I should point out that Jean Shrimpton is not an Aussie – but this was on our turf and we like to take credit for anything if it happens here! Now I know that in recent times the catch cry has changed to 'Liz Hurley and that dress', in recognition of the stir caused when Liz arrived wearing the infamous flaming red Versace safety pin dress. But we should always give credit where credit is due – and the original dress scandal and instigator of a fashion movement all of its own – was a relatively demure dress that young Jean Shrimpton (aka the Shrimp) wore to the Melbourne Cup in 1965.
So what was so special about this dress? Well this dress had the distinction of not covering her knees! So what is the big deal? Well the big deal was that when this young model turned up at the races in this knee skimming outfit minus stockings and gloves, it caused an uproar! The subsequent broadcast of the pictures around the world led to the mini’s popularity being propelled into the stratosphere! The sixties came to be remembered as the age of the mini, with this style destined forevermore to be an icon of that era. Hard to imagine now when every western women between the age of 15 and 50 can in all likelihood remember wearing a mini at one time or another, but there you have it.

Paper or plastic? (Frock that is!)
In 1994 Australian frocks had reached another high point in fashion, when Australian Lizzie Gardiner won an Oscar for Best Costume Design. This young designer showed her flair for design with fantastic sequined and bedazzling frocks being the cornerstone of her sensational designs in ‘Priscilla: Queen of the Desert’; and she went on to create something of a sensation with her own unique dress at the award ceremony. Lizzie turned up in an extraordinary and unforgettable dress that was created entirely of Gold Amex Cards. This unique and witty style is a hallmark of Australian fashion and innovation, and this dress could simply not be excluded from any list of iconic Australian frocks!

‘Priscilla’
Now this is actually all about men in frocks – but in the interests of cataloguing great frock moments I can't leave this one out. The film for which the aforementioned Lizzie won her Oscar is filled with fantastic and elaborate frocks. However, whilst there are countless great frocks in this flick – the greatest frock moment of them all is the iconic scene where one of the lead actors is sat in a giant high heel atop a bus in the outback, with the enormous train of a dress flowing out behind! Nothing says Australia more than the outback and there is perhaps no finer frock moment than this scene of extraordinary and unexpected glamour set against the magnificence of our desert landscape.

So there you have it – a brief look at some of the great Australian style moments for the beloved frock. Who knew something as simple as a dress could mean so much!