As one of the biggest weeks of the Melbourne event calendar, Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2008 is set to dazzle from September 1-7, 2008 with over 100 free and ticketed public events that celebrate the arrival of the Spring-Summer 2008-09 fashion season.

**Update as at August 12, 2008**

**Update as at August 15, 2008**

**The Fashion Right on Track Show**

**Decjuba Girls' Day Out**

Austrade, the Australian Government's export promotion agency, has attracted over 50 key international fashion buyers to this year's Mercedes Australian Fashion Week (MAFW) to be held from April 26-30.

Melbourne fashion lovers have the opportunity to see the upcoming spring and summer looks from some of Australia's hot designers at the 2005 Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MMSFW), which runs from September 5-11, 2005.

The 2005 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (MFF) is into its ninth year and promises to be one of the brightest and biggest yet. It is to be held from March 14-20.

Hair Expo - the largest hairdressing event in the Southern Hemisphere and most talked about industry event in the world – celebrates its 30th birthday next weekend. Hair Expo will be open at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, throughout the Queen’s Birthday long weekend – Saturday 10 to Monday 12 June.

With up to 30,000 hairdressers and hair fans descending on Darling Harbour over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, the Australian Hair Expo is a feast of the unexpected! Australia’s hairdressers will be downing their scissors for the annual extravaganza of amazing hairstyles direct from the catwalk, the ultimate hair gadgets and a dazzling array of the hottest hair colours.

The Swedish government has designated 2005 the Year of Swedish Design and in March 2005 Australians are to be treated to a series of design events staged as part of Swedish Style in Australia.

**Calendar of Events**

The International Beauty Expo is a must-attend event for all beauty professionals, with over 11,000 expected to attend in Sydney. Housing more than 200 exhibitors, the largest and longest running beauty event in Australia will feature the latest products, concepts and innovations from the world's leading beauty industry wholesalers…

Australian swimwear brand Rochford is set to make waves at the world’s largest swimwear tradeshow – Miami SwimShow 2009 – where it will preview its latest collections to the globe’s bathers buyers.

Hundreds of teen hopefuls are expected to flock to one of Australia¹s premier modelling competition in Melbourne on Saturday, June 30, 2007.

On Thursday November 30, 2006 five dynamic Australian fashion designers will showcase their collections for the Starlight Children's Foundation's exclusive Five Designers Fashion Show, presented by Volkswagen.

This year’s Underground Fashion Festival celebrates Melbourne’s unique local designers and boutiques in a week of parades at the stylish F4 nightclub in Little Collins Street, Melbourne. From August 28 to September 1, packed crowds are expected to see some of the emerging talent on show.

Revealing a fresh new look and bringing together the most exciting new and established fashion labels from across Australia and overseas, Fashion Exposed & preview returns to the Sydney Exhibition Centre from March 9-11, 2008.

In one of the more popular events of the Melbourne Spring calendar, the glamour of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) is almost upon us again.

MSFW usually brings a boost to the retail economy and the public will have the opportunity to be at over 100 official events, ranging from fashion parades, exhibitions, and store launches.

The Who's Who of fashion in Sydney gathered as Schwarzkopf Professional officially launched its sponsorship with Mercedes Australian Fashion Week (MAFW).

The Australian Shoe Fair, Australia’s only dedicated footwear industry fair, returns to the Sydney Exhibition Centre from February 15-17, 2008.

**SHOESHOE set to be an attraction**

A packed programme of events marks the 8th L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (MFF), which is to be held from March 14-21, 2004.

There will be events for everyone, spread across Melbourne, from the traditional Myer lunchtime parades, the popular Ready-to-Wear nightly parades, the Hotel Sofitel daily shows, and a variety of product launches, displays, workshop, exhibitions, etc.

Redken 5th Avenue NYC is a leading haircare brand in the hairdressing industry and for the second year in a row, is giving these young hairdressers the chance to reach for the stars with the Redken Future Colour Competition. The competition is a national initiative to provide young, creative and cutting edge colourists the chance to work on an international stage.

ACP Magazines has announced that 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty – Australia’s biggest-ever integrated advertising and retailer initiative – will return in September 2008, with extended features set to further enhance the success of the winning model.

**Update as at August 16, 2008**

The 2006 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) celebrates its 10th year in 2006, bringing much style, trends, ideas, and showcasing Australian fashion talent to a consumer focus. It will be a springboard to the Autumn/Winter collections of leading and emerging fashion designers, plus providing an array of industry events.

…the 2007 L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival is again set to shine with a line-up of the country’s must-have brands and a host of international industry guests and models.

**Main highlights listed, including runway shows, salon shows**

**ACMI presents fashion on film**

The 2005 Sustainable Living Festival will be held at Federation Square over the weekend February 18–20, 2005.
Showcasing a broad range of environmentally friendly ideas, reflecting and playing with the Foundation’s living themes, the festival will see over 200 exhibitors, 50 artists, more than 40 performances and around 100 workshops
and seminars in six presentation spaces.

**CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS**

A large guest list and media assembled for the David Jones Summer 2008 Collections Launch at Sydney‘s Royal Hall of Industries. There was extra attention this time as Miranda Kerr made her runway debut for David Jones, as its new 'Ambassador’.

Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MMSFW) is one of Melbourne's most innovative and stylish fashion events of the calendar year.

A new concept revealing Melbourne’s top young designers to an exclusive guest list, Midnight Fashion (MF) fuses together the best of catwalk fashion and Melbourne’s famous bar culture.

Celebrity make-up artist to the stars, Linda Jefferyes, is heading to Sydney to share her talent and expertise with Australia’s beauty professionals at one of the country’s largest beauty industry events - the 2007 Sydney International Beauty Expo,

**Update as at August 7, 2007**

Featuring real Australian fashion for a real Australian audience, the David Jones Winter 2005 Collection Launch is set to be shown throughout Australia until March 19.

David Jones Ambassador, Megan Gale (pictured) has already opened the Sydney Launch, and she will venture to Melbourne to partake in proceedings on March 10 at an exclusive VIP Launch.

David Jones Youth Ambassador, Ilona Novacek is scheduled to appear at all national VIP Collections Launches.

He’s tended the tresses of some of the world’s most beautiful women including Heidi Klum, Helena Christensen and Jerry Hall. He’s been in demand for his styling talents for Ali Hewson (Mrs Bono), Miss Ireland, the cast of Riverdance and even the Prime Minister of Ireland. Since his arrival in Australia a few short years ago, Evin Austin has become Sydney’s best-kept secret after opening his first salon in Sydney.

September 4 to September 6 marks the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2006/2007 Transeasonal Collections and Swimwear label MaraJoara will play a big role in it. It's a great thrill for the label and they delayed LyonModeCity in France so they could launch their new collection on home turf!

Australia's new generation of designers were given an opportunity to show their latest creations at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week before a crowd which included interstate and international buyers.

Caterina DiBiase from Heading Out Hair & Beauty in Melbourne was recently announced Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year - the ultimate accolade for any Australian hairdresser - at a glittering gala ceremony for the Annual Hair Expo Australian Hairdressing Industry Awards.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced the winners for the 2005 CFDA Fashion Awards. The annual gala was held on June 6 at the New York Public Library.

StreetLab is to be exposed at Fashion Exposed & preview, the event which occurs at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from September 14 -16, 2008.

Vicious Threads is evolving to a whole new level with the introduction of its Gold Needle Collection. So it was, at a shed at Melbourne Docklands, that Vicious Threads presented its autumn/winter 2005 collection.

Young Sydney designer Camilla Franks showed off her Camilla label in a theatrical display within the confines of the Inter-Continental Hotel in Sydney's CBD.

“Tom Ford, the product is very confident, very strong. Tom Ford, the man is also those things, but Tom Ford the man is also very shy. No one ever really believes that about me. Being public for me is a performance. That doesn't mean it's not genuine, but I have to get my head into place and I have to perform and I have to be Tom Ford, the product. But I was an actor when I was young and I think I understood very clearly the separation of myself as a product or myself as a human being, because you do that as an actor.”

From the success of Colours of Spring, Alive Global Entertainment once again presents to the community “A Christmas Party”, which is one of the company’s philanthropic activities done annually at the end of the year. Hosted in a cosy and relaxed environment at Shamiana Bar, Melbourne on December 12, “A Christmas Party” is an event not to be missed.

**Pictures from the event**

The Young Designer 2005 Fashion Competition and Designer Award was held at Arcardi in Darlinghurst. Here are pictures from the BORA parade.

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and MYER are pleased to announce that Australian actor Alex Dimitriades will be the MYER Fashions on the Field Male Ambassador for the 2006 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

**Update as at September 10, 2006**

**Update as at October 24, 2006**

Italy’s acclaimed Inghirami Group, founded by Fabio Inghirami in 1949, has extended its Ingram shirts range by developing its ‘A Misura’ or ‘made-to-measure’ shirts for the new-age man.

Alana finds inspiration for her jewellery collections through life and daydreams. Her latest Tozer treats are inspired from old typewriters. She fell in love with the intricate details and the odd industrial shapes each individual piece had.

**Miss World Australia chooses Cinema Haute Couture daywear**

**Miss World Australia chooses swimwear designers MaraJoara**

**Miss World Australia chooses Natasha Iwanov’s handbags**

**Miss World Australia chooses Di Kennedy Cosmetics**

Whether you’re looking for information or inspiration, inner peace or mental stimulation, the latest in holistic health and fitness, or just want to know what’s out there the Mind Body Spirit Festival is for you!

Mercedes Australian Fashion Week (MAFW) descends on Melbourne this October with the Autumn Winter 2006 Collections taking centre stage during the period October 24-28, and showcases the first glimpse of the season.

With a fresh batch of 10 of Melbourne’s young and prominent designers ready and raring to showcase their talent, Midnight Fashion returns on Friday, March 28, 2008.

The label has grown immensely over the past two years and it was the focus of all the attention, following the Wayne Cooper show.

Held at Rosati's restaurant and bar in Flinders Lane, Melbourne, the Wayne Cooper 2005 autumn/winter collection evoked the glamorous chic look with Wayne's individual edge paramount to the warmth and charm that the collection offers.

David Jones embraced a delightful Italian flavour for its Summer 2005 VIP Collection Launch at the Melbourne Town Hall in August 2005.

The nation’s top salons wowed judges at the Palms At Crown for the 12th L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy National Finals.

**Pictures from the event**

A fascinating struggle for ascendancy has been playing out in the struggle between two of the country's largest retailers.

The latest “battle” concerns the exclusive rights for the Hollywood Prescription Lip Treatment, which is endorsed by Paris Hilton.

It wrapped up Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in Melbourne. It lasted about three minutes. It showcased some eclectic designs by Tsubi. It was a fitting, fast way to get the message across.

Being the Fashion Capital, Chadstone shopping centre made everyone a VIP recently when it hosted a special shopping night with every store offering significant discounts in the lead-up towards the Christmas shopping period.

With his customary edge and a collection oozing sex appeal, the renowned Wayne Cooper leather pants and jackets were striking as always.

When a Jamaican designer raised in England hits Melbourne you can expect the British fashion scene with the influence of his funky roots of the Caribbean to create something for the cool runnings of Australia.

Former Australian Idol favourite and newly signed Universal Music artist Roxane Lebrasse is the latest talent to be signed as a SUPRÉ Style Rocks Ambassador.

**Update as at August 30, 2007**

“In the denim world there were really no brands that had a person that you could emotionally connect with and so I really liked the idea of giving a face to my brand.”

As well as promoting a healthy sexy image their parade kicked off with a range of vibrant coloured one pieces and bikinis with a practical edge that would keep you looking fashionably fabulous even while being an active beach babe.

IMG FASHION recently confirmed its new plans for Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) Transeasonal Collections as moving from Melbourne to Sydney.

The Young Designer 2005 Fashion Competition and Designer Award was held at Arcardi in Darlinghurst.

The launch of ‘Secret Weapons’, an accessories range from well-known Melbourne models Danielle Atkin and Sarita Stella, had a comfortable crowd at Deck 10 at the Adelphi Hotel. It was a great looking mix of guests who enjoyed the red carpet treatment prior to being pampered at the make-up station and studied by a tarot card reader, while delighting themselves with cocktails, cupcakes, and a chocolate fountain.

New Australian, neu-vintage surf label, ShortStraw, celebrated the start of summer in style recently by collaborating with Vice Records to host an exclusive party that attracted a ‘strictly limited’ number of 250 of Sydney's coolest kids.

We have pictures of the Tony Bianco celebratory party at its Direct Factory Outlet store in Melbourne where several celebrities and models lapped up the glorious array of shoes, along with numerous other customers who were treated to discounts of between 20-40%.

Michelle Reilly and Dunja are two highly sought after girls that have worked on various campaigns and on catwalk shows. Both are blessed with features that are extremely attractive to clients and generally show the right “look”

Into its second year, the 2003 event saw various activities, including exhibitors and fashion parades held at Federation Square, plus several off-site events.

With Spring fashion in the air, those that love to frolic will be heading to Classic Caulfield next month as the Spring Racing Carnival kicks off with the first race day, the Carlton Draught Caulfield Guineas on Saturday, October 8.

Organisers of Australasia’s largest fashion trade fair FASHION EXPOSED have revealed an unprecedented list of labels exhibiting at the co-located preview during the three-day fair to be held at Melbourne’s Exhibition Centre, Southbank from September 4-6, 2005.

FASHION EXPOSED and preview, Australasia’s most successful Fashion Trade Fair will return to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from September 3-5, 2006.

**News on Childrenswear**

**Preview Designer Show**

Some of Australia's biggest designer names and leading fashion retailers are set to present a style-packed festival of fashion for the people, when the inaugural Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival (RSFF) kicks off from August 13-17, 2008.

One of Australia‘s leading hairdressers and award-winner, Aldo Raymond, has started the Challenge for the ‘Top 20’ Hair Designers in Australia, who will be selected from a two-part National Competition.

A great new product has hit Australia and it has the strong endorsement of Paris Hilton, who has been appointed as spokesperson of the Hollywood Prescription. For anyone wanting to be like Paris and have healthy-looking lips worthy of the Red Carpet, you need look no further than the Hollywood Prescription Lip Treatment.

**EXCLUSIVE Q & A WITH PARIS HILTON**

For three consecutive days - September 7, 8, and 9 - Albert Coates Lane at QV was transformed into a striking canvas of colour, fashion and celebrity spotting, as eight leading Australian retailers showcased the latest in trends and styles, straight from the catwalks of Milan, Paris and Melbourne!

Tasmanian fashion designer Alexi Freeman has quickly become noticed amongst industry observers and, as such, was voted in the Top 20 Hot New Designers at Australian Fashion Week in 2007.

The re-launch of the Morrissey store in Little Collins Street in Melbourne attracted some notable attention.

One of the highlights of the recent Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2007 was to see Alex Zabotto-Bentley explode back onto the official schedule with a sassy, strong signature collection for Spring Summer 2007/08 – DIRTY DISCO.

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week was held during September 1-7 at a series of venues. It once again saw giant retailers Myer and David Jones take a leading role in displaying their Spring/Summer clothing range.

With his appointment as Artistic Director of Kenzo Woman late in 2003, Antonio sees this as a major step for him. He has quickly immersed himself into the history of Kenzo, discovering points of similarity with his own style. The passionate clothes designer has an exciting adventure with Kenzo, which needed a good lift in enterprise and fortune.

The Mercedes Australian Fashion Week (MAFW) Autumn Winter 2005 collections are fast approaching and Melbourne is gearing up to welcome everyone to what launches a pretty hectic and festive season.

Australia's Miss Universe, Jennifer Hawkins, will take to the runway in Myer's hot fashion show in Sydney to launch its Spring-Summer 2006 collection.

**Update as at August 18, 2006 - Pictures from the Myer Sydney launch**

YOUNITY Entertainment is a fresh new symbol of “uniqueness through togetherness” within the entertainment industry. Moulding the finest quailty events, music and fashion in honour of you, the Melbourne public, so that everyone can enjoy their sweet, sweet playtime in style at some of the hottest clubs in Melbourne.

YOUNITY Entertainment was born late 2006 and with it comes the hatching of YOUNITY‘s first event - Sole e’ Luna.

A section of Chapel Street was closed off recently for a celebrity-studded celebration to herald the launch of Melbourne’s first Ed Hardy retail outlet. The label transposes hard rock tattoo culture onto more friendly, pop-rock pieces like tees, leather jackets and short shorts. The range, created by Christian Audigier (ex-Von Dutch, Levis, Kookai, Diesel), is plastered with the art of, “the godfather of modern tattoo” Don Ed Hardy.

DEBUT will return for its third season at Fashion Exposed March 2007 at Darling Harbour, Sydney. This initiative has been created to give new designers a break in the highly competitive Australasian fashion arena and to cultivate the fashion stars of tomorrow from Australia and New Zealand.

Lavazza has been a prominent icon in Melbourne for many years and supports fashion and other events through very generous sponsorship.

As models and designers sometimes mesh into a model-like designer, so Louisa Smeeton wears her clusters of bold trinkets with confident charisma. Pink and gold charms that embellish a long chain add almost rock star appeal to her doll complexion. She is successful and 23 years old. Is she human? Louisa is an attractive brunette wearing gorgeous beads which she makes herself.

Since Joshua’s label SUBFUSCO (Latin for deviated colour) first launched at the end of 2005, it has attracted an array of fashion awards and interest thanks to its contemporary cool designs and intricate detailing.

The co-owners of Instant Rockstar are Margaret Ardono and Craig Delmo. They have taken this hair product brand from an efficient grassroots campaign and built up the brand in a creative fashion that targets the right people into believing they can improve their look.

One of the stylish fashion labels on show at the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2006 was Sisnme. Their Autumn/Winter collection show was part of the L'Oreal Paris Runway 5 at Waterfront City.

Schwarzkopf Professional proudly announced their finalists at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards 2006 at a function in Sydney.

True to its name, this season Piras Femminile is all about encapturing the essence of being a woman with ‘ladylike’ outfits and the return to a more groomed look.

Camilla & Marc staged a stylish showing at Federation Square during Mercedes Australian Fashion Week.

With the racing season almost upon us, those in attendance at The Birdcage fashion parade at Federation Square were able to experience the likely flavours of the season from Melbourne's boutiques and designers.

It was therefore a good time for FRM to wrap up the fashion weeks with a celebratory party at Quay Bar at Docklands.

…we were invited to meet with several New Generation Sydney designers, from Showroom 724, for a private showing. They demonstrate much talent and there were some beautiful offerings that should see them grow with their businesses.

Australasia’s largest Fashion Trade Fair, Fashion Exposed and preview will return to the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour from March 11-13, 2007 presenting collections for Spring Summer 2007/2008.

**Guest Country on show is Belgium**

The L'Oreal Professionnel Colour Trophy award is one of the most prestigious for the accomplishments of hairdressers around Australia. The 2005 award is upon us and each State is in the process of deciding their finalists to participate at the National Final in Melbourne in July.
Here are the results of the Victorian Finals held recently.

The unconventional Roy staged a fashion parade at Eve Nightclub in Melbourne recently.

Long before imitators jumped on the straight-leg neon-bright bandwagon, Roy had created clothes that could take the wearer from the café to the club in style

Amy Taylor had a fabulous parade at Northies in Cronulla recently. Amy has now opened her first store in Cronulla Street and is really taking off as a promising young designer.

Australian Exhibitions & Conferences, organiser of the Australian Shoe Fair, has announced plans to move the August footwear buying event to a new September timing. The move, which will result in the Australian Shoe Fair sitting alongside the Autumn Winter Fashion Exposed fair, is set to create a new and complete buying opportunity for the 4,000 plus visitors to the event.

Jayson Brunsdon gave observers a glimpse of his talent at his fashion parade during Mercedes Australian Fashion Week.

Ted Baker recently announced the opening of his first Australian store on the corner of Little Collins Street and Royal Lane, Melbourne, during September 2007.

**Pictures from the launch**

…latest addition is the vivacious 23-year-old Cuban-born and New York based Isis. She is from New York Models and Stephen has been trying to lure her to Australia for about two years.

MARCS unveiled a new store at 576-584 Chapel Street, South Yarra recently.

The hairdressing fraternity came out in force to witness an International hairdresser at work. Austrian Bertram Kainzner was the guest as L'Oreal Professionnel presented its Autumn/Winter 07 Colour Collection - RARE SPECIES.

Held at a function at Melbourne's South Wharf, the winners were announced for the Victorian finalists of the prestigious L'Oreal Colour Trophy Awards 2004.

In its eighteen years, FRM Model Management, run by Stephen Bucknall, has gained a reputation of being one of Australia's most vibrant, energetic and in-touch modelling agencies and is best known for its representation of international models and placing Australian models into the overseas market.

Young Sydney designer Rachel Gilbert staged her collection show at the Piano Room in Kings Cross recently. A good looking crowd and many of Rachel's friends joined in to celebrate her new range.

Fashion Means The World is an environmental fashion fundraiser profiting the Miss Earth Australia Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund. On August 6, 2008, the Fashion Means The World team will be more than ready to rock.

**Pictures from the event**

It’s all about attitude. There is nothing sexier than a woman with confidence and Flamingo Sands sports a distinctly ‘If you’ve got it, flaunt it’ attitude.

The Salon Show 2 was held at the Swan Lake Studios in South Yarra.

Salon Show 5 was presented at the Swan Lake Studios and the theme was the “Cocktail Hour”.

Here is Matthew Deller's snapshot of the big party to celebrate the brand new DIESEL Melbourne store.

…one event worth noting for the diary is the 2007 Melbourne International Beauty Expo & Conference, to be staged on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29, 2007 at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre.

Marajoara swimwear prepared for its involvement in the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week by throwing a party at Melbourne's Eve Nightclub.

The Nookie Spring Summer 07/08 Collection was an unforgettable event set in a stunning harbour location at the magnificent Ocean Room at Circular Quay, Sydney recently.

A big event was held recently at Chadstone - The Fashion Capital. International company Forever Now opened to a celebrity launch. The brand offers its own exclusive swimwear and lingerie ranges, and fashion accessories with a focus on handbags.

the busy Chadstone shopping centre held a promotion for Covergirl, the cosmetics brand that recently appointed Jennifer Hawkins as its ambassador.

A delectable Brazilian swimwear label called Nana Carana was launched at Eve nightclub recently. The label has already sold well in Los Angeles and New York, plus in Italy.

The devastation of the Boxing Day tsunami shocked the world, propelling it to carry out acts of amazing kindness and charity. Designers of Melbourne did their bit on February 21 as they donated their time and wares to the Fashion for Tsunami benefit, held at the Zinc function centre at Federation Square.

If you were at the launch party a year ago you would have had some idea on how Chocolate City label owner Richard Wiggan creates a party atmosphere. Richard's shop in the little fashion hub, that is Greville Street, Prahran, now had reason to celebrate its first birthday.

One of the world’s highest profile models, Gisele Bündchen, will visit Australia in October to promote the new Gisele Bündchen Ipanema Collection, a range of footwear that has a social conscience, available in Novo stores. A percentage of proceeds from the Gisele Bündchen Ipanema Collection will go to the Y Ikatu Xingu Campaign.

The first L'Oreal Paris Runway show at Waterfront City, Docklands was presented on Monday, February 27, 2006.

The featured designers were:
Easton Pearson, Jayson Brunsdon, Mad Cortes, Martin Grant, Nicola Finetti, and Toni Maticevski.

Here is a selection of pictures from the L'Oreal Paris Runway 6 at Waterfront City, Docklands.

Here is a selection of pictures taken from the L'Oreal Paris Runway 7 fashion parade at Waterfront City, Docklands.

Wayne Cooper stages a low-key parade to preview his summer collection.

Mary-Kyri has launched her Autumn/Winter 08/09 Collection, Sameer, which illustrates the contrasting effects of unique styling with timeless elegance.

The Victorian Racing Club (VRC) and Henry Buck's presented an exclusive Champagne Brunch to launch the 150th AAMI Derby Day celebrations.

“Be able to manage creativity. You can’t just think with one constant. Creativity is a continual changing and managed process. Don’t be afraid of it because often it will confront you.” - Napoleon

In an Australian television first, high-profile model Heidi Klum hosts ARENA TV’s Emmy-nominated Project Runway, premiering on Saturday, January 21 at 7.30pm.

In March 2006 at Busshari, a funky new sushi bar in Potts Point, Sydney, Tali Shine launched her new range of Tali by Tali Shine cosmetics.

Ruth Tarvydas is an edgy, sexy Australian label that is well known for creating high quality pieces that are exciting and ahead of the curve.

“I love it when my customers can throw on one of my dresses over a pair of bikinis and thongs and walk out looking hot!”

“Here she is – a superstar, and me talking about bras and knickers. Quite bizarre but funny. After spending some together, Delta was talking to me about how her girlfriends like wearing beautiful garments and lingerie, but that it is so expensive. She knew about my range, anabella, which is stocked at K-Mart.”

The whole reason these products work for me, and I get excited about them, is that Max Factor created movie make-up. But he created it as a response to technological demand.

Basically, he was he was an artist who was a craftsman and also a master of technology.

Miss Universe, Jennifer Hawkins turned heads when she appeared in the front row to watch Spring Fashion Week’s vibrant celebration of lacy lingerie, sexy sleepwear and summer swimwear at Federation Square. Undercover showcased this year’s newest looks, which overwhelmingly feminine and flattering, with pretty bras and matching boy-leg knickers.

Today, ARNETTE is a global leader in action sport and youth lifestyle eyewear with a loyal following. This is eyewear for people who live outside the box; who create their own trends through their lifestyles.

It was Breakfast with Bettina Liano as the talented fashion designer opened the Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in Melbourne with a breakfast fashion parade at her Little Collins Street store.

DIESEL’s latest and largest Australian flagship store has opened in Melbourne with a star-studded launch event, full of celebrities and media. The store is set to wow fashion and architectural aficionados alike with its eclectic and ironic mix of styles and cutting edge details.

A charity fashion show, “Colours Of Spring”, will be staged at the Sawasdee Restaurant on Saturday, October 27 from 12.00pm to 3.00pm. It is presented by Alive Global Entertainment.

**Pictures from the event**

21-yr-old brunette Hollie Bowerman of Kingsley, Western Australia won the prestigious title of 2005 Ralph Australian Swimwear Model of the Year.

FRM Model Management is pleased to be able to announce the arrival in Melbourne of top Italian model Francesca Dotti.

The Melbourne launch was another successful evening that saw the latest pieces from several top Australian and international designers such as Akira Isogawa, Collette Dinnigan, Morrissey, AG, Calibre, sass & bide, and introducing new Australian designer Willow.

Tali Shine - author, beauty editor, model and now cosmetics entrepreneur – is there anything this “girl on the go” hasn’t done? Tali recently launched a brand new line of self-titled cosmetics, a venture she calls her “baby”.

**Tali products now available through Adore Beauty**

The Starlight Children’s Foundation is a shining light for those shadowed by unexpected, unavoidable darkness. Recently, the organisation held an exclusive fashion event showcasing five of Australia’s most innovative designers in the Ballroom of Sydney’s elegant Hilton Hotel.

Australian fashion designer Camilla Franks has joined forces with 15 internationally acclaimed photographers to create a coffee table book titled Woman Of The World.

It’s no longer a secret that Brisbane is on the rise! With its growing population, onslaught of trendy designer boutiques, and swanky shopping precincts, the city's reputation is blossoming. And just to prove it, Queensland’s capital city flaunted its greatness when the 2007 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival arrived in late August.

Pump Up The Volume
Tuesday, March 6

One of the people who has shown the vitality and energy in nurturing the modelling talent in Australia is Stephen Bucknall, head of the F.R.M. modelling agency. He’s been at the forefront in giving the necessary results to client needs in fifteen years at the helm of the company that he started. Stephen has just returned from the most prestigious international model and talent convention, the IMTA, in New York. Read our interview with Stephen.

Australia’s champion swimmer, Ian Thorpe, a much-admired connoisseur of fashion and style, has launched his own men’s signature underwear brand. The new range will be sold exclusively through David Jones retail stores in Australia.

The one thing constant about fashion is change, and up and coming Bondi based designer Mary Paul is leading with way with the hottest jackets and knickerbockers this season.

There appeared to be no overwhelming fashion trends appearing for the coming season as there was for the previous summer collections. Instead we have a range spanning gothic 80’s prom dresses to regal Victorian lace trimmed blouses. On display was great variety and choice for winter which means there should be something for everybody rather than the singularity recently experienced with the longevity of the ‘boho’ trend.

Fashion Rocks has been a successful event in England and America. It came to Melbourne's Crown Showroom on Saturday, March 13 and a great line-up of young Australian music talent joined forces with Australia's leading designers to present Fashion Rocks in Melbourne.

Pictured: Candice Alley and friends after her performance.

Alannah Hill delivered a knockout show opening with a couple performing a dirty-dancing esque slow grind…

“When Darkness Falls” is a triumph of Cooper’s ten years of success in the fashion industry. A showcase of inspired, romantic and dark creative talent, it was a delight to watch.

Iconic Australian designer Jenny Hoo and Master Milliner Paris Kyne were inducted into the City of Stonnington’s 2008 Fashion Hall of Fame in February 2008 in front of more than four hundred ardent fashion aficionados.

Peter Dooney has selected actress Lindsay Lohan as the new face to be featured in the upcoming national advertising campaign, which will debut in August this year.

…the heart and charm collections promise to be the hottest in new handbags this northern autumn.

One of the first events to kickoff Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2004 was the opening of Albert Coates Lane at the revitalised QV complex in Melbourne.

Zambesi held a fashion parade during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week to showcase its spring-summer collection.

sass & bide celebrated the launch of their eponymous eyewear collection to Sydney’s fashion set recently.

Spring arrived at Zentini and, during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, they held a twilight party to showcase the latest range of shirts that celebrated the return of colourful, floral prints.

Lots of effort went into making the Mercedes Australian Fashion Week a success. Schwarzkopf Professional celebrated their big involvement with VIP Drinks on the Friday of MAFW.

More than 550 glamorous fillies, and a few fashionable colts, flocked to Flemington for the annual VRC Festival of Racing Fashion Lunch, an official event of the L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Elegance was tantamount to Runway 2 on Tuesday night…

White Suede trumpeted the new mod look in sexy deep v-neck and cut out knits in bold black and white stripes.

One of Melbourne’s special yearly events is the Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. Occurring during the week September 5-11, 2005, it was a chance for Australia’s young fashion designers, in particular, to showcase what’s around the corner for the coming spring/summer.

L’Oréal Paris Runway 2
Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Australian Hairdresser of the Year, Anthony Nader, (of RAW-ANTHONY NADER & SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL) set the standard for several shows during Mercedes Australian Fashion Week 2006. He was part of a team that displayed fascinating hair directions for the week.

Trashy now offers clothing collections, bikinis, shoes and accessories. The handmade, high-end Halloween costumes have even become as popular as the lovely, lacy lingerie. With over 8,000 items and more added on a daily basis, there is something for everyone.

Here is a terrific snapshot of what occurred at the 2005 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival by Melbourne's foremost photographer Matthew Deller.

A funky new clothes shop recently opened in Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. Called LAWTON ALSO KNOWS MILLA, the shop is full of colourful t-shirts, tops, and funky street wear and will add much to the busy Hawthorn shopping strip.

It was a lavish launch at the Melbourne David Jones store. With a bigger u-shaped catwalk, it was comfortable for all guests and the event was very well produced.

L’Oréal Paris Runway 1
Monday, March 5, 2007

L’Oréal Paris Runway 3
Tuesday, March 6, 2007

L’Oréal Paris Runway 5
Wednesday, March 7, 2007

This was the first ever appearance at the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival by internationally-known Sydney label sass & bide.

David Jones, Australia‘s leading and only branded department store, has officially announced its national Summer 2007 Collections launch campaign 'Summer d'Azur’.

**Update as at July 9, 2007 - Elyse Taylor announced as Summer 2007 Ambassador for Young Designers**

**Update as at August 5, 2007 - Four top models welcomed back for Collections launch**

**Pictures from the Sydney launch**

**Pictures from the Melbourne launch**

Check this out for what a White Party looks like!

The L'Oreal Professionnel Colour Trophy Awards for 2005 were held at Melbourne's Hamer Hall on Monday, July 18. It was a spectacular night, full of theatre, atmosphere, style, and colour.

L'Oreal Professionnel staged another terrific night's entertainment at their L'Oreal Professionnel Colour Trophy 2006 National Finals, held at Palms at Crown in Melbourne.

The last night of the 2007 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival belonged to the individual flair and creativity of the emerging independent fashion designers.

This year‘s David Jones Winter Collection 2007 took a turn for the Irish. With its 'face’, Megan Gale shooting the catalogue in a “Streets of Dublin” theme, guests were invited to the Melbourne Town Hall in an artistic look with a terrific designer and guest list to check out the interesting range of designs.

For effortless chic and a definite ageless appeal, Leonard Street clothing seems to be hitting the mark with its balance of international sophistication and Australian confidence.

The 2005 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) came into its ninth year and lived up to speculation in being one of the brightest and biggest yet.

Yekaterina Peker launched her Autumn/Winter collection recently to an attractive crowd of 100+ at the Sydney Dance Café in glamorous Walsh Bay, NSW.

From March 2-9, 2008 Melbourne is set to be the centre of glamour and sophistication as it hosts the 12th L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF). Amid much excitement and anticipation, the fashion-loving community will be able to witness a range of runway shows and activities.

**Pictures from Highpoint Morning Tea**

**General thoughts and LMFF Opening Party**

**L’Oreal Paris Runway 4 and 5**

**Pictures from Chadstone fashion parade**

**L'Oreal Paris Runway 1**

**L'Oreal Paris Runway 2**

**L'Oreal Paris Runway 3**

**L'Oreal Paris Runway 6**

**L'Oreal Paris Runway 7**

In one of the most creative efforts of the 2007 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, and to celebrate its Autumn/Winter launch, Esprit presented its internationally renowned Skywalk show in Australia for the first time.

David Jones presented the very best of Australian designers at the 2005 Winter Collections launch in March. The Melbourne city store was the place to be where many from the Australian fashion and showbiz industries gathered to celebrate the arrival of the upcoming season's designs…

Glamour came this night at the Flowerhouse at Federation Square as we saw some of the country's best fashion designers display their priceless offerings.

After a hugely successful Burlesque Ball in Sydney in November 2006, the event expands in 2007 with a two-city tour in October/November 2007.

**Update as at August 31, 2007**

Alex Zabotto-Bentley, creator of FASHIONASSASSIN unveiled his 2006/2007summer offering, “Lost Horizon” at Hugo’s Lounge in King’s Cross recently, to a star-studded audience of Sydney’s who’s who for a high-fashion, high-energy evening.

Collette Dinnigan opened proceedings for the 2004 Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in Melbourne with a sample of her new Autumn/Winter designs.

A new label launched recently in Melbourne called L.Maree. Run by two young designers, Louise Pantalone and Carla Palmerio, who are still studying at RMIT University, the launch went exceedingly well with lots of friends and family attending.

The Independent Designers wrapped up the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival on Friday, March 3, 2006.

One of the freshest and funkiest shows of the week was Runway 5…

Luxe is a fashion accessory label that was created and developed by sisters Jade Schilling and Courtney Saxon.

A parade was held recently to showcase the Summer 2005/2006 range ‘La Monde De La Mode’ - fashions of the world.

The collection showcased a mix of worldly fashions, vibrant feminine colours, flowing fabrics, fresh prints and metallic leathers.

The Flowerhouse at Federation Square hosted this fashion parade for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, which gave several young creative designers an opportunity to show their skills, under the banner of Rising Sun Designers and Models.

Always a leader in presenting the very best of Australian designers and setting the trends for the season ahead, David Jones brought its Winter 2008 ‘A Japanese Story’ campaign alive in Sydney recently.

Air New Zealand and Oyster Magazine hosted an Australian first - a collaborative event to promote New Zealand fashion in Australia - on December 5 at the Minus 5 Ice Lounge and Bubble Champagne Cocktail Lounge.

To celebrate the beginning of Melbourne’s revered Spring Fashion season, Chadstone - The Fashion Capital - is launching the Fashion Capsule on Wednesday, September 19 as part of a five-day Spring Fashion Extravaganza.

Here is a snapshot of the celebrities who were in attendance at various times of the 2006 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Nine West, in association with Marie Claire, staged an exclusive launch of the Nine West Winter 2007 Collection at the Metropol Terrace in St Kilda in February 2007.

The Myer Autumn Winter 2008 Collection was unveiled at an exclusive catwalk launch on March 3…

**Pictures from the event**

Jayson Brunsdon recently opened his premier store in Sydney’s prestigious fashion epicentre ‘The Strand Arcade’.

Lustythreads is a relatively new online swimsuit company, being founded in 2002. The company was established through the passion shared by two women to enter the fashion industry. Read about Victoria Brown and Jennifer St George's successful online business venture.

International film and recording star Beyoncé Knowles recently announced a joint venture with Arthur and Jason Rabin. This partnership will provide the infrastructure for licensing and brand management to the new Beyoncé fashion label.

July 2006 marked the launch of Luxe Accessories’ new Summer collection, Lettere D’Amore (Love Letters). Melbourne's most fashionable braved the icy Melbourne winter, turning up to Mars Gallery in Port Melbourne for a peek into the trends for Summer.2006/2007.

Braving the infamous Docklands breeze, many a fashionista turned out in support of what was officially called the ‘Fashionista Parade Summer 06-07’ showcasing local designer talent.

Amongst the busiest venues for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2004 was Tony Starr's Kitten Club in Little Collins Street. They held daily events in the gorgeous surroundings of the club and one of their highlights was the fashion parade staged by Smitten Kitten.

The modern day male is demanding style, quality and value in their purchases like never before. With that in mind, glamour couple Hawthorn AFL player Trent Croad and fiancé Tanya Stewart have just launched their first range of premium hair care products for men, GEAR Hair Technology.

On the Rooftop of 24 The Esplanade in St.Kilda, guests experienced the rhythms of Brazil, dancing the samba and sipping on Caiprihinas, all in the name of Nana Carana's Biquinis and their launch into Australia.

MMSFW will take over Australia’s undisputed fashion capital from September 3-9, 2007. It's one of the most significant public fashion events on Melbourne's calendar, showcasing and celebrating the latest looks for spring and summer and includes more than 100 events.

**Update as at June 14, 2007**

**Update as at August 16, 2007**

**Spring Fashion Lunch**

**Decjuba Girls' Day Out**

**Makeovers, Manicures and Martinis**

**********************************************************************

**QV Spring-Summer Collections launch - written by Calista Campbell**

**Review - MMSFW 2007 Object of Desire - by Sarah Willcocks**

**Spring Fashion Stable Lunch**

**Review - MMSFW 2007 The Looking Glass**

**Review - MMSFW 2007 Style Wars**

**Spring Fashion Lunch at Flemington racecourse**

**DECJUBA Girls' Day Out at Flemington**

The Polaroid Vintage Launch was a unique event as part of the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

It was the final show for the 2006 Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and it was to be the most controversial.

The Spring Summer collection draws inspiration from the 1940’s and 1950’s where Verduci-Smith takes a walk back in time mirroring the beauty, femininity, and classical look of this era, whilst adding an edge to their designs.

The gorgeous fabrics, the clever tailoring and divine colour schemes shone to life against a backdrop of mystical bamboo forests and the bustling streets of Shanghai which was all highlighted knowledgeably on the models by Estee Lauder make-up, a proud sponsor of the event. Importantly, David Jones demonstrated why it is at the forefront in showcasing Australian fashion.

This is a topic that I feel deserves some attention. Tony Ryan is a well-known photographer around Australia. He has been instrumental in establishing popular calendars such as Pumped Up Downunder, Bodyline, and Men For All Seasons.

I have known Tony for many years and he is a humble and gentle character who sees the attractive female body as a beautiful gift to the world, and expressing the nude female form in a delicate, artistic fashion.

However, there is a broader, meaningful element to Tony's philosophies and even many of the young women who have posed for his calendars. Behind this creative artform, there is a sensitive side to what young women may experience. Accordingly, Tony established a website called “Leap Of Faith”,…

With Spring Fashion Week behind them, and a busy period including New Zealand Fashion Week and Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in Melbourne, the next few weeks are busy for two high-profile models, Krisztina Laszko and Dan Zizys. Both are signed to Melbourne’s high-flying modelling agency FRM and there is a fascinating story about Krisztina and Dan in how they’ve grown to become international models of high order.

Melbourne has a fascination in weaving together fashion and art. Some fashion designers do their best in bringing this vision to their work. Under the theme of The Gallery, this fashion parade pointed towards those who show us that life is more interesting when we dare to wear.

Featured designers are:
Ess.Hoshika, Gwendolynne, Manvious, Out With Demons, Richard Nylon, TV, and Vixen.

Here is a snapshot by leading Melbourne photographer Matthew Deller of the David Jones ‘La Dolce Summer’ VIP Collections launch for 2005 that was held at the Melbourne Town Hall in August.

Dress Code opened the nightly fashion parades as part of the Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2006. It focused on what to wear for those important social occasions. The impeccable style was signified by the designers on show tonight:
Nicola Finetti, Caravana, Anna Thomas, Jayson Brunsdon, Aurelio Costarella.

Launch of 2003/2004 Pumped Up Downunder Calendar

On those warm Melbourne nights, the dance floors hots up and the music is cool and classy. It's time to dress up and live it up.
The Blue Room showcase was the final night of the Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2006. Designers on show tonight were:
White Suede, Leopold, Roger Grinstead, Flux, Morrissey, Bowie, Bettina Liano.

Rachel Culp, daughter of famous actor Robert Culp, has been creating custom clothing for a wide range of people for the past 17 years. Some clients include musicians Todd Rundgren, The Tubes, The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Starship, Mr. Big, Elvis Costello Band, and Blue Oyster Cult, just to name a few.

A new attitude has emerged, and this set of designers creates a look for now that will spearhead looks for the future. They embrace offbeat chic and flair with their eyes on the contemporary culture of fashion.

Designers on show for the Future Project theme are:
Alpha 60, Arabella Ramsay, Gorman, Kirrily Johnston, Mad Cortes, and Obus.

A glittering event to mark the hairdressing event of the year took place in Melbourne at the Crown Showroom recently. The L'Oreal Professionnel Colour Trophy 2004 was awarded in a complete celebration under the event theme of Tranceform.

It was a busy and unusual time for designer Mira Vukovic, of Mad Cortes, who produced an edgy and sophisticated winter collection at the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week was held during September 1-7 at a series of venues. It once again saw giant retailers Myer and David Jones take a leading role in displaying their Spring/Summer clothing range.

It was a mild Melbourne night in the CBD, and nestled in one of the cool shopping hotspots in town is the Jason Grech store in Howey Place.

Here are pictures from his fashion parade, as part of the Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2006.

**Mischa Barton attends David Jones Collection Launch**

**The Tom Ford Estee Lauder Collection comes to David Jones**

**David Jones announces Youth Ambassador**

**David Jones 2006 Collections Launch to travel across Australia**

**Key looks for Summer**

Fashion devotees mingled with elite sports cars at the Cinema Haute Couture runway show and luncheon at Flemington recently.

Playboy Enterprises Inc. announced the opening of its first freestanding Playboy Concept Boutique in Australia. The retail location, spanning 300 square metres, is situated at 447 Chapel Street, South Yarra in Melbourne.

**LATEST NEWS as at September 9**

SEE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTOS - by Matt Deller

**INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTOPHER CHRONIS - September 22**

*PICTURES FROM THE PLAYBOY STORE LAUNCH*

…it was pleasing to see that Belinda Fairbanks would show her transeasonal 2007 Autumn/Winter collection on the first night of the event.

There were events to cater for all styles and occasions and were held at venues across the Melbourne city centre; from the traditional department store lunchtime parades, the popular Ready-to-Wear nightly parades, the Hotel Sofitel daily shows, and a variety of product launches, displays, workshop, exhibitions, etc.

Ivan (Gomez) is a delightful young man with a not so ordinary sense of humour. He likes to do his own thing and will not allow himself to become affected by the notorious ‘bitchy’ nature of the industry. It is this strong attitude and his perseverance that has enabled him to reach the successful heights where he is today.

Fashion, food and international entertainment was the order of the day on Wednesday, March 5 when close to 1000 men and women attended the Flemington Festival of Racing Beautiful Girls Fashion Lunch, as part of the 2008 L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.