Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia: Day 2; News, gossip, celebs

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia today officially enjoyed day 2 in Sydney, Australia.

Yesterday it was Marvel Comics - Marvel Entertainment themed garments from Romance Was Born' that attracted a lot of talk, traffic, eyeballs, media attention and chequebooks we understand, but today the buzz was more evenly spread around.

First some goss and background...

Fashion luminaries, buyers, celebs and bloggers all descended upon the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay yesterday for the commencement of annual rag trade mega event, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.

Unusual garments, a swag of celebs and strong buzz helped ensure it was the biggest day of the entire festival, with at least eight of our most prominent designers up against each other in the race for best guest list and media coverage.

For swimwear label Lisa Maree it meant putting on a parade in a venue that was only half-full, while Gail Sorronda can expect tough reviews from international blogging delegates Bryanboy and Tim Blanks who were both whisked away by security. OMG.

More News...

Lone Wolf Male model in Mantan at Fashion Week...

A kaftan for men aka mantan, did the trick for this young man to get the eye of the ladies, press and just about everyone else.

Strutting down the Sydney catwalk for Camilla Franks' "Gypset" parade...which was pitched as the biggest of the week, featuring 45 models - male model Simon Nicholas debuted the overdress that reminded me of native American Indian wear.

As far fetched as it may seem attempting to flog it to average Australian men, Franks swears they might just become the next big thing around BBQ's and the like.

"I've lived in India for half my life almost so it's not out of the ordinary for me to see men dress like this," said Franks, who has built an empire designing loud and intricately detailed kaftans.

"They could really take off here. Guys could wear them to the beach, a barbecue ... wherever they want. I sold a lot at Mardi Gras this year, that's for sure."

Gypset is all about “fusing the wild and inconventional ethos of a gypsy with the sophistication and speed of the jet setter,” states the press release. We're not going to argue about it - totally agree with the description Camilla.

The mega event - running through to Friday and including a massive 52 fashion spectacles - was kicked off by cool, funky and futuristic pulp duo Romance Was Born, who exchanged their usual wears with a more consumer-friendly range, as we understand it.

Sponsored by Marvel comics, their show drew inspiration from 1960s superheroes.

Today we witnessed collections of Zimmerman, Matcevski, Jayson Brundson and Bowie, with Ellery, Oroton, Carl Kapp and Akira coming later in the week.


Aussie Finch Wins Award!...

Rachael Finch took out our most happening heels award yesterday, thanks to her seriously spiky Christian Louboutins.


Human Statue Models Catch Eye Of Nightclub Tsar Justin Hemmes...

Not to anyone's real surprise, Hemmes enjoys eyeing models as much as the next guy. We also hear that he has quite a fetish for human statue models and effects, so he must have been in heaven today with the statue like models and exhibits that designers whipped up. Hemmes is understood to be once again considering using some human statues for more of his outstanding nightclub promotions. Guess he will be scouting talent aka models who enjoy the statue thing as well as a good dash of bodypaint.

Well done MBFWA... more great days like this one please - substance, style, unique and world class all round.

Press Release...

NSW fashion ambassadors announced for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2012

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner today joined some of Australia’s most glamorous fashion industry identities to announce an exciting new Fashion Ambassador initiative for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2012, which runs from 30 April to 4 May.

“Today I’m very pleased to announce that we have hand-picked five local fashion icons to act as Fashion Ambassadors for Sydney and New South Wales during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia,” Mr Stoner said.

“Our Fashion Ambassadors are local fashion designers Camilla Franks, Camilla Freeman-Topper, Dion Lee and Rachel Gilbert, and shoe designer Terry Biviano.

“These designers are all well-known throughout Australia and the world for their signature designs – Camilla Franks for her colourful graphic prints, Camilla Freeman-Topper for modern silhouettes with her brother Marc, Dion Lee for his structured tailoring, Rachel Gilbert for her luxury embellishments, and Terry Biviano for her highly coveted shoe designs.

“I am also pleased to announce the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, has secured some of the world’s most influential fashion media to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.

“Our international media guests include Rumi Neely from Los Angeles, Natalie Joos from New York, Bryan Boy from Manila, and Candice Lake and Kirsty Hathaway from London.

“This week our Fashion Ambassadors will provide our guests with a personal tour of Sydney. They will help tell the Sydney fashion story and position this city as a global fashion and design hub.

“The Fashion Ambassadors will introduce them to their favourite places to shop, eat, drink and play, as well as give them a sneak peek inside their studios.

“With hot spots like Icebergs at Bondi Beach, The Winery on Crown Street and Australian designer precinct The Intersection in Paddington on the itinerary, Sydney is sure to shine as the place to be for world-class fashion, entertainment and lifestyle.”

The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, is a major supporter of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, which is a major highlight on the NSW Events Calendar.

“Fashion is an important industry for NSW, employing some 66,000 people across design, manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing, and generating income of around $7.4 billion each year,” Mr Stoner said.

“Thirty-seven per cent of Australia’s creative industries are based in NSW with around 150,000 people in NSW directly employed in this sector, whether in film, music, design or fashion.”

Peter Levy, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide, said, "Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is excited to partner with Destination NSW to bring such an incredible line up of international guests and to present to them a world-class program of designer shows and unique Sydney experiences to showcase true Sydney style, both on and off the catwalk."

Camilla Franks said, “There’s not many places in the world like Bondi, where you can step straight from the beach into small bars, world class restaurants and boutiques. Sydney is an amazing city full of colour and inspiration for all that I design. I’m really excited about becoming a NSW Fashion Ambassador to spread the word on how beautiful it is to live and work here.”

Camilla Freeman-Topper said, "The Sydney Fashion Ambassador initiative is an exciting opportunity to promote the wealth of labels that Australia has to offer. I'm looking forward to taking Rumi Neely around Sydney and sharing my favourite places and quintessential Sydney experiences with her."

Dion Lee said, "Sydney’s relaxed environment and outdoor lifestyle encourages a unique creative scene. I feel that this individual point of view is what makes Sydney based labels of such interest to international markets such as Europe."

Rachel Gilbert said, “These days many international celebrities head straight to The Intersection in Paddington after touching down in Sydney, snapping up the latest offering from Sydney-based designers. Sydney has an exciting fashion, dining and arts culture, making our city the perfect stop for the stylish traveller.”

Terry Biviano said, “It’s great to see the NSW Government put the spotlight on the fashion industry here in Sydney by bringing out some of the world’s most high profile fashion bloggers for Fashion Week.”

During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, NSW Trade & Investment will for the first time, in partnership with IMG, the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) and Austrade, actively match export-ready fashion designers with national and international fashion buyers and media representatives in a purpose-built business lounge on-site at the Overseas Passenger terminal.

MEDIA: Office of the Deputy Premier (02) 9228 5209

Johanna Johnson

Bowie

Magdalena Velevska

Toi Et Moi Sydney

By Johnny

Websites

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Australia)

http://australia.mbfashionweek.com

IMG Worldwide

www.imgworld.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Magdalena Velevska - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Magdalena Velevska - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week , a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Sydney Australia, A model showcases designs by Magdalena Velevska Sydney day two of Mercedes Benz Fashion week Australia, Spring Summer 2012/2013 at The Australian National Maritime Museum Sydney
Photo by Eva Rinaldi/Splash News

Johanna Johnson

Johanna Johnson, a photo by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Sydney Australia, A model showcases designs by Johanna Johnson on the Catwalk day two of Mercedes Benz Fashion week Australia, Spring Summer 2012/2013 at the Overseas Passenger Terminal
Photo by Eva Rinaldi/Splash News

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week; Cruise Bar hosts famous fashion event; MBFWA business wheels in motion

Cruise Bar Hosts Fashion Week...

When it comes to style the Cruise Bar and Restaurant is a perfect host partner for the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Australian Fashion Week.

For the first time in many years, Cruise Restaurant is open to the public everyday of fashion week for lunch and dinner.

Fashion Week is Sydney’s premier fashion and lifestyle event showcasing some of our most talented and contemporary designers.

The beautiful waterfront location of Cruise Bar in Circular Quay is an ideal location to enjoy gourmet food, decadent wines and delicious cocktails while enjoying the cultural surrounds that is Fashion week.

For more information visit their official website.


Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Business, fashion, beauty, deals and gossip...

Sydney will be enjoying a bevy of catwalk shows and party like events as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia commences tomorrow. But unlike the increasing number of fashion festivals across the country where people can buy tickets to events, MBFWA is invitation only.

Today was media registration day, which was quite an event in its own right.

Over five days, fashion designers show their latest collections to media reps, celebrities and  retail buyers, and the response can be paramount to the bottom line.

This year happens to mark Mercedes-Benz’s return to Fashion Week as the title sponsor, which many media and fashion commentators have welcomed.

“The strong link between Mercedes-Benz and fashion was initiated in Australia with the launch of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in 1995, so it’s come full circle,” advised Mercedes-Benz senior manager of corporate communications David McCarthy.

The car maker’s Fashion Week events have spread around the world to places such as New York and Berlin, and to Swim Fashion Week in Miami.

The Mercedes-Benz’s sponsorship deal was not exactly a secret last year as Rosemount’s (wine) five-year run came to an end. The new deal is understood to be valued at $1 million over three years but McCarthy says the details are confidential.

MBFWA comes with a many change. A key change from the festival organisers is that IMG Fashion have reduced the price of on-site venue fees. A trend over the past few years.

This year, it set back exhibitors $14,250 to use the newly returned Tent at the Overseas Passenger Terminal as a catwalk venue, $6000 to be a part of Fashion Week but show off-site and between $3000 and $8000 to showcase collections at The Rocks Pop-Up suites.

Two of the festival’s biggest names, Josh Goot and Dion Lee, pulled out a fortnight before their respective shows. The designers who have fallen by the wayside in the lead-up to the five-day event have either opted to concentrate on upcoming overseas shows (Lee), to focus on getting collections out to coincide with northern hemisphere seasons (Goot) or have chosen to disregard Fashion Week from the get-go, with Fairfax Media pointing to Alex Perry as the example.

For Melbourne Business School associate professor of marketing Mark Ritson, having Australian designers drop out is a “tricky” scenario.

“On the one hand, you have to respect any Australian designer focused on building their reputation overseas,” he says. “We are perilously under-represented in Paris and Milan.

“But at the same time, a designer has to be careful of burning branding bridges back home. That said, if Goot or Lee make it in Europe they’ll be welcomed back home in 2013 with open arms.”

Fashion Week is serious business. Alongside Mercedes-Benz, sponsors that have signed on this year include DHL, EYE, HP, Maybelline NY, Redken, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, Pentax, Keystone Hospitality and Getty Images.

The NSW government, Destination NSW and Austrade are also supporting the event.

In addition, designers are obtaining their own sponsorships. Jayson Brunsdon’s show, for instance, is being presented by Myer and sponsored by Qantas, Woolmark, TRESemme, MAC Cosmetics and Joh Bailey.

Couture designer Johanna Johnson is the virgin Australian designer to showcase her collection at the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Presents show, which has previously featured big fashion names such as Herve Leger by Max Azria, Carolina Herrera and Badgley Mischka.

“To do [the Presents show] during our first year back was a priority,” McCarthy says.

Johnson recently found international success, with Hollywood actresses Christina Hendricks and Maya Rudolph wearing her feminine creations on the red carpet.

The show will have the same feel – glamour, lots of hand-beading and detailed finishes.

“I hadn’t really considered doing it and was focusing more on overseas expansion this year,” Johnson says.

“But we’re having so much feedback from Australians wanting to know more now, it will be really good to showcase our luxury lifestyle line and red carpet ready-to-wear.”

She initially signed on to show in the smallest of the three catwalk venues, the Box, but had to move the show to the Tent (the biggest) as the number of outfits she wanted to parade expanded.

“It’s our debut show so we want it done as well as it possibly can be,” she says.

Australian accessories giant Oroton is launching its first ready-to-wear collection. But for creative director Ana Maria Escobar, the clothes are there to show off the accessories – be they handbags, jewellery or shoes.

“The biggest thing is when I walked into the stores, I saw they needed something soft to highlight the accessories,” she says.

Customers can expect “understated quality” from the new Oroton clothing range.

“To me, functionality is important,” Escobar says.

“So are the materials . . . it can be a simple singlet but made out of really beautiful silk or customised fabrics. There’s a tone of heritage as well.”

While Oroton views Fashion Week as important, Escobar says there is also “life beyond those 15 minutes on the catwalk”.

For the retailer, it’s about reminding people of the brand.

“We want to talk a little louder about the product we design,” she says. “Fashion Week gives us that space without having to scream.”

This year, a great spread of overseas buyers will be in attendance, many from online retailers such as Net-A-Porter, My Wardrobe, Shopbop, Moda Operandi and ASOS. Department store Harvey Nichols and Hong Kong-based Joyce will also have buyers present.

The retail picture in Australia is not particularly strong, and IBISWorld analysts are predicting growth for the local rag trade over the coming financial year will be flat at just 0.5 per cent.

IBISWorld general manager Karen Dobie says the high Australian dollar is a double-edged sword for retailers, as local vendors can buy overseas at a favourable rate, but increasingly tech-savvy competition is straining profit margins.

New to MBFWA: Dylan Cooper; Flowers for a Vagabond; Toi et Moi Sydney; By Johnny; Oroton; Watson x Watson; An Ode to No One; Jenny Kee; Aje; Roppa Pemmaraju; Bless’d Are The Meek and Nana Judy

Not present this year: Dion Lee; Josh Goot; Alex Perry; Arnsdorf; Morrison; Friend of Mine; Flannel; Karla Spetic; Lover; Therese Rawsthorne; Ms Couture; Rachel Gilbert; Little Joe Woman (voluntary administration); Nookie; Amber & Thomas; Marnie Skillings; Kate Sylvester; Shakuhachi; Bianca Spender; Dhini; Camilla & Marc; White Suede; Yeojin Bae; Lisa Blue; Limedrop; Stolen Girlfriends Club; Alistair Trung; Saint Augustine Academy (which shut up shop late last year)

Returning to the show: Romance Was Born; Camilla; Aurelio Costarella; Ksubi; Jayson Brunsdon; Akira


Camilla...

Since launching her label eight years ago, Camilla Franks continues to receive global recognition as an Australian designer who has a unique approach to creating colorful, playful and luxurious lifestyle fashion.

Her unique ready-to-wear and resort wear designs are becoming highly sought after products, capturing the attentions of celebrities and fashionistas alike. Camilla’s global fan club (which includes the likes of Beyonce Knowles, Miranda Kerr, Kate Hudson, Lily Allen and Gwen Stefani) reached new heights 2 years ago when the queen of television, Oprah Winfrey, glowed in one of her designs while taping her ‘down under’ series. The general public and the fashion world gushed and stock sold out overnight. Camilla is definitely a brand on the move.

So, how did Camilla Franks become one of Australia’s most iconic fashion designers? This iconic brand came to be whilst Camilla was exploring her passions for theatrical artistry. Here, she embraced her inner creative spirit to craft beautiful elaborate costumes for the various characters in her productions. It wasn’t long before the Australian fashion market caught eye of these imaginative, easy-to-wear designs and catapulted Camilla on this amazing journey.

Today, Camilla has evolved from beach and resort fashion into ready-to-wear clothes that cater to all her client’s needs. Globally, Camilla has begun weaving into the various fashion niches, resulting in a kaleidoscope of high-end editorial and extending an already growing customer database.
Over eight years, Camilla has produced nine collections: these include the highly anticipated 2011/12’s Spring Summer Collection, Labyrinth; which has received significant media attention and 2012’s Autumn Winter Collection Caravanserai, Camilla’s second winter season. The success of her brand is derived from Camilla’s philosophy that “all women have the right to look and feel beautiful no matter their age, colour, size or origin”, this is also a testament to the company’s popularity and growing awareness.

Camilla is a brand that celebrates women, self-expression, beauty and individuality. The signature ‘Camilla’ piece is a statement of brilliant colour, graphics and material rhythm. It is a celebration of shapes that can be tailored to individual styles and that follow global trends.


Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Announces Preliminary Line-up...


Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Announces Preliminary Line-upfor Spring/Summer 2012/13 Collections

Sydney, Australia (February 29, 2012) Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is excited to announce cult label Ksubi, celebrity favourite Camilla, Zimmermann, Lisa Ho, Toni Maticevski, Aurelio Costarella, Jayson Brunsdon, Ellery, and Carl Kapp will be amongst the line-up of designers showcasing their Spring/Summer 2012/13 Collections at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, April 30 to May 4, 2012.

"MBFWA is a fantastic opportunity for emerging Australian designers to join already well established designers in showcasing their creations not just in venues that people expect but in venues and spaces that will reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the Australian fashion scene. The shows, presentations and locations demonstrate that MBFWA has a flavour and style that can more than hold its own around the world" says Gavin Allen, General Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific.

A stand out on the 2012 schedule is expected to be Romance was Born. The label is showcasing their polished ready to wear collection combining art and wearable fashion in a sophisticated Spring Summer range. Johanna Johnson will also attract hype as she hosts an intimate salon show for her debut at MBFWA. Mixing old Hollywood charm and modern simplicity, Johnson is renowned for her recent Oscar’s role dressing starlets in her eponymous label.

Iconic Australian brand, Oroton will also debut on the runway at MBFWA for the first time demonstrating the brand is as skilled at creating Ready to Wear women’s wear as well as their well known luxury accessories.

Joining this incredible line up of iconic designers are Magdalena Velevska, Alice McCall, Lisa Maree, Gary Bigeni, Bec and Bridge, Miss Unkon, Bowie, Kooey Australia, Michael Lo Sordo, Kirrily Johnston and Talulah.

New talent showcasing for the first time, Watson x Watson are sure to excite international buyers and media with their collections, providing new ‘ones to watch’ for our global audience. Watson x Watson focus on everyday luxury and easy glamour, with a relaxed, sexy appeal that has become synonymous with Australian fashion.

Other newcomers joining the MBFWA family: We are Handsome, Aje, Elliot Ward Fear, Roopa Pemmaraju, Flowers for a Vagabond, Suboo, An Ode to No One and Project Runway Australia winner Dylan Cooper and alumni by Johnny. Designers involved in the 2012 New Generation, Fashion Design Studio and Raffles emerging talent shows will be announced shortly.

“We’re extremely excited by the response from designers and brands and are looking forward to showcasing the new seasons Spring Summer Collections in our world class facilities on site as well as sharing more of the city of Sydney’s wonderfully unique locations with our expanded off site program of shows and presentations’” says Jarrad Clark, Global Production Director, IMG Fashion.

Leveraging our global network, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is introducing new showroom spaces, exciting venue upgrades and unique presentation spaces to ensure our line up of designers have innovative way to communicate their artistic vision for 2012.

For the first time on Australian soil, many designers will showcase their collections via a studio style presentation space known as The Box. Having established itself at MBFW in NY and Berlin, designers are redefining how they showcase their collections using this blank canvas. Australian designer Dion Lee recently used a presentation style space to showcase his collection at London Fashion Week and wowed crowds with his use of lighting to create drama and engagement around his collection without the confines of the runway.

2012 will also see the much anticipated return of The Tent. Synonymous with international fashion events, the sheer scale of The Tent showroom set on the Sydney harbour foreshore will create an incredible billboard for MBFWA and the Australian Fashion Industry for our attending local and international guests.

Key buyers will have the opportunity to get up close with designer collections during the week via a unique offering of Designer Showrooms via The Rocks Pop-Up Suites, utilising retail spaces within The Rocks historical precinct, designers will be able to house their collections off runway, and meet buyers and media in one on one appointments. It is here that designers are encouraged to create consumer offerings around the Fashion Week schedule to create more retail opportunities for our participating designer brands.

MBFWA hosts the world’s most influential buyers, media and industry players during the 5 day event and bring Sydney city to life with Fashion Week fever. With the support of our official partners, and showcasing designers, the 2012 season will be a standout year showcasing the creative energy and raw talent that Australia has to offer.

Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is proudly supported by Government partners Destination NSW and Austrade, Maybelline New York, DHL, HP/Intel, Redken 5th Avenue NYC and EYE and as well as media outlet Getty Images. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is an IMG event.
The Spring Summer 2012/13 Collections will take place April 30 to May 4, 2012, Press and Industry Registration opens March 1, 2012.

For more information please visit us online at mbfashionweek.com
Follow us on Twitter @MBFWA and on the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Facebook

Websites

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Australia)

http://australia.mbfashionweek.com

IMG Worldwide

www.imgworld.com

Cruise Bar

www.cruisebar.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

David Guetta Headlines Creamfields, Sydney, Australia

David Guetta...

David is astonished by his fame. "I have been a successful DJ for a long time, but it's just that the DJ world was not where it is now – at all. So it's like a new world almost. It's surprising – it's shocking, but in a nice way." He plays colossal venues. "Sometimes I'm in a place where I've seen really famous rock or pop artists when I was younger and I was, Wow! I cannot believe that I'm filling those places now. It's crazy."

Responsible for global hits such as I Gotta Feeling, Club Can't Handle Me and When Love Takes Over, the DJ machine has built a house music empire on collaborations with world-class pop and R'n'B stars.

They've seen him take out numerous Grammys, fill arenas normally reserved for only the biggest of rock bands, amass over 25 million fans on Facebook and half a billion views on YouTube.

In February, he was also named the world's most popular DJ, claiming the number one position in the DJ Mag 100 popularity poll.

And next up is his hit song with Chris Brown, I Can Only Imagine, but he says he'd rather "shoot himself" than produce or act in the video.

"I'm having fun when I’m shooting it, it’s interesting that hundreds of people that you don’t even know are there, but it’s just not my world."

"I really believe that I suck when it comes to acting, every time, and that’s really what makes it such a pain for me because I’m kind of shy in front of the camera and I don’t know why, but it’s just the way it is."

Guetta headlined a packed Creamfields at Fox Studios, Moore Park, earlier this evening and the international superstar did not disappoint.

David Guetta profile...

Worldwide producer/DJ, Grammy winning, platinum selling, superstar. Guetta is currently riding the wave of success following the release of his 5th studio album ‘Nothing But The Beat.’ Undoubtedly one the world's most famous producers, he has worked with the ‘cream of the crop’ of hit maker from Madonna to Sebastian Ingrosso. In addition to selling more than 5 million albums, Guetta produced the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” (highest-selling digital release in music history). “It doesn’t matter if I make a beat that’s going to be a song on the radio, or if I make a record that’s meant to please DJs,” Guetta says of continuing to bridge the gap between electronic and pop, “I always just think of making people dance”.

Creamfields Sydney Main Room acts were:

DAVID GUETTA
CHANGEOVER
DIRTY SOUTH
ABOVE & BEYOND
ALESSO
CONGOROCK
VITALIC
BOMBS AWAY
MINX

Websites

Creamfields

www.creamfields.com.au

David Guetta

www.davidguetta.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com