Just when you thought fashion week was over... it continued for an extra two weekends!
Fashion Forward Festival
Fashion Forward Festival
Fashion Forward Festival is held by the non-profit organisation 'Fashion Foundation of Australia.' Their aim is to promote new and emerging Australian fashion designers as well as raising money for the AIDS Trust of Australia. The event consisted of designer stalls, around the clock runway shows, live entertainment, and special guests. The event ran from Friday through to Sunday. I worked there on the Saturday night and was fortunate to be a part of the 'The Alize Runway Party'. The runway party was hosted by Industrie Ambassador and model Didier Cohen and Australia's Next Top Model's Jordan Loukas. Other special guests who attended on the Friday night included Erin McNaught and designer Peter Morrissey. Saturday's runway party also consisted of a runway show of course, which showcased the upcoming designers who participated in the event. I assisted stylist Heather Cains who is also the editor of Tangent Magazine. The party also included entertainment by ALIVE Entertainment which included dancers from So You Think You Can Dance! What I loved about this event is that it really supported emerging and upcoming talent and designers in the fashion industry. I witnessed some really interesting designs and concepts and was also fortunate to meet few of these people. Thought I would introduce you to four of my favourite designers of the day! I've spent the past week speaking with these designers and researching their labels and I'm truly fascinated!
Billycock Denim and Co
Firstly, this brand has amazing potential and the designers are so dedicated and passionate, that it can only get better! So who is Billycock Denim and Co? Let me introduce to Jeremy and Goldy the crazy, edgy, dynamic duo from Bondi Beach....that is Billycock Denim! Before anything, I thought I'd start with the name Billycock Denim, because that itself grabs anyone's attention! You will be surprised to find, that it actually has it an interesting meaning! So billycock is actually a hat worn by the 'Scuttlers' who were gangsters that emerged out of Manchester in the 1870s. They were Britain's first youth cult who wore eccentric clothing and participated in gang warfare. "Billycock draws its inspiration from ‘The Scuttlers’ attitudes and ideas of brotherhood and living for the streets."
Billycock Denim and Co's core product is of course denim. All their pieces are made using Japanense denim and they are manufactured in Australia in order to ensure only the highest quality product. What makes Billycock Denim's so different is that each pair and batch is unique. Their aesthetic direction is innovative and fresh as they experiment with different washes and techniques in order to create and achieve that diverse and limited edition image. Billycock Denim has featured in magazines including the Fashion Journal and Northside Magazine and they have even appeared in Dilemmas Magazine in Poland! Billycock Denim is not just available in Australia but also on an international front to places such as UK, Poland and America.
What I personally love, and the reason why I was so drawn to Billycock Denim, is the fact that they are unique, non-conformists, and who's aim isn't to produce to the masses, rather those who appreciate their label. They do stand out and they are different, but they just shine! And so how can you purchase Billycock Denim? Email them at info@billycock.com.au or visit their showroom for a fitting! The future is bright for Billycock Denim who are endeavouring to not only make their product available for online purchase but they are also opening up a store in Bondi for summer! Be sure to follow Billycock Denim on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/billycock
Billycock store at Fashion Forward Festival
As a business student I'm constantly taught about establishing a niche market and that's exactly what Ben Lipschitz and Rick Munitz the innovators of Flipsters have done. Using Ben's legal and business knowledge and Rick's innovative and design knowledge, these guys established at solution to the age old problem that is, the discomfort caused by high heels. A typical problem faced by all women after a long night of wearing high heels... well now they can carry Flipsters with them anywhere and no longer feel the discomfort faced wearing heels. Since their launch in October 2009, Flipsters have been on constant demand and even featured in magazines such as Shop Til You Drop, FHM, Take 5, To Be Bride, The Sunday and Daily Telegraph and even featured on A Current Affair. Not only was I fortunate to meet them at Fashion Forward Festival, but I was fortunate to see them again the following weekend at Fashion Weekend Sydney.
And why do we love Flipsters? "Small of size, big on comfort" What more could you ask for? Flipsters are a small fashion pair of flip flops that have been innovatively designed to fold and be placed into a small pouch which you can coveniently place into any bag! They fold to the size of a digital camera or an Iphone! Flipsters are super sturdy and created to be used over and over again. They have been effectively created to ensure comfort via their unique folding (which actually have been created to suit the motion of your walk) as well as cushioning. Flipsters come with a small pouch and a stiletto carrier to carry your heels whilst wearing your Flipsters. Flipsters come in three sizes, Xsmall - 5 to 6, Small 7 to 8 and Medium 9 to 10. Flipsters are available in stores all over Australia including Tuchuzy Burwood and Charlie Brown Paddington and CBD (Be sure to check out their website for a full stock list) Flipsters are also available online at www.flipsters.com.au Be sure to follow them on Facebook!
Feminine, Girly, Pretty and Delicate... the type of clothing I can never let pass by! This is why I was drawn to the collection by Alabakov. Stephanie Carello is the talented designer who designs and hand makes the elegant collections, that is Alabakov. The Alabakov collection's experiment with the classics and strong garment technique, whilst adding that stylish, fashionable, delicate element. It also includes bold colours and prints which has been more evident in her previous collections. Stephanie's current collection, which I was fortunate to view at Fashion Forward Festival incorporated that exclusive femininity factor. The collection incorporated classic pieces, pastels, floral prints, sheer clothing, pretty silhouettes and delicate and intricate detailing.
The Alabakov collection ranges from sizes 6 to 14, however garments can be specifically tailored to fit you! As new collections are available each month, the collections are small, limited and therefore rare. The Alabakov collection is available online at http://www.alabakov.com.au/ for further information contact Stephanie (all details are available on the website). Be sure to follow Alabakov on Facebook.
Last but not least.. Beau and Arrow the feminine, fun, bold collection designed by Tegan Kennedy. What drew me to this collection was the vibrant, fun and exciting colour palette. Bright orange, yellow and blue making the collection stand out from the rest! Fashion Forward Festival was Tegan's Beau and Arrow collection debut and it definitely left a lasting impression. Personally I was intrigued by the detailing in the frilly, flapper inspired, little, cute, skirt.
The pieces by Beau and Arrow aim to 'unite the elegance of traditional tailoring with contemporary styling.' The pieces are constructed using only the finest material to ensure the highest quality. Tegan's collection has high potential and this only the beginning! The collection is created for beautiful, strong and powerful 21st century women and so if you tick those boxes be sure to check out the collection that is Beau and Arrow. For further details and contacts be sure to visit http://www.beau-and-arrow.com/ and ensure you follow Beau and Arrow on Facebook!
Beau and Arrow at Fashion Forward Festival
Stay tuned for a recap on Fashion Weekend Sydney....
