LANA WILKINSON Stylist

Clean-cut lines and minimalist shapes was the order of the day at Bec & Bridge’s The ‘Chromolux’ Spring Summer 2013 collection, inspired by water and its fluid nature. True to their inspiration and theme, sequins and pearlescent materials were scattered throughout the collection, like reflective scales on fish when they capture the light in the water.

The 90’s was in full force throughout with sophisticated streamlined shapes featuring sheer paneling, cut-out backs (as you know, my all-time favourite) and sports inspired mesh, contributed to a sleek runway show. If I shut my eyes, I could see the likes of Cindy, Naomi and Claudia marching to the beats in such fabulous fashion back in ‘92. LOVED IT.

Fabrications were soft in a palettes of black, white, pastel blue and maroon and garments slipped over the body.

The collection featured a number of dresses and easy-to-wear separates, with models marching down the runway to a killer 90’s soundtrack. My favourite was the ‘White story’ which featured pencil skirts, structured vests and tailored trousers –minimalism never looked so good.

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Images my own & courtesy of Lucas Dawson

(Source: lucasdawson.com.au)

My first day at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week opened with Perth designer, Aurelio Costarella, who celebrated 30 years in fashion with show that featured talented singer Grace Woodroofe in an incredible installation that captured the designer’s signature aesthetic.

The show was a collaboration with artist Waldmer Kolbusz that offered an artistic interpretation of warm, calm and cool fashion palettes. The designs were spectacular, an eclectic mix of fashion styles dating back over decades. The highlights of the show were the amazing silver and black sequined head pieces contrasted with dramatic eye make-up and exaggerated eyebrows in dark charcoals, sage or peach finished with nude lips.

As I circled what seemed like a beautiful carousel of old Hollywood glamour, the collection was a mix of red carpet glamour and beautiful styled ready to wear pieces that would easily ensure you stood out from the crowd.

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Images my own & courtesy of Lucas Dawson

(Source: lucasdawson.com.au)

Emma Notarfrancesco, Traffic Reporter and Presenter, stepped up her talents this year by presenting the red carpet for Melbourne radio’s Triple M. After some early discussions, Emma and I decided that her look would be directional and true to Emma’s style, fashion forward. 

After sourcing and trying on some beautiful gowns by some of my favourite designers, it was Sydney’s Leah Da Gloria, runner up for 2012’s Project Runway Australia, whose gown looked effortlessly chic.

Officially launching her solo career in 2012, Leah’s designs are already making their mark, with four other gorgeous women wearing her designs to television’s night of nights.

Emma’s slender physique and legs to die for (yes, I am jealous) lent itself to Leah’s directional creation featuring transparent panels and bold metallic shoulders.

Emma’s red carpet ready look was completed with gold cuffs, earrings and clutch from Tilkah, ring by Temelli Jewellery and shoes by Tony Bianco.

Watch Emma’s Red Carpet interviews with Rebecca Judd, Neighbours cast members and some of your TV favourites for Triple M HERE

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Video courtesy of Tripple M

(Source: tripplem.com.au)

For almost 12 weeks, The Deck (formerly known as The Circa Rooftop, where I was lucky to celebrate my wedding day) has transformed into a St. Tropez meets Las Vegas Day Club/Bar/Lounge in an exclusive pool/rooftop setting at the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel in the heart of Fitzroy St, St. Kilda.

Just before my birthday and my big NYC trip, I thought I’d step back in time and dance away to the sounds of John Course on The Deck with my girlfriends. Biggest decision, what to wear? I am in love with Unspoken’s ‘Dark Bloom’ AW13 collection , so I built my outfit around their ‘Dark Bloom’ skirt.

My girlfriends and I took advantage of the SKYY Pool Club’s full European style Table Bottle service in the exclusive roped off Day Bed area, definitely feeling very VIP. Although my dance moves later on may have put me straight back in the common area where I belong - but it was completely worth it.

The SKYY Pool Deck will complete its Sunday sessions this weekend, so be sure to check out what all the fuss is about. If you liked the sounds of Onelove at The Prince of Wales back in the day, but now feel the need to be sipping Verve and Vodka cocktails surrounded by beautiful people - then the SKYY Pool Deck is definitely for you.

For this Sunday’s guest list and table services enquiries email guestlist@skyypoolclub.com

Wearing

Unspoken Dark Bloom Skirt in Alabaster

Asos Pink Blouse

JUL Gold ID necklace (similar here)

Stella Nemiro Bracelet

Panther ring (similar here)

Saint Laurent ring at net-a-porter.com

Lauren Marinis Gilda Pump

Chanel Bag

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L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) has been a spectacular week thus far, despite the indecision on what to wear and running from show to show, I’m usually found with a coffee in hand and it gets me through the craziness. So you can imagine my delight when I received an invitation to an event that combines my two loves, fashion and coffee.

Lavazza and one of my favourite Australian designers, Brid­get McCall and Nicholas Van Mess­ner of LIFE­with­BIRD have joined forces, with the brand designing a Lavazza inspired mega-coffee cup which caters to the fash­ion elites cof­fee crav­ings in between shows at LMFF. Lavazza has a long his­tory with fash­ion, hav­ing worked with fash­ion roy­alty like Roberto Cav­ali, Moschino and Mis­soni and spon­sor­ing LMFF for the past five years, so the synergy of these two brands is obvious.

The launch and unveiling of this fabulous collaboration was held this past Tuesday with UK socialite and Made in Chelsea star Caggie Dunlop, attending LMFF as a guest of Lavazza on hand to join in the celebrations. Brid­get McCall and Nicholas Van Mess­ner, were also joined by some other favourites, LMFF devotees and fashion bloggers Jasmin Howell (Friend in Fashion) and Fenella McCall all looking gorgeous in the Autumn/Winter, ‘Wild Species Dark Love’ LIFEwithBird collection. With the “crew” posing in front of the Lavazza mega-coffee cup for photographers, Bridget and Nicholas explained that the “Catapillar Print” featured on the coffee cup, was developed in Lake Como and the hero of their current collection.

I made the most of my time with Bridget and Nicholas, whose label I fell in love with some 9.5 years ago when I adorned an eye catching silver metallic dress to Oaks Day during Spring Carnival (my goodness I’m old!)

First topic of discussion with the Melbourne based designer duo was the new range, Wild Species Dark Love, which introduces a range of contemporary silhouettes, including draped and twisted pieces that easily blend in with your everyday wardrobe as well as classic evening styles with a hint of sport-luxe. “We wanted the range to be wearable and appeal to the everyday woman.

“This season includes three signature prints which compliment our collection’s mostly-neutral colour palette. We want each woman to walk with confidence” Bridget said. My favourite, the Caterpillar is a watercolour digi-print in a wash of purples and greens. Also in the range, ‘Botanical’ a dark, moody floral print and ‘Florence’ is a multi-colour kaleidoscope in autumnal shades. There aren’t many women I know and work with that wouldn’t find something in this latest collection, there really is something for everyone with structured jackets, flirty florals, safe taupe’s and neutrals coupled with endless colour choices. Wild Species Dark Love is in stores now - take a look, prepare to part with the money in your wallet and check out their website lifewithbird.com to see the complete range.

If that’s not enough, Lavazza are also offering us all to participate in The ‘Lavazza Look’ competition, which invites LMFF attendees to take ‘street style’ photos of themselves in front of the specially designed mega-cup at the onsite Lavazza cafe, and upload it to either Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #lavazzalook. A daily winner chosen by Caggie will receive a Lavazza prize pack including an A Modo Mio machine and Tierra coffee as well as a $50 LIFEwithBIRD voucher. An overall winner will also receive a major prize including an overnight stay at The Olsen Hotel, a $500 LIFEwithBIRD voucher and $250 dinner at Baby restaurant.

So be sure to snap yourself in front of the Lavazza cup, at the A Modo Mio Lounge through­out LMFF and be sure to enjoy Lavazza’s Tierra Intenso cof­fee blend whilst you’re there – I did, and recommend it highly!

Wearing my coffee best:

Tapestry print dress by Nicholas from Green with Envy

Bag by CHANEL

Watch by Michael Kors

Gold Cuff by Samantha Wills

Tony Bianco ‘Krystle’ shoe

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Pictured above: Blogger Fenella McCall, UK socialite and Made in Chelsea star Caggie Dunlop Dunlop, blogger Jasmine Howell & designer Bridget McCall; LIFEwithBIRD designers Nicholas Van Mess­ner & Bridget McCall; LMFF devotees and bloggers Fenella McCall & Jasmine Howell; Lavazza Coffee Boys. Caggie Dunlop with Lavazza customised cup; Blogger & brand ambassador Nadia Coppolino, Lavazza’s Trent Knox, LMFF devotees and bloggers Fenella McCall & Jasmine Howell & I.

Last Thursday night, my gorgeous girlfriend Sabrina De Palma and I attended The Muse Autumn/Winter Fashion Exhibition at Melbourne’s GPO (MGPO). The exhibition celebrates the new autumn/winter collections of some of my favourite designers including Sass & Bide, Gorman, Fat, LIFEwithBIRD, Manning Cartell, Lisa Ho, Willow, Arthur Galan AG and Alpha 60. All contribute to the installation showcase, where each piece discovers and exposes the designer’s inspiration or rather “Muse” for the new fashion season.

The exhibit explores the idea that a muse doesn’t have to be a person or celebrity. A muse could come from the world of travel, a designer’s workroom or other artists

Surrounded by talented designers such as Arthur Galan, Lisa Gorman and catching up with fellow bloggers Alice and Ashii of The Influencer, the evening of champagne, oysters and fabulous fashion was the perfect way to ring in the new season.

Gorgeous presenter Rebecca Judd hosted the evening and presented each designer’s MUSE. And if that isn’t enough, Melbourne’s GPO is inviting all of us to share our must-have pieces or fashion inspirations for the new season, sourced from the MGPO, on Instagram. If you tag #MGPOmuse and @melbournesgpo in your post you could win $1000 to spend at your favourite boutique. Sabrina and I were loving the latest iPAD cases and clutch bags, not to mention the Manning Cartell leather pants!

The free Muse exhibition can be found on level 1 at Melbourne’s GPO until 4^th April, corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne.

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Above: Sabrina De Palma, Rebecca Judd and models; Sass & Bide; Alice and Ashii of The Influencer; Designer Arthur Galan and I.

The 2013 L’Oréal Paris Luncheon today welcomed fashion and beauty royalty including special guest International L’Oreal Paris ambassador, Hungarian supermodel Barbara Palvin, and Australian ambassador Megan Gale, who hosted the exclusive event for the first time and wowed thered carpet and audience in Dion Lee.

Barbara joined the L’Oréal Paris family in 2012 and is the youngest ambassador ever to be signed to the infamous L’Oréal Paris ‘Dream Team’. She now stands beside some of the most beautiful and accomplished women in the world including fellow ambassadors Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé.

The invitation-only Luncheon held at Maia at the Docklands was a flurry of excitement with over 200 guests in attendance to celebrate the launch of the 2013 L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

In a spectacular fashion and beauty moment 14 models showcased the hero hair and make-up looks and seasonal trends for coveted L’Oréal Paris Runways, which will kick off at Peninsula Docklands as of Tuesday.

Among the line up of VIP Festival guests were L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival Chair, Laura Anderson, L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO, Graeme Lewsey and Australian personalities including Helen Kapalos, Tania Zaetta, Magdalena Roze and my fav, Nadia Coppolino.

In true Festival style, the event showcased the country’s leading designers including Gwendolynne, Richard Nylon, Camilla, Mariana Hardwick, LIFE with BIRD, Leonard Street, and Limedrop.

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Photography by Lucas Dawson

The 2013 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. This premium event stops Melbourne in its tracks (pardon the pun) and brings both fabulous international guests and Australia’s elite to Albert Park. So it’s no surprise that Johnnie Walker Gold Label, in partnership with Artist Series hotel, The Blackman, hosted the Grand Prix launch in fabulous fashion in its Penthouse last night.

Hosted by Johnnie Walker Gold Label Master of Ceremonies, Brodie Young, dressed in top hat and tux, welcomed many celebrities and Melbourne’s social set to the opulent and luxurious gold themed room. Surrounded by gold arches, arm chairs and gold (literally) bikini clad models, I found myself ogling some of the fashion fun surrounding me. The music in the penthouse was as amazing as the view of the track, thanks to Easy Tiger’s Claire Elliott and Katie Hansen , busting out many a favourite tune warming us up for a celebratory Grand Prix ahead.

This coupled with Johnnie Walker alcoholic delights has me excited for one of the best events on the Melbourne Calendar. Big thank you to Johnnie Walker and The Blackman for having me - loved attending this gold class event.

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Photography by Anthony Licuria – www.aplphotography.com.au

Last week I had a lot of fun styling fashionista and blogger Rozalia Russian for the forthcoming issue of COVET Magazine. Roza’s style is quite directional and fashion forward, so having just returned for New York I was excited to work with someone who would be happy to push some fashionable boundaries.

I looked no further than Ganache Boutique in Port Melbourne for exquisite pieces and had a lot of fun selecting from the new Autumn/Winter Collections. Big thank you also to Two Hands Agency for Tony Bianco, Megan Todd at Knots & Knits and Sass & Bide.

Here is a sneak peek of the fun we had shooting the latest fashion editorial for Issue 14 of COVET. Photographed by Anthony Licuria of APL Photography and make up by Tre Dallas.

Some of the fabulous fashion included;

Sass & Bide, Capulet

Toni Maticevski @ Ganache Boutique Silk shirt with leather collar

Sabatini @ Ganache Boutique leather pants

Dylan Kain Ryder bag

Lauren Marinis Gilda Pump

Topshop longs sleeved dress

Knots and Knits rope clutch

Tony Bianco court shoes

Big thanks to Roza for a fun day talking fashion. You can check out Roza’s fashion insights and blog, aptly titled Rozalia here

COVET Magazine Issue 14 is out 30 March.

Not sure what to wear to your next event or need a wardrobe make over? Don’t hesitate to contact me for a quote or follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to stay up to date with my fashion and style trends.

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Last Thursday night I attended the Myer Autumn Winter 2013 collections held at Myer’s inaugural Mural Hall. To say I had a wonderful night, would be an understatement. Besides using it as an excuse to wear my new Sass & Bide capulet and shorts, it was fabulous to catch up with some of my favourite fashion bloggers, stylists, publicists and enthusiasts.

Myer Ambassadors Jennifer Hawkins and Kris Smith launched the Myer Autumn Winter 2013 Collections in a spectacular parade that showcased over 150 new season looks by Myer’s stable of leading Australian designers.

Mural Hall, at Myer Melbourne, was transformed into a ‘Modern Day Portraiture Gallery’ featuring fashion images of the ‘Autumn Winter Edit’. Over 350 guests took their seats in a theatre style setting.

Jennifer Hawkins made a stunning entrance in Toni Maticevski to open the show, it was a very “here she comes” moment, her runway presence is undeniable

Jen took to the catwalk five more times through the show wearing gorgeous designs from my favourites including Nicola Finetti, Manning Cartell, Arthur Galan AG, Charlie Brown and sass & bide to close the show.

After my trip to New York and seeing what was coming down the runway, I feel like I’m ready for the new season’s trends, with the key one being the blazer, lightly slung over your shoulders – as demonstrated by me! But in all seriousness, your key items for the new season should include lashings of leather, lace, skinny pants, large floral prints and peplums. Embelishments and metallics are not just for night time and make sure you accessorise your look with a statement bag and oversized floppy hat.

Kris Smith made most women in the audience and some men too, weak at the knees, while International model Alexandra Agoston who starred in the Myer Autumn Winter advertising campaign travelled from New York to appear at the launch.

An after party on the catwalk followed the event with beautiful catering provided by renowned Melbourne caterer The Big Group. I took the time to talk to my fellow fashion friends and catch up on all our favourite looks for the season.

Each collection is available online or instore at Myer

Big thanks to the amazing team at Myer and Kate & Co PR for having me. Can’t wait to dress myself and my clients in the new seasons trends.

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Professional images courtesy of Josh Lawson