Digital Exposed Seminar

Spring/summer 2011 looks set to be a strong season for trend directions, with a cautious note of optimism running through many collections as designers mooted bold colour and commercially led fabric directions.

Floral Trend

One of the most commercial trends is for the new mood of pastoral romance, with lace, ruffles, florals and chambrays embracing a bucolic feminine romp. The 70s continue as a key inspiration, with looks that cross from hippy boho to the more sophisticated YSL-inspired luxe safari. 70s punk is also an influence for next summer, along with the continuing feel for simple basics – a trend with its roots in this winter’s Céline and Chloé collections.

Minimal Silhouette in strong colour

Vivid Brights

In fact, the overriding message for next season is one of simplicity, of stripping back and cherishing more basic looks. That new mood puts greater emphasis on a strong colour palette, marrying minimal silhouettes with flat planes of vivid brights, and there is an almost childlike simplicity in the intense yellows, pinks, oranges and reds that look set to create a positive, uplifting mood next summer. That warm end of the spectrum is balanced by a range of cool blues, aquatic turquoises and peacock tones, while the stark contrast of white underpins the whole season.

Lace Trends

In line with that uncomplicated aesthetic, we can expect to see a return to simple fabrics such as smooth, flat cottons, and poplin, denim and chambray, all worked with a new level of fashionability. In contrast to those simple, honest fabrics, designers opted for the more romantic feel of delicate lace, whitework, broderie anglaise, crochet and cutwork, layered in mismatched combinations, or maybe mixed back with floral prints for a pastoral, feminine feel.

And it’s a strong print season too, with confident, unexpected pattern clashes confirming the optimistic mood. Other key print trends include simple hooped stripes, cut-about stripes, foliage, pretty flower motifs and spatter patterns.

Written by Sue Evans, Senior Editor, Catwalks at WGSN
– the global leader in fashion and style forecasting. Since graduating from the Royal College of Art, Sue had a long distinguished career in trend forecasting and fashion consultancy, working with international retailers and manufacturers including Onward Kashiyama, Isetan, Bloomingdale’s, Coca-Cola, Shiseido and Arcadia. Sue has been with WGSN since its launch in 1998 and was instrumental in creating the Catwalks, What’s in Store and Close-to-Season directories.

True Religion Brand Jeans

Blank NYC

The leading label line-up at Fashion Exposed just ramped up to first class with the announcement of four premium denim brands joining the stylish trade show stable of brands this weekend.
True Religion Brand Jeans, Genetic Denim, Blank NYC and LTB Jeans, who are also showing at Premiere boutique trade event, will be the hero brands at this year’s Street Lab.

Genetic Denim

LTB Jeans

Be sure to check in to Fashion Exposed and Premiere this weekend to view, feel and experience the latest collections from these premium brands.
To register visit;
www.fashionexposed.com
www.premiere.net.au

Nerida Lennon is so much more than just a pretty face. With a stellar modelling career in tact, the Melbourne maven is stepping off the runway and thrusting her fashion sense into an ambassadorial role promoting sustainable fashion. Proving her green thumb, the brunette beauty was recently awarded the British Council’s Big Green Idea grant to help develop her own sustainable fashion initiative. Fusing her love of fashion with her passion for conservation, Lennon is on a mission to make conservation chic with her push to transition the Australian Fashion Industry towards environmentally and socially sustainable practices. And she’s not alone.

Co-founder of 3Fish Natalie Dillon will co-present `Life Cycle Thinking and Green Supply Chain’

Lennon will assist the Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) in partnership with Sustainable Fashion Australia at their sustainability seminar series, [Eco]logical Evolution at this weekend’s trade industry event Fashion Exposed.
Award Winning retailer and Premiere boutique trade show exhibitor 3Fish is one of many conservation companies speaking at the three day sustainability workshop that will bring together local industry thinkers, graduates and designers.
Joining the line-up is Melbourne Fashion icon Karen Webster who will discuss `The New Luxury’ and the growth of a new kind of high-end fashion market.
Other topics include Principles of Sustainable Fashion; and Rethinking [Service] Design – moving from a focus on fashion as a product to fashion as a service.

Fashion icon and industry leader, Karen Webster will discuss The New Luxury via Image Zimbio

The seminar series will showcase successful and compelling case studies for current sustainable business models in the textile, clothing and footwear sector, with emphasis on holistic business, sustainability and transparency. With the local retail sector seeking out new business models to adapt to the changing market and future selling trends, this event aims to look at innovative green solutions that can reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Nerida Lennon

This is something Lennon is also keen to demonstrate and advocate during the daily seminars.
The Vivien’s Model really admires the creativity and innovation in the fashion industry. Her 9 year career brought her much local and international success spanning from luxury clients such as Chanel, Gucci, Burberry, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, to acclaimed local designers and retailers including Toni Maticevski, Camilla and Marc, Lisa Ho, Claude Maus, David Jones and Myer – to name a few. And she will bring her experience to the Fashion Exposed Salon Shows’ runway.
This is a dream run for most aspiring models, but it’s Lennon’s new role that has her most inspired.
“I’ve been in the industry for a while now, but I’d like to gain a reputation for supporting fashion labels that are making efforts to transition to more sustainable practices,” she says.
“I would like to be a sustainable fashion ambassador, inspiring and educating the industry and consumers about the innovative possibilities that will transition the industry towards sustainability.
“Successfully running my sustainable fashion initiative on a regular basis is my main priority.”

Fashion Exposed Blog took five with the eco-chic to chat about her involvement in the TFIA sustainability program at Fashion Exposed, her future conservation plans with Australian designers, and how sustainable fashion will help save the world.

The full [Eco]logical Evolution program is available for download here.

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After a cover on Vogue Italia, quickly followed by an editorial spread in the Australian version of the style bible (a plus-size first for Vogue Oz), Australia’s `plus sized’ bombshell, Robyn Lawley flaunted her size 14 curves again for the cover of the Herald Sun Weekend liftout.
Looking every inch the glamour, the 22-year-old posed elegantly in a boned Masquerade corset from hot UK label, Panache Lingerie, alongside fellow curvy beauty Penelope Benson who also wears a Masquerade lingerie set.
Panache will be one of the main attractions with their full range of brands at this weekend’s Fashion Exposed from August 28-30 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
If you missed the story, head to the Herald Sun website here.
To register for Fashion Exposed, visit the website, www.fashionexposed.com

This is your first, exclusive sneak peek at the latest offering from Fashion Exposed Debut finalist, Shalini Coelho.
Launched last June, the Coelho label has been a journey of `risk’ and personal discovery for the RMIT Fashion Technology graduate.
“My journey began three years ago, interning in the industry and working full-time to save up as much money as I possibly could before I launched Coelho,” she said.
“I’ve always loved the feeling of being your own boss, taking that risk and responsibility and turning it into something marvelous for yourself.”
And the hard work has paid off with Coelho officially on the retailer’s radar after becoming one of the 12 finalists in the Debut fashion competition.
Widely regarded as the premier launching platform for new and independent labels, Debut has assisted over 130 labels build their fashion profile since it’s inception in 2006.

Shalini emailed Fashion Exposed blog a special first look at the next collection which she will officially launch at the Fashion Exposed Debut Salon Show and Presentation at 12 noon on Sunday August 28.
When asked to define her latest collection, Shalini explains:

“As a new Autumn/Winter season dawns, ‘Coelho’ enters into a time of re-invention, rejuvenation and exploration. Through the concept of time, we live our lives to try to express our individualism and sense of style.
This season ‘Coelho’ is moving forward with new ideas, and passes through time with a need to play, explore and escape. Inspiration for my new collection is the spectacular South Yarra and Toorak. Beautiful structural buildings with intricate design lines infused with the fragility of the creepers growing ever so elegantly on the walls near the windows like their playing Peek – a – boo.”

If she wins, Coelho will receive the benefits of substantial exposure and networking opportunities within the fashion industry, as well as a lucrative prize package including a stand valued at $3,000 at the next Fashion Exposed.

Fashion Exposed Blog had a quick chat to Shalini about her inspiration, icons and hopes for Fashion Exposed;

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Tuxedo pants with cumberbund at Prabal Gurung AW 11

Written by Shitika Anand of Fashionising.com

The women’s tuxedo has been blurring the gender divide for years. Some call it an evening gown alternative, while others have tagged it as sophisticated glamour. Thanks to Yves Saint Laurent, who gave birth to le smoking in the 1960s, this androgynous ensemble has now become a womenswear classic and very much a wardrobe staple. But not one that is without the potential for reinterpretation.

Helmut Newton iconic photo of Le Smoking 1975

The women’s tuxedo trend trumpet last blew out in 2008 when we saw a fountain of celebrities donning the look. Now, with 2012 on the horizon, we’re seeing the trend make a flashing comeback with a whole lot of mischief, seduction and femininity – but this time it’s different. It has evolved.

Spring summer take on the women’s tuxedo jacket Jenni Kayne Resort 12

Head to Fashionising.com to read the full trend report and find out how to master this look and which pieces are worth investing in so you don’t look like you’re living 2008 all over again.

For more on the upcoming trends, be sure to register for the WGSN business seminar `Trends Exposed – Understanding the Autumn/Winter 2012 Trends’ at this month’s Fashion Exposed.
To register visit, www.fashionexposed.com

“Giving it a meaning, there’s more to things than just words, words need to be accompanied by images and actions” – Accompany By Imagery designer, Jennifer Nguyen

After planning for over a year, Jennifer Nguyen made her dreams a reality with the launch of her debut designer brand, Accompany By Imagery.
Since the first initial sketches were etched, the Melbourne-based designer has been hard at work, and still is, to create the brand – and she hasn’t given up her day job either.
“I work full time as a Payroll Officer from Monday to Friday as well as owning/creating and building Accompany By Imagery,” she says.
“Why did I start? It’s my dream and it’s my passion. I have always wanted to create pieces that I can call my own.”
This is the reigning philosophy and meaning behind the creation of Accompany By Imagery – to live your dream – and to produce contemporary, unique, trans-seasonal, clean cut, simple and unisex pieces.

The latest collection is inspired by high-end contemporary London street style, 100% designed, sourced and produced in Melbourne.
“I think that’s what sets Accompany By Imagery apart, the fact that the fabric is sourced from local businesses and that our production is local, made in Melbourne,” she says.
“The style that I produce is unique and the quality of each garment made is paramount, it would be hard to find another label that can say the same.
“I focus on sourcing fabrics from local businesses in Australian and New Zealand from the production to the swing tags. I take pride in the fact that it’s all put together here in Australia.”

Accompany By Imagery will exhibit for the first time at Fashion Exposed this month from August 28-30 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. To register visit, www.fashionexposed.com

Don’t forget to follow Fashion Exposed on Facebook and Twitter.

Taking on a supportive role in the intimates industry, Panache are forging a new luxury path for D plus lingerie.
Think sumptuous cleavage enhancing plunge styles complemented with delicate Chantilly lace and striking embroidery finishes all within the most supportive and perfect fitting lingerie.
This is the Panache forte.
Their focus on fit, support and comfort has seen the brand become an industry leader in the design and manufacture of AA to KK cup sizes.
Panache currently offer five leading brands including Cleo, Masquerade, Panache swimwear, atlantis, and superbra with collections that encompass everything from high-end, trend-driven fashion to everyday modern core basics.
Panache will showcase their elegant range at Fashion Exposed this month from August 28-30 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Including:

Cleo Collection

This season’s fashion focused Cleo collection is bursting with excitement all the way from a D-J cup and starts at 28” backs. Colour is key for the season, bringing a dazzling mix of unusual colour combinations and prints for confidence and versatility. This pretty, fresh and feminine collection offers something for everyone. Colour me beautiful is a confident trend with bold striking colour-ways bringing the colours from all of the different ranges together.

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When the powerful bond of two best friends joined forces, the result was a heartfelt collaboration of love and passion to form their own jewellery label, BANJARA.
From humble origins, the dynamic duo now run a highly successful and international brand, that’s all handcrafted right here from their Melbourne studio.
Danielle Hill and Elise Shabat personally assemble each of the original samples, hand stitching every piece. But it’s the story behind the BANJARA name that evokes the mysticism and cultured philosophy of the jewellery label.

Stemming from the name of an actual tribe of nomads in India, known as the `forest wanderers’, the Banjara Tribe people gather objects and create jewellery from it which reflects their culture and heritage.
“Dani actually first dabbled in jewellery design while travelling in India, in fact she spent most of the time away in a northern town called Baksur where she took lessons with local jewellery craftsmen,” says Elise. “The decision to call the label BANJARA Jewellery reflects the spirit of the Banjara Tribe, and, represents the true beginnings of the brand.”

BANJARA will launch their Spring Summer ‘The Lost Coin Collection’ at this month’s Fashion Exposed from August 28-30 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Elise tells FE Blog that The Lost Coin Collection is about `the precious nature of objects of affection, once lost, only to be rediscovered’.
The sterling silver pieces incorporate an antique and old-world style charm which has a coin-esque and timeless feel.
FE Blog asked the girls to share their inspiration behind the latest collection, why jewellery is their passion and the creative process behind the BANJARA brand.

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Dimacci are a favourite of the fashion set, from stylish off-duty street style to workwear for the corporate and quirky.
This weekend the powder blue belt with gold horse buckle was featured in the Style section of the Sunday Herald Sun with Anna Byrne.
See the entire collection at this month’s Fashion Exposed from August 28-30 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. To register visit, www.fashionexposed.com