Below are some of the exciting stories set to take the Melbourne Fair by storm...
Logic & Emotions
Technical savvy on the one hand; a passion for beautiful shapes and fabrics on the other. They add up to Logic & Emotions, founded last October by Melbourne’s YiRen Wu. The seasoned RMIT graduate has created a pure wool collection brimming with class and eye-catching features such as printed silk lining and hand-sewn details.
From Britten
When Alex and Tim Britten-Finschi couldn’t find interesting suits, they launched their own men’s label. Two years on, the sons of Melbourne bridalwear icon Linda Britten are blazing trails with their cool, inventive collections for the 18-35 market. For Winter ’09, the look is class-with-edge, from pre-layered tees to highly versatile jackets.
Groove State
Gold Coast designer Tara Fletcher loves that retro, yet contemporary look. Her new trans-seasonal range for her label Groove State exudes it: romantic, sensuous clothes inspired by the ‘70s. Key fabrics are embroidered silk and cotton, and Tara has added ponchos and flairs for cool nights. Her palette includes beige, brown and purple.
Ida’s funky animals
Zebras are yellow, hippos are red and lions are blue – at least in the collections of leading Danish children’s wear designer IdaT whose delightful graphics reflect “wild, sweet and funny animals from all over the world.” The fabulous, funky IdaT label, which caters for 0-8 year-olds, will have its Australian launch at Fashion Exposed.
French magnet
Since French designer Emmanuel Loheac launched Pull-in Underwear in 2000, sales for the men’s and women’s label have rocketed globally. No wonder. Pull-in is hot – great graphics, immaculate styling and fabrics, and tres sexy. Now Sydney’s Florence Lacour and Damien King have brought the French sensation to Australia for the first time.
Circus magic
Ballerinas On Horseback is the title of Kim Bailey’s new circus-inspired collection for her label East of Grey. The young Queenslander has used hand-crafted and vintage fabrics – many from France - for her limited edition delights. Among them are full-skirted dresses in vibrant colours. Embellishments include embroidery and vintage buttons.
Italian quartet
Designer, stylist, boutique owner, fashion agent - Adelaide’s Tiziana Rinna is the multi-talent. Along with her own women’s denim label Bizzarro, she will present three of the best from Italy: sexy intimates by Pompea, luxurious furs and silks by Nozzolillo, and fabulous women’s label Fracomina, which ranges from casuals to glamourwear.
B'Coz
In April, B’Coz made a big splash at Miami Fashion Week. The Americans loved the sexy Aussie label that promised “pure, ravishing rock ‘n’ roll” and delivered in spades. Behind B’Coz is Melbourne banker-turned-designer Melinda Illevold, whose creative team is mainly based in the States. B’Coz will have its Australian launch at preview. See them at Stand 3414
Kah-Muh
The label is pronounced “karma” and the cosmic forces certainly have rewarded Brisbane design duo Jane Ebbott and Anna Ferrett. Their clothes, shoes and accessories for the young city sophisticate have been going gangbusters since Kah-Muh made its debut in February. For Winter ’09 the look will be sensuous and a little funky. See them at Stand 2922
Guanabana
Seven years ago, Linda Bergskas decided to make Australia home. Today, the 31-year-old Newcastle-based Norwegian fashion whiz who trained in graphic design, is forging ahead with her women’s label, Guanabana. Her new season collection will focus on dresses – “lots for parties’” – plus some great knits and leather jackets. See them at Stand 3618
Siren
In March, young Melbourne resin jewellery designer Bronwyn Eager launched her label Siren with a collection titled Everything Is Coming Up Roses. How fitting. Since then, Siren has been picked by a clutch of boutiques and a US agent, and been featured in Who magazine. Eager will present her latest range Queen of Hearts at preview. See them at Stand 2300
Intimately Brazilian
Brazilian lingerie labels De Chelles and Matize need no introduction in Europe and the United States where they are established favourites. De Chelles, owned by a family firm and winner of numerous awards, epitomises high-end luxury. Matize is for the young and trendy. They will make their Australian debut in September at Fashion Exposed. See them at Stand 3414
Harvest Powell flies High
For Winter 2009, multi-award-winning young designer Harvest Powell has taken inspiration from legendary American aviator Amelia Earhart. Expect fabulous fabrics, classic lines and lashings of romance from the Queensland wunderkind now based in Melbourne. Powell’s stand, like her collection, will evoke the late, great Earhart. See them at Stand 3606
Ga Ga over Dada
It was the hit stand at Fashion Exposed in March. Now Dada & Co, the hot Italian-designed label returns with a 170-piece collection that will include sexy skirts and shirts, sleek pants and faux fur-hooded leather jackets in a rich Winter palette. And yes, the mini catwalk that drew non-stop crowds will be back. See them at Stand 3830
Model Weapons
High-profile models Danielle Atkin and Sarita Stella of The Price Is Right TV fame, have gone from strength to strength with their intimates label Secret Weapons, launched in 2006. It will go into a major chain in August and make its Fashion Exposed debut in September. Danielle and Sarita will be on hand to wow buyers. See them at Stand 4634
Rockabye Baby!
Rock My Baby is a collection for infants and toddlers celebrating rock greats from the Beatles to Nirvana. Rockabye Baby! feature lullaby versions of their hits on CDs. The twin delights are blitzing in the US and sole distributer Blank Apparel expects a similar response in Australia when they’re launched at the September fair. See them at Stand 5326 & 5426
Delectable BonBon
Estonia’s tiny population is just over 1.3 million. It includes Tiiu Roosma, the talented designer behind one of Europe’s favourite lingerie labels, BonBon. Fresh and girly, funky and pop-glam, romantic and seriously seductive – Roosma covers all feminine fronts. Be sure to catch BonBon’s sizzling Christmas collection on the catwalk. See them at Stand 4440
The Perfect Storm
Storm, founded in London in 1989, was the first UK company to sell watches as cutting edge fashion. Today, the brand famous for its innovative timepieces, also offers a range of finely crafted accessories from designer bags to jewellery and eyewear. All reflect the edgy, innovative spirit of London and Europe’s catwalks. See them at Stand 2512