The lights dimmed and the spotlight shone on violinist Jane Cho playing a classical tune..the audience gazed and waited in anticipation..and then there was a pause.. Fat Joe's 'Lean Back' was spun by DJ Simon Pongrass, as model Rachel Rutt strutted the runway in a highly embellished simple silhouette.. the first piece to Rachel Gilbert's Cruise 2011/12 collection "Binding Measures".
On Day 2 of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week I was fortunate to attend Rachel Gilbert's show. A highly anticipated show and definitely a highlight for me..everyone knows I'm a huge Rachel Gilbert follower! A Rachel Gilbert collection is the epitome of glamour, elegance and femininety.. and this collection was no exception! Rachel remained true to her aesthetic, however added an unexpected trend twist. The collection was inspired by the 'female body form' representing 'power and confidence'. The collection "reinvented a new style for sexy with hemlines lengthening and necklines rising." "Binding Measures" consisted of stunning, lavish gowns, embellished and sequin dresses, jackets, and skirts as well as silk pants, blouses and dresses. Each piece was complimented with diamonds by Jan Logan worth over a million dollars! Napoleon Perdis created natural, luminous faces, whilst Goldwell's Christopher Hanna created a soft, feminine and neat hairstyle which was pulled back into a low plaited style. The hair, makeup, and the contrast between the urban and classical music helped to emphasize the powerful and feminine theme. Rachel embraced a sorbet colour palette including white, apricot, black and the unexpected use of citrus lime. Her collection concluded with a show stopping citrus lime gown which was exquisite!
And as for the front row? Fashion's elite were out in full force...Kate Waterhouse, Napoleon, Didier Cohen, April Rose Pengilly, Laura Csortan, Erika Heynatz, Emma Freedman and all my favourite magazine editors. Rachel Gilbert's designs are exquisite, elegant and stunning, no wonder her International clientele continues to grow from Princess Beatrice, Blake Lively and Khole Kardashian just to name a few!
(Images below courtesy of Sweaty Betty PR)
(Images courtesy of Vogue Australia)
The Rachel Gilbert Intro
The Rachel Gilbert Finale!!!
(Copyright The Lilac Mannequin)
