This blog was originally done for Brisbane Threads (my first blog for another blog! Yay for me!) and they have so kindly let me post it to mine as well!
WRAP-UP: IDENTITY: An International Affair
I am one of those people who like to know everything, is easily distracted and sometimes a little too curious. So with the mix of all these wonderful personality traits in full blast this blog has taken me a lot longer to write than it ever should have! I have actually re-written it 3 times now. This is my third attempt and I am really hoping I will be satisfied with it or I might have Danni from Brisbane Threads knocking on my door asking me what the problem is! And yes, what is the problem you might ask? It is that when you put so many amazing designs on one runway I go into a bit of a frenzy! The November IDENTITY was another huge success (of course!) and it has left me obsessing about new labels that I had never delved into. The labels included in this showcase were Easton Pearson, Catherine Malandrino, Day Birger et Mikelson, Elizabeth and James, Elie Tahari, HUGO BOSS, Maryan Mehlhorn Swimwear, Paul Smith and Tiffany & Co. So I guess I better start at the beginning before I jump into all the amazing labels I have been drooling over for a week now! After meeting Brisbane Threads wonderful photographer Carmel I grabbed a glass of Moet and an oyster and made myself at home. I had a perfect view of everyone there. If I didn't even manage to see the fashion show there is no way I would go home without my fashion fix because there was an array of stunning colour, gorgeous designs and amazing prints. I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing everyone looked! That is what I love about Brisbane, no two people looked the same in Stephens Lane. Each person expressing their own unique style with the utmost confidence and ease. I was in fashion heaven. Now to the good stuff!
Easton Pearson showcased their long awaited Cruise collection for the first time in Australia (it had already been shown in Paris!). With striking colour, unique cuts and stunning twists on classic stripes Easton Pearson certainly delivered! Lydia Pearson and Pamela Easton are Brisbane based designers so with the success of their brand it is all too fitting that they were in the exclusive IDENTITY show! I remember reading Easton Pearson's design influence on their web site a few months ago and watching their pieces come down the runway it really all made sense!
'Our references are drawn from varied terrain: from Indian, African and European sources, from historical predecessors, from vintage clothes, from museums, archives and films, from books and our own travels with our families. The possibilities offered by specific textile techniques clearly influence us in terms of what might be adapted into clothing. Simultaneously, our visual references continue to wander.'
Their collection certainly stays true to their inspiration which is part of why they are so unique and successful! I would certainly love to be spotted poolside in some of their Cruise collection!
The Catherine Malandrino collection was presented by Samantha Ogilvie and was nothing short of amazing and definitely one of my favorites on the night! Catherine was born in the French Alps and now lives and designs in New York. Her intention is to blend the romance and elegance of Paris with the energy of Manhattan and as you can see from her clothing she is certainly successful at doing so! Her pieces are modern and chic. It's elegance and sex appeal all in one outfit! The cuts and colours are flattering so her clothes could suit almost anyone!
DAY Birger et Mikelson was presented by Frock Shop and is one of Scandinavia's most successful fashion houses. The label was originally inspired by Asian tailoring and culture yet during the past few years, the global ethnicity that initially characterised DAY Birger et Mikkelsen has become urbanised to appeal to metropolitan bohemians. The fashion house has the intention of reviving craftsmanship when it comes to design and the tailoring certainly appeared immaculate from where I was sitting! The beautiful day and night dresses that paraded the runway made me want to go straight to Frock Shop and try them on so I could just feel the material against my skin! They flowed so effortlessly and you can just see that the material used is of the up most quality. The pieces were amazing and with their timeless silhouettes they are certainly pieces you would have for years.
Elizibeth and James was also presented by Frock Shop and for those of you who are not familiar with the label I know you will be familiar with the labels designers Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Although I had read a little about their label I had never actually made the effort to see any of their pieces as the idea of their fashion line takes me back to my Target days when they had their own children's line which I used to loathe finger spacing the coat hangers just for a little girl to run up to excitedly and completely mess up so I was well and truly sick of the Olsen twins. But now I have taken the time to browse their women's collection and even their lovely accessories. Their designs have certainly matured and are really gorgeous. I watched a few youtube videos on their design process and how hard these girls work. They are certainly inspirational and their designs most definitely reflect their hard work! Their pieces range from business woman chic to plaid shirt casual and I was very impressed by all of their designs! They certainly reflect the fashion of young working women today... gorgeous!
Elie Tahari was presented by Samantha Olgivie. Elie takes what you know about fashion and then ups it a level. He takes the cuts, the material, the colours and just the mere presence of the clothes one step further than your average designer. The brand offers elegance and timeless sophistication. Elie's story is certainly incredible and if you ever have time to delve into it I suggest you do, especially if you are a budding designer and need some inspiration to keep on doing what you love. Elie was born in Israel and after a tumultuous childhood ended up moving to New York as an electrician. He was homeless, sleeping on park benches in Central Parka and the YMCA Hotel when he could. He now owns a $500 million dollar luxury brand. His life experience and travels are reflected in his designs and it is just a pleasure to see his work in the thread!
Hugo Boss, well, does he really need an introduction? This is another designer story that if you don't know it you should check it out. Considering he was a Nazi I am incredibly surprised the Fashion House survived Hugo's death let alone being one of the most famous luxury brands in the world over 60 years later! It was the Boss Black Label which was showcased and let me tell you... a man in a Boss suit is, well... dreamy! Clearly this label is not going any where as it prides itself on innovative yet classic design to the highest of high standards. The Mens range is masculine, classy, swarve and stylish and the women's range is sophisticated, beautiful, edgy and innocently sexy yet packed with Boss attitude. The Boss collection showcased would probably have to be my favourite!
Maryan Mehlhorn Swimwear was showcased again with Tiffany and Co Jewellery. What a combination! Mayran's swimwear is immaculate and timeless. It oozes class and the jewelry you put with her swimwear, well, you wouldn't want anything less than something Tiffany. The cuts, colours and little details that go into Maryan Melhorn's pieces make them the perfect high fashion poolside must have. The Tiffany Jewelry was of course amazing. They even gave away a silver Tiffany Key Pendant and chain as a lucky door prize! Why oh why was my number not called out! I also have to mention the Tiffany sunglasses which are the gorgeous classic over sized sunnies which I have now added to my wish list along side the Tiffany Oval Key Platinum Pendant with Diamonds!
And finally last but not least Paul Smith presented by Mitchell Ogilvie Menswear. Yes I have to say it again.. another amazing designer story about overcoming the odds but I will let you google this one! I always thought that if Burberry had a punk rock, street wise, yet educated brother... it would be Paul Smith. You can clearly see the, for lack of a better word I am going to make one up, Britishness in Paul's designs but he is so daring! For a man to be a Paul Smith man he needs to be confident and calm, easy and educated, playful but cool. The designs sent down the runway on the gorgeous chiseled male models made women's hearts flutter and made the men actually pay attention. If you ever need to buy clothes for a Man go to Mitchell Ogilvie in Brisbane and you will never look back.
This IDENTITY was certainly in the Christmas spirit as models bopped down the runway at one stage to Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas Is You (love Mariah's Christmas Carols!) as the hostess with the mostess Di Cant said that we could use the Tiffany Jewelry as stocking fillers! Love it! As you can see from this gigantic blog (the biggest fashion blog I have ever written!) that I was not kidding when I said it sent me into a frenzy! IDENTITY remains my favourite fashion show I have ever been to and I will certainly continue to attend next years showcases as the night is full of class, glamour, good food, Moet and truly amazing fashion (both on and off the catwalk!). The venue is gorgeous and the models are incredible. I cannot speak highly enough of this event! I cannot wait for its return in 2011!
These photos are courtesy of Brisbane Threads and to see the whole gallery go to
Third time lucky!
Stay fabulous!
CLE
