WA Designer Collections

I was lucky to be invited to cover the incredible work of WA's finest this week as a part of Perth Fashion Festival 2012. 

The WA Designer Collections were electric. The night felt like it was on fire, with an amazing display of diverse and outstanding collections. As you will see the range of designs are so vast, with inspirations being drawn from colour, structure, tribal influences, girly romance, and more, all celebrating the beauty of the female form. 

Here are my highlights, with the exception of PeppermintMilk's collection which I have posted previously here. 

Tindale

Tindale presented a dramatic collection, featuring amazing beaded details and draping. I loved the deep V plunging necklines and the blood red cape dress. I mean, I wore a cape as a kid, and I secretly still want to. Everyone is their own superhero, should they choose to accept the challenge. 

Alushia-Sanchia 

Alushia-Sanchia's tribal/ native american influenced presentation was at once theatrical, wearable and cool. I love her stack bangles and cuffs. I didn't get any closer images of the jewellery sadly, but if you head to her website you are in for a treat. 

The cute shorts, maxi dresses and playsuits shown are so perfect for day to night in summer. 

With outstanding millinery by Chantelle Malone, this collection blew me away. I love a good show.  

(The first image is also from the Alushia-Sanchia collection).

Anna Excell

Anna Excell appears to be a godsend. I believe that I could wear her jumpsuits all summer/ spring. 

One in every colour would work. It'd be like my new personal uniform. 

Orange on Mondays to kick start a creative week, Blush Pink Tuesdays, Fuschia Wednesdays, Moody Maroon on Thursdays, (long sleeved) Orange on Fridays and mix it up with a bright Pink T-shirt dress on Saturday. Solid work. Uh. WOW.

Betty Tran

I think I need to have a word with Betty Tran. 

"You are too damn cool!" 

Mixing electric blues, emerald greens, black fitted dainty lace and simple shirts that Karl Lagerfeld would order, this collection was insane. 

In a Janelle Monae meets that girl in the office who always looks flawless and dynamic way, Betty Tran rocks it. 

Big time. 

On A Whim

Presented sweet feminine pieces perfect for the Spring Wedding season. Invited to something and have no idea where to look for a dress? On A Whim has you covered, and you'd find yourself wearing the dress over and over for years to come. 

Catini

This look perfectly summed up this strong wearable collection. Fiercely cut, with striking illuminant fabrics, Catini is sleek, sexy and sharp.  

Wild Horses

These pieces were just divine. If you are going to accessorise, start here and wear a statement with everything, every day. Dare 'ya.

Little Gracie

Little Gracie are a favourite of most young WA women. At once innocent and sweet, LG are also sexy and whimsical. I loved the lavender dresses and florals, blue full skirt dress and of course the signature balloons. I am very keen to get my hands on a dress by LG, now which one...

More to follow. Nell. 

xx 

PeppermintMilk

Last nights WA Designer Collections showcased some of the most incredible up and coming designers in Perth. I was blown away by the range of beautiful work, and am now coveting a number of pieces. Before I dash back out to tonights shows I thought I would bring to you some pics from the amazing collection by PeppermintMilk. 

The dramatic collection, inspired by Marie Antoinette's period on her little farm post baby, embraces dreamy soft cottons, pastels, light corsetry, with flowers adorning the hair. All of the PeppermintMilk garments are made by Maevana Mitchell, who is not only super talented but lovely as well. 

The collection was one of the most researched and developed as a concept that I have seen this year. Her inclusion of underwear and bridal was an amazing touch. That wedding dress was dreamy (and that is big coming from me! I am a little afraid of weddings!). 

I have more to bring you of the WA Designer Collections, Designer Capsule #2, the Hatch and Raspberry + Pop shows, but since today is my birthday, I am going to go get ready for tonights shows, and grab a little celebration drink! 

Oh, I am so excited to be meeting David Downton tomorrow! I am a huge fan, his work has been inspiring me for years. While studying illustration, in my first year I did a project on my favourite illustrator, David Downton, and five years later my dream of meeting him will come true! 

His exhibition is free, and he will be signing his book tomorrow at enex100 so make sure to come down and be inspired! Details below. xx

Post Designer Capsule #2

A quick outfit post before I run back out the door for another day at PFF. Pictures by Laura. 

Wearing Josh Goot dress, Gorman boots and Sass and Bide clutch. 

Last nights WA Designer Collections and Capsule #2 were AMAZING! I am IN LOVE with Garth Cook (he even has a beard... HOT!) and will be ordering at least four looks from last night! 

The other highlight was PeppermintMilk. Gosh Maevana Mitchell is a gem. She put together such a beautiful collection, complete with a wedding dress finale. Jaw dropping. 

I have lots to share with you, but I have to get going for another day. 

I get how an iPad is useful, designed for Fashion weeks. Yup. xx

Remedy

 

Jazzy Nail Art! If you want to get some Jazzy Nails happening I can highly recommend Bobbi Jo, she does mine, these were so cute. Check out the link below to her site. x

Remedy

With the beautiful Le Fanciulle girls Trish and Steph with their gorgeous pal Sinéad

With the darling Kate

Hosted by the lovely Hannah and Emma from All of the Above Creative at 140 Perth Remedy celebrated Spring Fashion, embracing local Designers and Artists, with funds being raised for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.

The walls lined with beautiful pieces up for silent auction, vintage apothecary bottles sprouted yellow blooms, pretty live music, great wine and sushi made the entire night a full sensory Spring experience. Girls dressed in beautiful vintage yellow toned dresses, hair adorned with yellow flowers skipped around making everyone feel welcome, while towering models were prepped for the runway. Please excuse my lack of quality pics, I ran out of the house without my camera! (Stupid move! Which I will not repeat!)

Local designers Zsadar, Garth Cook and Little Gracie, Peppermint Milk, On A Whim, Tindale, The Butcher and The Crow, Raspberry + Pop and Kim Barton all presented looks, which were donated and up for auction.

 Artists Pippa McManus, Andy Quilty and Anya Brock all donated pieces as well.

I managed to catch up with the incredible Maevana of PeppermintMilk who I know has been flat chat getting her pieces ready for Perth Fashion Festival. Back during our WAAPA days, I would see her in the Costume/ Design hallway and just die over her clothes. There was one pale blue dress she wore which I swear was the BEST dress I have ever seen! Considering her labels aesthetic is at once feminine, sexy and has a nod to costume history, I know she is busy coming up with all kinds of magic to share. The boning that goes into each dress alone, as well as exquisite fabric choices speak for themselves. If you get along to the WA Designer Collections show be sure to check out her pieces. 

I was so happy to meet Trish and Steph of Le Fanciulle, who are the most fashionable Med students ever. How on earth they manage to blog, DIY up a storm and study Medicine is beyond me. You ladies rock.

I was happy to tote some personalized nail art care of Jazzy Nail Art. Bobbi-Jo gave my nails matching peter-pan collars to my Lover Winona Skater Dress. If you are wanting to jazz up your nails for PFF, a special occasion, or you know, the occasion of 'life' get in touch with Bobbi Jo through the Facebook page link above or email jazzynailart@gmail.com 

Thanks to Kate for being my date (and taking some pics for me) and to Lover for making amazing dresses. Seriously, can I wear that one all the time? Please? 

xx