This years shows will feature many established and emerging labels. Our old favourites; Akira, Easton Pearson and Scanlan and Theodore and the new and fresh talent of the Design and Innovation Group will show up and comers like; Jaquiline Buck, Saralli Designs and Benjamin Ringuet.

I personally will be seated front and centre at the QUT “Fashion After Hours” Event – featuring a panel discussion on “Couture – Is it still relevant?” – being an avid follower of Couture and Couturiers alike, I am fascinated by how this discussion will go. I have very strong opinions of what is and isn’t couture and therefore am interested what panellists such as Paul Hunt (Designer), Jonathan Ward (Designer) Margot Riley (Dress historian & curator), amongst the others, have to say on the subject.

It’s sure to be a liberating week on the Fashion Scene of Brisbane. I am looking forward to seeing the new collections of our Brisbane/QLD designers. Having been blown away by the many amazing collections shown at Rosemount Fashion Week Sydney, I highly anticipate what is to be a great year for Brisbane’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

For more information go to: www.mbff.com.au
For Tickets go to: www.ticketek.com.au

Brisbane Racing Club held its annual Student Designers Fashion on the Fields event at Doomben. Last years winner Tovah Cottle took out this years title again and also third place with her two designs. Runner up was Gale Bishop, both contestants are Metro South Institute of Tafe students.The standard from the 30 strong entries shows Brisbane is well placed for future talent in the fashion Industry.

Daniel Alexander - Mercedes-Benz Group Show 6

Another day of fashion brought the fashion followers back to the glorious Brisbane city hall. Each show of the evening showing new, innovative and unique designs from each designer.

Mother Maria - Mercedes-Benz Group Show 6

Mercedes-Benz Group Show 6 had designs from Dogstar, Daniel Alexander, Mother Maria, Zaicek, Malocchi, Pistols at Dawn and the very chic, La La Luxe. With pieces ranging from edgy to femme.

Pink Mint (Featuring Jenny Bannister) - Mercedes-Benz Group Show 7

Mercedes-Benz Group Show 7 presented pieces from the absolutely amazing well known Australian Designers Nicola Finetti, Kirrily Johnston, Pnk Mint (with Jenny Bannister) and the always fabulous Lisa Ho.

Lisa Ho - Mercedes-Benz Group Show 7

Group Show sponsored by Queensland biggest selling newspaper The Sunday Mail had us seeing stars with designers Chelsea de Luca, Talulah, Katelyn Aslett, Sacha Drake, Pia du Pradal and standout Project Runway Australia winner Juli Grbac bringing us her ever feminine pieces.

Paul Hunt - MBFF 2009 Group 5

Fashionista’s gather into Brisbane this evening to view some of the most talked about Australian Designers collections. Front row saw Australian Model Kristy Hinze, Vogue Editor Kirstie Clements and Australian golden girl Stephanie Rice. Group Show by The Sunday Mail brought us designs from Chelsea de Luca, Talulah, Katelyn Aslett, Sacha Drake, Pia du Pradal and the ever gorgeous Grbac.

Juli Grbac - Sunday Mail Group Show

Second Showing for the night the V Australia group show, brought us prominent collections from Designer Jean Brown, New trends that took us to withering heights Tom Gunn collection in footwear. Then range of collections from Frockshop.com.au including designers Alice + Olive and Tibi. To finish Samantha Ogilvie brought out collections from designers Elie Tehari, Mike & Chris and BCBG Max Azria where Maxi Dresses dominated the show.

The third and final show of the evening brought the fashion flock to their knees, so to speak, begging for more from Designers Paul Hunt, the ever anticipated George Wu, Tengdahl, Tulipani, Toscano, Bora and the standout of the evening Darb Bridal Couture, showing yet another breath taking collection.

Jean Brown - V Australia Group Show

The stunning Stephanie Rice wearing a gorgeous bow adorned sequin shift dress and told Fashion Scene that she loved the variation of each collection of the night. Music from Michael Buble, Camile, Beyonce, Peter Bjorn And John and a great strings version of Death Cab For Cutie’s ‘This Charming Man’

Between shows VIP guests lounged in the chic decorated sponsors bar and were treated to Perrier and wine, and delightful finger foods presented by staff in gorgeous ornate boxes.

A fabulous Sunday on the water, for the swimwear show with pieces from Flamingo Sands, Karen Neilsen Collection, White Sands, Rebecca Manning Swim, Colin Heany and the ever intriguing Riot Swimwear.

As the sun went down fashionistas gathered at the gorgeous Brisbane City Hall. Where they saw striking collections from Akira, Easton Pearson and Camargue were shown. Designers with Camargue include designs from Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela, Rundholz, Sara LAnzi, Peachoo & Krejberg.

The currency is in English Pounds. Delivery is by DHL International Express (£16.50) and you can expect your marvellous designer items to arrive 2-3 working days!

So get shopping ladies!

Zac Posen - Nationale pleated dress

Every year over 50,000 show goers flock to Brisbane to attend the ever fun and highly celebrated Royal Queensland Show- The Ekka. Throughout the 10-day show of animal attractions, rides, shows, displays, showbags and events, the highlight of the event for the fashion flock is the highly coveted Coffee Club Parades, Offering 53 fashion parades throughout the course of the show.

Over 20 Local established and emerging designers showcase their latest collections from stunning evening wear to gorgeous day wear and fabulous swimwear. Each collection showcased are garments created featuring predominantly cotton and wool the most versatile of natural fibres.

This year the show saw over 20 different amazing collections from designers such as George Wu, Brides Desire by Airs & Graces, MXM Couture, Bora and Paul Hunt – Just to name a few. Each collection shimmying down the catwalk to amazing choreography music and lights display that had the crowd on the edge of their seats wondering what would come next.

Pieces from emerging designers of QUT and MSIT showed an individual additive to the show amongst the stunning and elegant gowns of the evening wear. Standout collections were the gorgeous yet simple lines of Grbac in pastels and punch pink and the ever transforming Riot swimwear with its soft colouring and quirky styling aesthetic.

Not only were patrons treated to a brilliant array of hot designs, the Coffee Club Parade also featured a model search to find a fresh new face for the fashion scene, 10 Finalists vied for the top position in the New Faces Model Search.

All in all a great show, the lighting, stage and choreography was superb. I was impressed by the line-up of established designers and the event in itself was very impressive. If you haven’t seen the Coffee Club Parade before, it’s certainly a must on next years social calendar.

Coffee Club Parade – 2009
Designers
•    Paul Hunt
•    Bora
•    Wendy Makin
•    Brides Desire by Airs & Graces
•    MXM Couture
•    Daniel Alexander Couture
•    Dogstar
•    Maiocchi
•    Grbac
•    Tulipani
•    George Wu
•    Mother Maria
•    Kitten D’Amour
•    Dirtbox
•    Taree Birse
•    Pistols at Dawn
•    John Harris Menswear
•    Swimwear from Riot

Plus Student showcase by MSIT and QUT

Its hard to believe that it has come around again, Queensland’s premier fashion event The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival.

The Festival will run from Sunday 23 through until Friday 28 August 2009. With 59 local and national and international designers featuring in the action packed week full of all things fashion!

With almost 15,00 people attending last years shows and workshops there is no doubt that the gorgeous little city of Brisbane will be buzzing with fashions elite and fabulous fashionistas!
The list of featured designers (See Below) is simply AMAZING! – Sends chills up my spine!

Easton Pearson, Akira, RIOT, White Sands, George Wu, Kirrily Johnston … Just afew names that get me alittle excited. There is no doubt in my mind designer and winner of the supreme award last year at the Australian Retail Awards – DARB Couture – will be a stand out show.

For more info and details on the The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival and designers go to:
www.mbff.com.au
For Tickets: www.qtix.com.au

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DESIGNER LINE UP:

Akira
Sun 23 Aug 7.00pm
Akko
Wed 26 Aug 8.00pm
Bora
Mon 24 Aug 9.00pm
Camargue
Sun 23 Aug 7.00pm
Chelsea de Luca
Mon 24 Aug 6.00pm
Colin Heaney
Sun 23 Aug 12.00pm
Daniel Alexander
Tue 25 Aug 6.30pm
Darb Bridal Couture
Mon 24 Aug 9.00pm
dogstar
Tue 25 Aug 6.30pm
Easton Pearson
Sun 23 Aug 7.00pm
Flamingo Sands
Sun 23 Aug 12.00pm
Frockshop.com
Mon 24 Aug 7.30pm
George Wu
Mon 24 Aug 9.00pm
Grbac
Mon 24 Aug 6.00pm
Jean Brown
Mon 24 Aug 7.30pm
Karen Neilsen Collection
Sun 23 Aug 12.00pm
Katelyn Aslett
Mon 24 Aug 6.00pm
Kinin
Wed 26 Aug 8.00pm
Kirrily Johnston
Tue 25 Aug 8.00pm
La La Luxe    Tue 25 Aug 6.30pm
Lisa Ho
Tue 25 Aug 8.00pm
Maiocchi
Tue 25 Aug 6.30pm
Mother Maria
Tue 25 Aug 6.30pm
Nicola Finetti
Tue 25 Aug 8.00pm
Paul Hunt
Mon 24 Aug 9.00pm
Pia du Pradal
Mon 24 Aug 6.00pm
Pink Mint

Tue 25 Aug 8.00pm
Pistols at Dawn
Tue 25 Aug 6.30pm
Rebecca Manning Swim
Sun 23 Aug 12.00pm
Riot
Sun 23 Aug 12.00pm
Sacha Drake
Mon 24 Aug 6.00pm
Samantha Ogilvie
Mon 24 Aug 7.30pm
Sarva
Wed 26 Aug 8.00pm
Talulah
Mon 24 Aug 6.00pm
Tengdahl
Mon 24 Aug 9.00pm
The Tribune Brisbane
Wed 26 Aug 8.00pm
Tia Carrigan
Wed 26 Aug 8.00pm
Tom Gunn
Mon 24 Aug 7.30pm
Toscano
Mon 24 Aug 9.00pm
Tulipani
Mon 24 Aug 9.00pm
Upstairs on Wickham
Wed 26 Aug 8.00pm
White Sands
Sun 23 Aug 12.00pm
Zaicek
Tue 25 Aug 6.30pm

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The latest and the greatest in fashion – The Famous stylist and fashion icon of the Noughtys*, Rachel Zoe who has dressed the gorgeous and the glamorous ladies of the red carpet such as Jennifer Garner and Kate Hudson, has shared with the world 34 of her favourite things.

Why 34 I’m not sure?! But have a look at what you should be looking into investing in!

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20209564_20209587_20286086,00.html

Rachel Zoe - Andrew Durham for French Vogue

Bravo TV’s The Rachel Zoe Project (returning Aug. 25)

(***years of 2000 for those who aren’t up with the lingo!)

What I want…

The OVERSIZED CLUTCH

This Winters IT Bag at OROTON – “The Zabri”

Rhymes with Cadbury and it’s good enough to eat. Goes easily from day to night, with its gorgeous embossed floral print, and modelled on the arm of the stunning Emma Booth, its got me drooling.

XxLoveLove