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