Street Styling

Just as exciting as seeing what comes down the runway is oogling at RAFW's attendees. An eclectic mix of models, designers, fashion insiders, and bloggers provided some serious eye-candy, as well as inspiration on how to transcend the latest trends into daily style.

While colour was certainly prominent, what caught my eye were the quirky prints, fabric clashes, flowing skirts and clever layering. There was a delightful mix of feminine and edgy styles, all of which ensured that the international spotlight was certainly beaming on the Australian fashion scene.

* Images from Vogue, Lifestyled and On The Streets Of Sydney. 

RAFW 2011: Kirrily Johnston S/S 11

Kirrily Johnston's RAFW S/S 11 campaign was so perfectly represented by its title, "Subtle Strength". The collection is the perfect tango of hard and soft, light and shade. Strong fabrics with whimsical drapery; intense colours with delicate lines. But what Kirrily really nails, is conveying her message that strong pieces do not necessarily always have to translate to being 'statement'. It's about being strong and stylish, without having to turn heads. It is a fine balance, but Kirrily shows how it's done.

The combination of suede with delicate drapery results in a flattering bandage-style dress that can either be worn as by itself, or a perfectly as a layering piece.

It's all in the detail. Rigid combined with gathering, using colours reminiscent of the sunburnt Australian desert.

This beautiful burnt orange is such a strong hue, but the pleats and consevative cut of this dress keeps it wearable. Trend Alert: is that footwear perhaps the Aussie spin on the Gladiator Sandal?

This simple moss-green slip dress is paired with a fresh take on the evening clutch.

The hair and make up really embodies this collection brilliantly. The slicked back, sharp pony tail is relaxed with this contrasting, diagonal fringe that drapes modestly over part of the face. The luminous skin is punctuated by a matte auburn lip, with the eyes kept subtle with fresh with a light bronze shadow and barely-there eyeliner.

This magnificent, flowing, leopard skirt is punctuated by a basic two-toned t-shirt, yet the statement necklace and bronze cuffs are paired as if it is armour; the perfect embodiment of the Warrior Princess.

… And I love how we get a glimpse of the unbelievable chic Kirrily herself. You can just see how this collection epitomises her aesthetic perfectly, and represents both her as an individual, and as a talented designer.

* All images from Fashionising.com.

RAFW 2011: Bec and Bridge S/S 11

Prints and Promises was the theme of Bec and Bridge's S/S 11 show at RAFW, so it was hardly surprising to see a delightful selection of fresh, bright, patterned prints trot down the catwalk. But what made this collection really stand out was the use of texture and different fabrics that took beautiful, classic pieces and added depth and character to them.

This is evidence of how outfit blocking can work by using different textured fabrics. The soft, suede top is contrasted with a more harsh, matte leather skirt. The deep magenta colour, combined with the soft moss-grey sandals, ensures there is just enough edginess, yet just enough girliness.  

The 70s vibe shines through in this super-cute ensemble. Despite winter being right around the corner (or even knocking on the door, thank you Melbourne), I am lusting after these blood-orange swede shorts.

Skirts with a thigh-high slit just ooze sexiness. Particularly when paired with a more conservative blouse. It ensures there's just a hint of sexy, rather than tacky, overexposure. Well played.

What I love about the hair and make up crafted for this show is how wearable it is. The strong, middle-part and loose, brushed-out waves is so chic, yet universally flattering and (relatively) easy to achieve at home. The bronze and gold metallic eye can also be translated into an every day look that makes the eyes pop and gives that wide-awake effect without any eye-liner or excessive lashes.

Sleeved dresses are making an emergence in a massive way (the Kate Middleton Effect, perhaps?), and so they should! Warm, practical and incredibly chic. The print on this number keeps this look bright, fresh and spring-esque.

Pleats, pleats, pleats, please! Despite the simple cut, the pleats provide body and depth to the drapery. The use of colour is also clever; the mauve sandals bring out the subtle, light purple, almost as if the shoes have created a glow that is engulfing the dress.

 

This playful, Texan-style hat serves as a reminder of the power accessories to liven up a neutral outfit; here it adds an androgynous flavour to a very feminine outfit.

 

* All images from Fashionising.com.

RAFW 2011: Lisa Ho S/S 11

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) is the largest fashion event in Australia, putting the spotlight on both established and upcoming Australian and international designers. I have been keeping a keen eye on the catwalk, and have put together a collection of my favourite shows, designers and the trends soon to hit the streets.

Firstly, the lovely Lisa Ho. Lisa is an iconic Australian designer, renowned for her drapery and detail. Her pieces are a modern concept of past eras, with an emphasis on the feminine silhouette and girly touches.

Her RAFW S/S 11 collection, titled "Mediterranean Romance" is the perfect blend of resort-style and structured tailoring. The colour palette for this collection is clearly inspired by the colours of the Mediterranean: bougainvilleas and wisterias are epitomised through the pinks and lilacs; blues and creams are reminiscent of the white-sand beaches; and the prints evoke imagery of the sun glistening on the ocean. The collection is also influenced by the 70s era, with wide-leg pants and flowing blouses being prominent, and of course the iconic beehive hairstyle, paired with natural make up.

This coral and peach suit combined sharp, tailored lines with colours that scream summer holiday.
 

I love how these similar shades are paired together here, but a contrasted with colourful statement necklace, which takes the corporate vibe and adds a relaxation vibe.
 

The models have been styled with this textured, slightly messy beehive, while the make up is minimalistic, consisting of luminescent skin, glossy nude lips, barely there eyes, illuminated cheeks and bold, natural brows.

These pattern on these pants reminds me of the speckled effect of water reflecting onto the site of a boat. They are modern and bright, but paired with this structured beige and camel jacket, it adds a bit of dressiness to the look.

The draping on this beautiful pink dress literally took my breath away. It evokes imagery of a Greek goddess wandering the old streets of Santorini, with a bougainvillea in her hair. Divine.

I adore this gorgeous patterned skirt, paired with a structured blouse and a bright statement necklace. So chic. So summery.
 

The colour. The drapery. The Mediterranean Sea.

I adore this all-white-but-not-quite combination, where the structured but still summery ivory shorts and jacket are punctuated with a crisp white shirt.

Resort-style 70s, with a statement necklace that looks like sea shells picked off the shore.

Again, such beautiful drapery. So comfortable, feminine and chic -- what every woman wants in a summer gown.

* All images from Fashionising.com.