LMFF2013 - FAMOUS FOR FASHION SERIES:
THE CHAPEL ST EDITION
MALVERN TOWN HALL
Melbourne’s famous fashion shopping strip, Chapel St (spanning three suburbs from Windsor to South Yarra) in conjunction with the City of Stonnington plays host to another eclectic and rather unconventional fashion show. Featuring the new season collections from retailers located in the renowned shopping strip, the hall-room of the beautifully heritage Functions on Chapel building was split down the middle with a bi- zarre array of flags, dirty old dolls, odd furniture pieces set around large kitschy green cacti.
Not exactly knowing what to expect, the musical duo CLIENT LIAISON performed an electrifying set that harked back from an 80’s electronic one-hit wonder band. Brash and bold and sporting mullet hairstyles with silver jumpsuits, the credited “music directors” and excessive showmen blasted electronic-synth chords and the first retailer, SHAG surprised everyone by opening the runway show.
SHAG, Melbourne’s premier eclectic and eccentric clothing store stocks a dynamic mix of vintage and new. For the fashion uninitiated, stepping into a SHAG store is like stepping into your nanna’s house. Or a Narnia wardrobe - filled with fur coats, retro clothing in blindingly bright colours, sparkles, sequins, tie-dyes and pat- ters. You’ll possibly even uncover one jumpsuit with every element aforementioned at one of their retail stores.
SHAG’s showcase surely did not disappoint - mixing baby blue tutu dresses with colourful confett, teamed with busy-patterned tights, a psychedelic umbrella and a red velvet cap. It was definitely a feast for the vis- ual senses! Pattern and colour clashes with an abundance of accessories were the trend of the day. Chunky feather-inspired neck ties, rope belts, 70’s bandanas used as arm bands spared no skin left bare.
Melbourne’s FAT, a street cool brand that sells everything from clothing to homewares put on another col- ourful array with a neon yellow striped jumper teamed up with an elegant flora-inspired pants with bright green socks and girly gel shoes for the women, but toned it down with basic T’s, camouflage jackets or muted leopard print shorts worn over tight grey “meggings.”
New-comer, cylk presented beautiful silk jumpsuits and peplum tops with skirts in understated metallics, greys and mottled galaxy swirls that looked ultra-chic and sophisticated. Teamed up with simple black pumps and chrome arm bracelets, cylk definitely honed in on women looking for a contemporary twist of the LBD or cocktail attire for this year’s cooler season.
The renown international stylist-come-fashion-designer, ALICE MCCALL launched her eponymous brand in 2004, is known for combining elements of feminine charm and bohemian flare, with a dash of rock and roll. Her autumn/winter collection was monochromatic - like the simple printed blouses with bold line pattern, high waisted comfortable shorts with tiny square cut-outs and a gorgeous lightly quilted hooded grey cape jacket with a contrasting white lining and trimming.
In another outstanding ensemble, McCall utilised the same bold monochromatic design on an elegant sweater that could only be labeled as “sports luxe,” one of this season’s predicted trend with billowy sleeves in a quilted grey fabric with the chest plate cut out and replaced by a black lattice lacework. The black skirt followed the lattice lacework that provided a “peek-a-boo” look at the model’s slender legs whilst showcasing its intricate design.
SHAKUHACHI’s designer, Jessie White sophisticated autumn/winter collection wowed the audience by closing the runway collection with garments consisting of elaborate metallic detailing and colourful geometric prints on a black background. Her attention to detail was evident in the two-piece ensemble that looked like a modern take on the gladiatorial theme with golden bullet studs arranged in a geometric pattern that looked heavy, yet delicate and luxurious.
Not only did it look authoritative, the garment’s loose cut also hinted of it’s delicacy. The second standout piece was in the form of a simple black buttoned blouse with a zany colourful floral print that started at the collar and progressively bloomed further down the blouse. Teamed up with tight, black horse riding chaps with leather patches covering the front pockets and knees, the bright blossom of floral print manifested in both the fabulous boots and matching tote bag in a glorious display of careful considerate thought and style matching.
Not only did it look authoritative, the garment’s loose cut also hinted of it’s delicacy. The second standout piece was in the form of a simple black buttoned blouse with a zany colourful floral print that started at the collar and progressively bloomed further down the blouse. Teamed up with tight, black horse riding chaps with leather patches covering the front pockets and knees, the bright blossom of floral print manifested in both the fabulous boots and matching tote bag in a glorious display of careful considerate thought and style matching.
All up, The Chapel St Edition didn’t fail in delivering a strong runway show with a broad range of commercial fashion retailers located on the famous shopping strip. What it did do well is surprise us with a quirky, playful and fun collection that anyone and everyone could appreciate.
"VIVA LA CHAPEL STREET"
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| FAT |
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| FAT |
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| SHAG |
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| SHAG |
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| CYLK |
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| CYLK |
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| McCALL |
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| McCALL |
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| SHAKUHACHI |
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| SHAKUHACHI |
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| ML DENIM |
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| JACK LONDON |
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| GORMAN |
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| AUTONOMY |
ALL IMAGES USED WITH PERMISSION FROM LUCAS DAWSON FOR AMPR www.lucasdawson.com.au
Reuben Cheok - Stylist - is an internationally recognised stylist and TV personality. He is covering L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival as part of Braudia GM Pty Ltd.
To Contact:
Email: contact@reubencheok.comTwitter: @reubaniaInstagram: @reubania
Very nice outfits, by word chaps I still remember I bought my first leather chap from Leather Baba Brand leatherbaba.com and that was my excellent experience with these guys.
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