A perfect night for fashion

By Alison Kinkade

Yes, it is sad but official … the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) 2011 is now over, but before we start reaching for that pair of comfortable trackies in the back of our wardrobe that will no doubt be our autumn/winter fashion-piece staple (at least at home anyway), let me take you into the world of L’Oreal, Paris Runway 7, presented by Cosmopolitan… the LMFF runway that I was privileged to attend.

A perfect balmy Saturday night set the scene for my Fashion Week experience … and what a scene it was! Having spent the last few years involving myself in fashion festivals, it never ceases to amaze me the extraordinary lengths that ordinary Australians go to during fashion festival seasons.

Even before the show has begun you find yourself experiencing an array of magnificent and intricate designs and you say to yourself … “Where have these people come from and how did they get so stylish all of a sudden?”

I’m never quite sure what it is, but
something seems to change during fashion festivals and everyone seems to lift their standard a few notches.

So after watching what seemed like a show in itself outside Central Pier with many fashionistas being drawn to the last L’Oreal Paris Runway show for the week, I quickly took my prime position in the second row.

White Suede made an entrance and kicked off the night with a fantastic collection of digital print dresses, pants and skirts. The collection stayed on trend with great use of leather and neutral tones, but added a touch of red for contrast. 

A bolero-style jacket from this collection would make the perfect addition to your wardrobe.

Talulah showed that autumn and winter could be flirty and light in what seemed to be spring-inspired designs. The collection featured short dresses, as well as maxis, in soft light fabrics and beautiful blush tones. Talulah stayed on trend with great caramel pieces and kept classic Melburnians happy with some black-and-white designs.  

A gorgeous white kaftan-looking piece had me wondering whether I was in the right season though.

Maurie & Eve proved that mustard orange could look amazing and in a whole range of pieces. The collection stuck tightly to the trend with beautiful soft fabrics, lace and gorgeous tan and nude tones.
Joveeba hit the mark on every trend featuring tan, nude and blue hues, as well as digital prints, knits, soft fabrics and maxi dresses. But best of all, the collection was extremely wearable.

Bettina Liano featured a largely ready-to-wear collection with a range of different designs to whet many different appetites.  Although I was quite disappointed that she decided to show only one pair of her signature jeans and, after overhearing conversations on the way out, it turns out I wasn’t the only one disappointed.

Alannah Hill’s collection was gorgeous and, as usual, she dances to the beat of her own drum – so to speak. The collection was typical of her brand, unlike many other designers, with lots of florals in beautiful pinks and reds and was only tweaked slightly to suit this season’s trends.

Wayne Cooper showed that he still has what it takes with a sophisticated collection featuring long and flowing fabrics, elegant lace, beautiful rouching and all in this season’s trend colours. I must say this is
one of my favourite Wayne Cooper collections in a while.

All in all, the night was fantastic and, surprisingly, came complete with a Chihuahua sitting on the lap of its beautiful owner in the front row... so if you haven’t attended LMFF before, and even if you think you won’t enjoy it, do yourself a favour and get there next year.