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Fashion - May 2011

03 May 2011

Finding and keeping cosy this winter

By Nicola St John

Melbourne is getting cold, but there’s no need to focus on the days getting shorter and the nights colder, when the Autumn/Winter 2011 collections are here to make you feel cosy and deluxe.

The Finders Keepers market, held last month in Shed 4, followed on from the Loreal Melbourne Fashion Festival in keeping Docklands up with the latest trends. With a lot less champagne and stilettos, the markets emphasised the importance of the handmade, original up-and-coming design and a quirky craft aesthetic.

Taking knitting to a new level were Otto and Spike with the coziest looking hats and scarves. Their traditional techniques mix with a modern, off-beat feel to create inspired textural pieces.

Colour was bold, as we have been seeing a lot of this season, and their bright prints use motifs inspired by street signs and the culture of Melbourne’s Brunswick.

Their “local” scarf lists numerous signs of restaurants and locations in Lygon St and Sydney Rd, showing an intimate knowledge of the area and creating a sense of community that you can wrap warmly around your neck.

Another stand-out from the market and a key look this season was the cape, made by the team at Encouragement Award. The Little Red Riding Hood-inspired design is a perfect trans-seasonal piece – layer with some cosy merino wool, long-sleeve tops to keep yourself nice and warm, or pop the detachable hood.

Encouragement Award creator Nikki Jones is one Melburnian who loves winter.

“I think we are all really spoilt when it comes to winter fashion in Melbourne because there are so many clever designers making beautiful scarfs, knitted socks, jackets and everything you could ever need,” Nikki said.

The Finders Keepers market follows a growing trend of consumers who are looking for a handmade local option in fashion. As many stall-holders heralded the craft revival, it seems sitting by a fireplace, knitting a chunky red scarf could be the perfect idea for the upcoming winter.

For more information about the designers and upcoming markets see http://www.finderskeepers.com.au

Comments

• Certified Financial Planner at 4:36pm on 29/01/12

  Great post, Nicola, it looks like the trend for hand made is growing.  Luxury shoppers are becoming increasingly selective with regard to their spending. Not only have they become more frugal, they have also become increasingly aware of the price–quality ratio.
  The financial crisis has changed the mindset of more than 91 percent of consumers, according to a 2010 BCG survey of the behavior of luxury consumers. These shoppers have been identified to now be more prudent,  focusing less on luxury and more on value. Attention toward investment aspect Moreover, luxury shoppers have started paying more attention to the investment aspect of the product when purchasing luxury goods.  They look to buy non-seasonal and durable products and brands that do not compromise on quality — and that consequently have extended value. Further, they are becoming increasingly aware of the overall quality of the finished product.  The Finders Keepers market is exactly this segment.

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