August is always a busy month for me with lots of birthdays to celebrate, new books and films to review and best of all, the Brisbane Fashion Festival. This annual celebration of all that is great about Queensland and Australian fashion comes at the end of August and is always a whirlwind of fashion shows, panel talks, brunches, lunches and catching up with all my fashion friends.
This year I snaffled some VIP tickets for the W Brisbane Show, Carla Zampatti runway and the Designer Group Show. Making my way to City Hall with my fashionable friend, Karen we were excited to see the well dressed crowd making their way inside to the lounge where we sipped on champagne and enjoyed some delicious canapés before heading into the show.
We were brought to tears by the opening of the W Brisbane Fashion Show where Luke Kennedy and other talented performers introduced the Shayna X Kidman range with some rousing Australian songs. Other labels showing were Silk Laundry, Pamela Easton, Camargue, Perri Cutten, Gary Bigeni, Cable, Luxe de Valentina, Edward St Brisbane, Wintergarden and Queens Plaza. Highlights for me were the elegant designs from Perri Cutten, slow fashion from Pamela Easton and the very wearable looks from Cable, a new to me label.
Heading back to the salon we caught up with friends before the Carla Zampatti Show. In a coup for organisers this was the first solo show Carla Zampatti had presented as part of the Brisbane Fashion Festival. I wore my rose pink Carla Zampatti Lovers frock with pride as I waved the flag for one of my favourite Australian designers.
The looks were elegant as always with luxe fabrics and wonderful design elements. There were looks in edgy black, pale pink suits, pops of red and lilac and plenty of feathers and draping. We also left with a sumptuous goodie bag containing some wonderful products.
Thursday night saw more of our Queensland designers sharing their Spring/ Summer stories in the Designer Group Show. I wore a Sacha Drake gown – the Lenora in Black Gold – paired with my black and gold Dior bag, gold slingbacks from Wittner and pink and gold earrings from Sacha Drake. It was great to chat to so many fashion friends in the lounge. I spoke to the organising team from m4m, social reporter and fashion friend Mary Dickinson, designer Sally Astill and her team from Astille Designs, make up artist, model and fashionista Mary Croft and fashion influencer the Brisbane Girl. Brisbane was abuzz with excitement for this final show.
On a perfect Brisbane night we were treated to a range of designs from my favourite Sacha Drake, the colourful work of Kristian Williams The Brand, the couture of Sonia Stradiotto was on show with Sonia Stradiotto Couture and I Am My Husband’s Mistress, the elegant designs from Millyzu and Astille , menswear from Mannzilo, wearable local designs from RicRac Road and modern edgy designs from JOTEO and Carol D’Silva. I remembered when JOTEO first presented in the Next Gen show.
Highlights for me were the wonderful new designs from RicRac Road. Kellie’s pieces are always made with such pretty fabrics and are so perfectly wearable in our Queensland climate. I think this season is her best yet so I expect my wallet will get a workout, although her designs are always affordable so do check them out. Sequins, feathers and sexy lace are always abundant in Sonia Stradiotto designs and there were plenty of sequins in the crowd out in support. Sally Astill designs with elegance, quality and a French sensibility and her latest Astille collection shared some luxe fabrics and fabulous silhouettes. Millyzu showed us a range that blends her love of fabrics with a love of style.
Colours for the season were pops of red, orange, plenty of blues like teal, turquoise and cobalt plus some dusty or rose pinks. Fringing, lace and feathers were coming through. Colour was on show with the likes of Gary Bigeni and Kristian Williams The Brand. Black is still always right for night according to the runways. There really was something for everyone in this finale.
Guests partied the night away at the Intercontinental Hotel after party but this tired fashion gal and busy granny was home by nine thirty marvelling on a wonderful week of fashion and friends. The weather had played nicely and organisers had done a superb job of creating a week full of fun, fashion and excitement. I’m already looking forward to next year.
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