By Alexandra Ireland

TAFE SA‘s fashion design students wowed the Adelaide fashion industry with their creative designs at the 2011 graduating parade on Saturday night.

From ready to wear to couture wedding gowns, this year’s graduates showcased their talent in a collection of 6 outfits paraded in PAC’s Anzac Hall.

The 2011 Student of the year award was announced and presented to Georgia Guy, with the Highly Commended award going to Miss Kate Aikins, and third prize awarded to Storm Wallace.

The parade showcased a broad range of styles including bridal wear, race wear, evening, vintage, futuristic, and a dominant retro influence. The stand out collections of the night for me came from Talia Cornelius and Alyce Roberts.

Talia created an incredible collection of ready to wear looks from upholstery fabrics, mixing bold black and white textured prints in a black, white and red palette. I loved the cohesive mix of women’s and men’s wear, each outfit was powerful and complimented the next.

Alyce, who used playful prints and geometric shapes created a cohesive Autumn/Winter 2012 collection of gorgeous, on trend ready to wear looks. Each look was perfectly constructed and styled to perfection. A strong, commercially viable range that I would definitely want to buy!

As a recent TAFE SA graduate myself, it was fantastic to see what the newest group of budding young designers would come up with, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Congratulations to all of the talented graduates!

www.adelaidefashionfestival.com.au

The 2011 Adelaide Fashion Festival kicked off in style Monday night with Adelaide’s fashion elite attending the exclusive opening party held in the picturesque Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo.

Distinguished guests were treated to Wicks wines and Chambord cocktails whilst enjoying a sneak peak parade featuring designs by leading SA labels including Oscar the Third, Liza Emanuele, George Gross, Penny Anne, Razak, Porcelain, Paolo Sebastian, Alexis George, Jaimie Sortino and couture + love + madness, leaving guests in anticipation for the fashion events to come!

The first official event of the festival kicked off in style on Wednesday night at the ‘From Finesse with Love’ 2011 Lingerie Show.

A showcase by SA’s leading Model & Runway Agency, Finesse Models Australia, with over 40 models hitting the runway in Victoria’s Secret-esque lingerie, featuring familiar faces of the company as well as some new faces making their catwalk debut.

After kicking off the show with a humorous skit of two men in oversized suits cruising down the runway to Seal’s ‘It’s a Man’s World’ the song closed with the lyrics ‘But it wouldn’t mean nothing without a woman or a girl’ which cleverly led into the girls grand entrance to Beyonce’s ‘Who run the world, Girls’.

The girls took to the runway in themed segments, each accompanied with a great song choice to go with the look. The looks ranged from fairytale characters, women in uniform and oriental, as well as some classic lingerie styles, and this is just to name a few! However, my favourite look of the night would be the classic black bra, panties and thigh high stockings with a top hat. Simple and very sexy but still sophisticated.

And it wasn’t just the ladies rocking the catwalk, the finesse boys showed off their hot bods in a range of colourful underwear…and let’s not forget the glitter workman helmets!

Lingerie is all about feeling sexy and having fun, and this fun and cheeky runway spectacle was the perfect way to kick start the 2011 Adelaide Fashion Festival. 

Alexandra Ireland

By Alexandra Ireland

As any fashion lover would know fur is the latest trend to hit the stores this autumn/winter season. However, this statement look drags up a debate which continues to divide the fashion scene worldwide.

When Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer and Elle Macpherson posed with an “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” poster in 1994, their influence had the world queuing up to join the anti-fur protests.

However, the fashion industry, as fickle as it is, has disregarded debates from the past to bring fur fashion back to life. The Fur industry, almost driven out of existence in the 1990s, is now back and thriving and making its impact on a new generation of customers.

While the big fashion houses are steering towards a new age of animal fur fashion, it is fortunate that this time around we will see more and more faux fur options available. In fact, faking it has never looked so good! Good quality faux fur is running hot in most boutiques and stores around Adelaide at the moment in the form of vests, jackets, bags and shoe trims, which gives us fashionistas a cheaper and more ethical option that still looks great! Personally, I love the trend and have already purchased a faux fur vest that I am in love with!

There is no doubt the fur trend will be huge this season, and it all comes down to your personal view on the topic, but whether you go for the real or fake option, this controversial issue will be certain to spark up the age old debate of ethics.

Photos taken at Naked Boutique, Rundle Street.

Our May Gift Guide is here! This month we’re loving all things warm & knitted! This month we asked guest contributors to share their top 6 favourite indie design items based around winter woolies, from both Australia and around the world. These are all special handmade pieces that could make a perfect gift for someone special or even something for yourself! Make sure you check out our other gift guides too!

Lorena from Lore Lore shares her top 6 indie picks:

1. Merino Collar – Scallop by Hand Hook Yarn
2. Short Macrame Braid Chain Necklace by Sollis
3. Fall Foliage by Solemate Socks
4. Knitted Backpack by Reckless Exuberance
5. Crochet Bunting Garland – Rainbow by Cinti
6. Coney Triangle Hat by Annie Larson

Angela from Leeloo shares her top 6 indie picks:

1. Hand Knitted Vintage Button Cup Cozy in Navy by Sheeps Clothing
2. Tinydotdot lace felt collar by dadaya
3. Organic Cotton Cushion Cover by My Bearded Pigeon
4. Vintage blanket Hot Water Bottle Cove by my poppet
5. Dearest Acorn Pendant with Oak Leaf by Ginny & Jude
6. Tess Floral Green Fabric Covered Earrings by Whiskers Lane

Katie from Mother Maria shares her top 6 indie picks:

1. Handstitched Tamara Maynes & Monique Germon cushion
2. Cute EcoVintage Cap by SMboutique
3. Hand-spun Alpaca Wool by Obi Obi Essentials
4. Nikki Gabrielle Construction Kits by Nikki Gabrielle
5. Extra Fine Merino Wool Blankets by Uimi

Anna from KnitKnit shares her top 6 indie picks:

1. Urchin Pouf by Christien Meindertsma
2. Hand Knitted Long Mittens by Sage
3. Hand Knitted Hot Water Bottle Cover by High Fibre
4. Knitted Purse by Roost Living
5. Knitting Tea Towel by Maya Muse
6. Kwan Big Cowl Neckwarmer by Tracce

Sarah from Finders Keepers shares her top 6 indie picks:

1. Knit your cord scarf by Lore Lore
2. Crochet Garland Jute Twine by Crayon Chick
3. Sock Monkey Write Warmers by Sheepish Knitting & Crochet
4. Handknitted Cactus by Odds & Ends Handmade
5. Natural Folk Hairband by The Pin Pals
6. The Olivia Bow by Rebecca Caridad

A new and unique blog has been established by the City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters, to encourage people to creatively share ideas and thoughts about the city and urban life.

The council started the ‘Thinking Through The City’ blog, thinkingthroughthecity.com, creating an opportunity to connect more with the community with the financial assistance of Arts SA.

Teresa Crea, the Council’s Lead Creative, believes the blog provides a unique chance to explore and rethink the relationship between the City, its residents and the creative sector.

“The blog invites conversation about working together to create more liveable cities, to share thoughts and ideas about improving the design of our urban spaces to enhance well-being, our sense of identity and belonging and to be more sustainable,” Teresa said.

thinkingthroughthecity.com is an open forum that welcomes the contributions and comments of people of all ages and backgrounds from within the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and beyond.

Visit thinkingthroughthecity.com and join in the exciting journey that will inspire the community to ‘think through the city’ together.

As Rosemount Australian Fashion Weeks wraps up in Sydney, here in Adelaide the focus turns to our own fashion designers and the future of Adelaide fashion.

Unfortunately, Adelaide is not exactly known as the fashion capital of the world and only one Adelaide label, ‘None the Richer’, was featured at RAFW 2011.

However that doesn’t mean that South Australian’s are as unfashionable as some would have you believe.

TAFE SA offers many courses in fashion and design and Helen Jansson, principle lecturer of the fashion program, says graduate outcomes are excellent.

Graduates of the program include Briony Vickery of RM Williams, Catherine Zierch and Kelly Lewis of George Gross and Harry Who, Julia Ritorto and Carmen Dugan of Finders Keepers and Adrian Costanzo who previously worked for Valentino in Milan.

“Unfortunately Adelaide doesn’t provide as much opportunity for entering into larger scale industries so many graduates go interstate to learn the ropes and end up coming back to Adelaide to start up their own businesses,” she says.

One graduate of the program is Jaimie Sortino, a young up and coming Adelaide fashion designer who won the SA Emerging Designer Award at the Chambord Fashion showcase last year.

Jaimie says that while Adelaide may not be known for its fashion industry, it’s still possible to forge a career as a fashion designer here.

“I think it’s actually easier to forge a career here in Adelaide,” he says.

“I find networking within fashion here, everybody seems to know each other and is always helping each other out (creatively) which is amazing.”

Four years ago Damien Woolnough, who previously worked for Vogue, In Style and Harper’s Bazaar, published a scornful article on Adelaide style in The Australian calling Adelaide “fashionless”.

“I take great joy in shopping and in being in touch with fashion, and that pleasure wasn’t part of my experience in Adelaide,” he said in the article.

“I didn’t have the opportunity to wear three quarters of my wardrobe. There was no point wearing it because you just stood out like a sore thumb.”

However, Jaimie says people from Adelaide have a great sense of individual style.

“I do believe Adelaide has quite a conservative view on fashion, but I think that makes it more exciting to push the boundaries of fashion and style or what is perceived to be fashion,” he says.

“Adelaide has a great small market of stores that aren’t available in other states and that helps us here have our own style and sense of fashion.”

Helen Jansson agrees, and says the small market provides a unique opportunity for a large number of boutique brands that can afford to supply small quantities to Adelaide retailers.

“Having lived and worked in Melbourne for 15 years before moving to Adelaide, I was amazed at the unique, unpretentious love Adelaidians have for fashion and (their) ability to find quirky, interesting pieces and style them accordingly, she says.

In 2007, Stella McCartney’s one off range for Target sold out within minutes on the eastern seaboard of Australia.

Here in South Australia, however, it took three months for the popular British designer’s clothes to sell out.

However, much has changed since 2007 with one of the biggest development being the establishment of the Adelaide Fashion Festival held every November.

Jaimie says that while Adelaide gets knocked for having its own fashion week, it’s not as behind the times as people think.

“The beauty of our fashion week is, it really focuses on up and coming designers,” he says.

Helen says that one of the problems with fashion in Adelaide is the widespread retail environment, which is fine for locals but confusing for tourists.

“Adelaide residents are great at hunting out the unique retailers and brands but this is hard for interstaters.”

She says much of this is being addressed with the redevelopment of Rundle Mall and the increase in national and international retailers being brought to Adelaide.

“The amount of fresh new labels and designers who are making a mark both locally and interstate is growing at a great rate so I believe the future is bright for the Adelaide fashion scene,” she says.

To find out more about studying fashion at TAFE SA visit their website

To get in contact with Jaimie Sortino about his designs visit www.facebook.com/jaimie.sortino

What’s your statement piece? It could be the crazed trend of the military boot to edge up an outfit? Maybe a pair of thick frame lens-less glasses to get that alternative spin, or even a bold shade of lipstick! When putting together a look it can all be pulled together by a simple statement piece.

When the public follow a trend it can often involve a whole look, and I’m sure you’ll agree, it can get pretty boring to see the same thing on every second person you see. I think the beauty of Adelaide fashion is there are no real rules. That’s what makes us so unique! I’ve noticed that people often follow a trend, but have a unique way of making it their own.

Want to make a statement with your style? Nothing highlights a stylish look more than a bold set of lips! For me, a vibrant lipstick is my ‘must have’ fashion item at the moment. Day or night, it doesn’t matter! A simple shade of colour on the lips can give an outfit that sexy finish and give you a new found confidence!

Karolina

So what better way to get a feel for the Adelaide style than go straight to the source!

After exploring Adelaide’s famous Rundle Mall and talking to several stylish fashionistas, I came across 17 year old Karolina, who shared the majority view on Adelaide Fashion. Wearing a cute vintage floral dress, beige peep toe flats, a gorgeous shade of berry lipstick, and textured black bag slung over her shoulder, I couldn’t walk past without talking fashion! With her favourite statement piece being her stylish shoe collection, she loves to pick up some chic designer pieces in boutiques across Adelaide including the favourite ‘Whistles’. The harem/cargo pants are her favourite trend at the moment, but like many, she’s not so keen on the ‘Jeggings’ look. When asked what she liked about Adelaide fashion she replied; “I like how everyone makes their own style! They take a look or trend and put their own personal twist on it.” What better way to describe Adelaide and our unique sense of fashion!

So choose a statement piece that reflects you and your personal style, and give yourself a new found confidence!

AZALIA…Whats in the name?
I was brainstorming and I took a few letters of my first name- meaning liberty and last name, and it is a combination of both.

What is your favourite piece in store?
All the cameo pieces which are designed by a local Adelaide girl, ALL my jewellery- chainmail pieces, tassel necklaces, and the El’ Minara range.

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
Easygoing, creative, love a good laugh, loyal, fair.

What made you start your own business?
Quite a few things, looking at the market I saw there was a lack of retail fronts that stocked vintage and new pieces. I thought I could create my own little space as i had been collecting for over 10 years, having worked in admin and banking it was good money but was not my passion, as I loved finding things that everyday people could not get their hands on.

What labels do you stock at Azalia?
Vintage is what I like to concentrate on, Finders Keepers, MinkPink, Evil Twin, Cameo, Sumakhi, Miss Unkon, Friends of Couture.

Favourite downtime thing to do?
If I have a few days off jump on a plane and go to Melbourne or Sydney and sit at Bondi, mainly travelling where I can and catching up with friends and family and having a laugh with them.

Ladies if you are wanting pieces that are individual and unique and an atmosphere which is welcoming and fun AZALIA is a place you need to experience… located at studio: 5 Elizabeth Street Croydon

What’s the dress code here people?

Something has been grinding my nerves for some time now. It’s a simple issue of dress codes. How people define a dress code, and how people dismiss the dress code.

Many events over the course of the past six months come to mind, and sometimes I am embarrassed by what I witness. Sometimes, the way we dress, is a sign of respect to the event, cause, or institution we are attending… yet so many times the invitees put no effort in at all. Only a week ago at the magnificent Crowne Plaza opening the corporates dressed to depress rather than impress… which I don’t entirely blame them for, blasé suits is apparently all they know. I’m sure the boys at Ivy League or the Suit Co would be happy to help them out – God knows the recent ‘Famous Male Faces’ who walked at last months ASMF needed their help!

Raceday events are a good example of this… I was invited to see DJ Stubanga & DJ Chris Spiers in the young members marquee, it was a bit of a last minute decision so my friend, Fresh FM host Rebecca McClure, and I hadn’t had time to organise an outfit. We both agonised over what to wear – after all – it’s the races! I ended up going with an equestrian themed outfit: boots, velvet blazer, tuxedo shirt, and she wore a gorgeous neutral coloured (the trend of the season) dress with a matching hat and clutch. Upon our arrival at the racecourse, we realised that we were severely overdressed.

Most of the guys were wearing t-shirts and shorts, with sunnies on their heads… hold on… was I in someones backyard… at a BBQ? How and why did the races get so bad?

Onto early January – and the icing on the cake for me: The Adelaide launch of musical Avenue Q. I got an invite in the mail to the premiere night at Her Majesty’s Theatre. I was excited about this, I felt gratified to be invited; this is a musical that has won six Tony Awards, and has been one of the longest running shows in Broadway history. The dress code for the evening was “Posh with a splash of yellow”.

Now, I guess ‘Posh’ is totally up to interpretation, as my best friend Laura stated “Posh is a price bracket, not a dress code”, I had to agree, but I did have an idea of what ‘Posh’ should look like.. Posh Spice is always a good starting point (love her or loathe her), straight away I think of that little black Gucci dress. Basically, simplicity and structure, with a hint of glamour.

I myself opted for a look right off the runway, which I’d fell in love with at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week for Summer of ’09, and it was a little bit preppy. And yet again, I arrived to find I was over dressed, and left wondering, am I taking the dress code too seriously? I swear, there were men there in shirts that needed ironing – either their mums or their wives were away on holidays because these guys had no clue. And the ‘splash of yellow’ was barely present, but to be honest, yellow is an ugly colour 90% of the time, I can understand if people had difficulty.

What is probably even worse, is that at the ‘launch show afterparty’ the cast and crew mingled with (what the Gray Management Group had picked out as) some of Adelaide’s VIP’s and Media, and were exposed to Adelaide ‘Posh’. Now let me tell you, I came into contact with certain members of the cast a crew a few times, and unfortunately they seemed quite judgmental, and I didn’t pass their test either. But damn it, I’m sure I looked posh… or was it just my interpretation of posh?

This is when we go to the masters of the trade. At the launch of this Winter season I posed the question to some of my fashion designer buddies, “What exactly is ‘Posh’… is it a dress code? & what does it actually mean?” and they replied giving me their own indication of ‘Posh’ from their current collections.

I first asked Alvin Manalo of Saint Augustine Academy, as he was the guy who dressed me in my ‘Posh’ outfit for the Avenue Q launch. He simply replied with “Dandy”. Just to clarify what this means, Wikipedia kindly informs us that a ‘Dandy’ is a man who places particular importance upon physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies.

Saint Augustine Academy - The Lamentations Of Euchrid The Mute A/W10 Collection http://www.saintaugustineacademy.com.au/

I then approached one of our great father’s of Australian fashion, Harry Watt of Harry Who. He filled me in with a history lesson, “Posh originated in the U.K. with the large amount of ships sailing from there to India (when the former U.K. ran India). It meant Port out (to India) and starboard home (to the U.K.). That is the true meaning, however down the line it was used to indicate wealth, and maybe style”. But there was one thing Harry wanted everyone to be assured of, and that was, “Money will NEVER buy style”. So maybe my bestie Laura was correct, Posh is a price point, not a dress code… maybe?…

HARRY WHO - A/W10 Collection http://www.harrywho.com.au/

Maybe not?… I then approached Tim O’Connor, who came back with “Posh to me would be more attitudes and style rather than any specific dress code. This girl looks Posh in this shot, in that she is totally uptown, aloof and sure of herself, as well as loving luxury”. So from the information emerging… with style you can look ‘Posh’, but having money doesn’t mean you can buy style…

Tim O’Connor - A/W10 Collection http://www.timoconnor.com.au/

Funky Queensland fashion designer, Taree Birse agreed “To me posh means first class. In terms of fashion, looking & feeling posh is looking polished & poised, chic & classy, opulent & swanky all in one.”

Taree Birse - A/W10 Collection http://www.tareebirse.com/public/home.php

So, here is the clarification. Money can’t buy style, and style is something unique to the individual. To look ‘Posh’ you are emulating a certain price bracket, regardless of whether you fit into that bracket or not. The bottom line is my dearest Adelaide, when we get our next invitation, could we put that tad bit of effort into our attire… We’re not a big country town, we are a small city, so lets look slick.