SPRING 2018 READY TO WEAR

SPRING 2018 READY TO WEAR

Raul Lopez wants to make the ladies feel like bosses. His first full women’s ready-to-wear collection for Spring 2018 only came with 18 looks, but there was certainly enough to prove that, with a bit more streamlining, this is a market in which he might really thrive. The young designer currently operates within the creatively driven underground realm of fashion. His designs—for both men and women—are delightfully humorous and avant-garde, but look closely. Once picked apart, certain pieces could fly off the shelves at somewhere like, say, Opening Ceremony or Maryam Nassir Zadeh. With his debut this season, he was smart to carry over his cheeky, deconstructed office-wear vibes from his main men’s offering.

 As he explained it, he “was focused on the type of woman who is in touch with her hypermasculine side, one on a power trip and one who is looking for revenge on any man that has ever tried to make her feel ashamed.” He adds, “She is complex—she loves a night out on Dyckman Street [in New York’s Inwood area], but also lives for an elegant and classy moment.”

This is where Lopez could find balance, somewhere between the style of the wild club-kid posse he has long been a part of and the strong femininity and ladylike aesthetic he’s clearly drawn to. Certain pieces in the new collection were well conceived under the pretense of this dichotomy. There was the camel-colored overcoat that was cinched at the waist and elbows and embroidered with the Wu-Tang Clan’s lyrics, “Cash rules everything around me.” There were cool, sophisticated cuffed jeans and a dark denim skirt with gold buttons layered over them. A gray long blazer embellished with oblong metal hardware at the shoulder and hip was also strong. Like he did with his men’s collection shown earlier this summer, Lopez also played with ideas of suiting—two standouts included a crisp white button-down shirt stitched with “Luar” in cursive and a striking, shapeless dress made from pinstripe jackets and trousers that hung beautifully off of a model’s shoulders. It would also be a shame not to mention the skirt designed with khaki trousers that seemed to insinuate a dude’s “bulge” at the front.

Lopez has incredible potential and, if he can strike the right chord with women who want that business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back kind of style (on top of the DJs, rappers, hip-hop stars, vogue-ers, and artists he’s already won over), he’ll have it made in the shade. As he noted after the show, “Every aspect of my life has been influenced by strong and controversial women and paying homage to them was long overdue.” 

FIDM MUSEUM....."Fashion Philanthropy" Exhibition, from The Linda & Steven Plochocki Collection

FIDM MUSEUM....."Fashion Philanthropy" Exhibition, from The Linda & Steven Plochocki Collection

Golden Dress: A Boue Soeurs Paris France Silk Tulle and Silk Satin "Presentation Dress"--The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Even though the 11th Annual Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition closed earlier this month, if you are a FASHION COUTURE ENTHUSIAST, you still have plenty of time to swing by the FIDM Museum in Downtown Los Angeles to enjoy the beautiful "Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection".

           The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los                                                                                     Angeles



The Exhibition showcases collected, purchased and donated items--both garments and accessories--from the Plochocki's collection, and explores Linda's fascination with all things floral and embroidered. In addition to 19th and 20th century pieces, the show also highlights contemporary designs by Prada, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, and Raf Simons for Christian Dior. FIDM Museum Creative Director Peter Lam's hand-crafted paper flowers adorn the walls and accentuate the blush and grey color scheme. 

Linda and Steven Plochocki (Center), with Barbara Bundy (Far left) FIDM Museum Director and Vice President of Education and Tonian Hohberg, President of FIDM--Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection at FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Here are some photos of the GLORIOUS COUTURE on display:

Couture Garden: Historical Ladies Garments from the Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection--on display at "Fashion Philanthropy Exhibition: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

(Left to right): Evening Dress c. 1837-40 evening dress of silk brocade and a 1908 "Afternoon Gown" of gray silk satin and silk chiffon trimmed with embroidered silk flowers from "Liberty and Company" LTD London...

The front bodice of the 1908 "Afternoon Gown" simulates a jacket as seen in the close-up above--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Chic Debutante: A 1928 presentation dress worn by Miss Sallie Bell Gaston at the Dallas Country Club. Made by Boué Souers in Paris. The dress is of silk tulle, silk satin, lamé, metallic floss and silk ribbon embroidery--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Glam Winter Coat: Charles Worth c. 1885 silk velvet brocade coat, trimmed in sable--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Pouffed & Cinched: A jacket-bodice c. 1898 by Jaques Doucet. Iridescent silk taffeta, silk chiffon, silk satin ribbon, silk lace, and silk chenille (notice how TEENY-TINY the wearer must have been back in that era)---"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Asiana Fab: Andrienne Landau velvet & fur coat, c. 2000--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Raining Flowers: Raf Simons for Dior Spring/Summer 2016 coat/parka--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Alta Moda: 1965 Valentino Garavani silk crepe coat with glass beads, rhinestones, metallic and silk thread and synthetic raffia--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Nuptials Couture: Wedding Gown c. 1878 by Emile Pingat made of silk faille, netting, chiffon, floss, satin, cotton and lace. Orange blossoms made of colored wax detail the gown. The dress is 139 YEARS OLD and in PERFECT CONDITION; better than some of my NIKOLAKI gowns that are worn on the red carpet after one night's event!--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Here are the DETAILS of the fabulous exhibition:

WHAT: Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection 



WHEN: Runs through December 22, 2017



WHERE: FIDM Museum & Galleries 

                919 South Grand Avenue, Ground Floor 

                Los Angeles California 90015

                Entrance on Grand Hope Park side



COST: FREE!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2017 LONG GOWN COMPETITION Group 2: Best & Uh Oh's!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2017 LONG GOWN COMPETITION Group 2: Best & Uh Oh's!

 Gown Medals: Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Winners (L to R) Miss Earth Nigeria Eucharia Akani (Bronze medal), Miss Earth Peru Karen Rojas (Gold medal), Miss earth Costa Rica Fernanda Rodriguez (Silver medal) and Miss Earth Philippines Karen Ibasco (Silver medal)--Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2

All photos courtesy of Miss Earth Facebook 

Well kids, it is indeed the start of the "International Pageant Season"! Last week, I discussed my TOP 15 FAVORITES for the Miss Grand International 2017 which is happening in Vietnam (Read HERE!)...and at the same time in another Asian country--this time the Philippines--the Miss Earth 2017 beauty pageant is happening. The 17th edition of the Miss Earth contest is occurring with 87 contestants from all over the world competing for the coveted crown with the Final Crowning Night taking place on November 4th at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Metro Manila Philippines.

Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Winners (L to R) Miss Earth Nigeria (bronze), Miss Earth Peru (Gold), Miss Earth Costa Rita and Miss Earth Philippines (Silver) flanked by the reining Miss Earth 2016 from Ecuador Katherine Espin (second from left)--Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2

In advance of the final night, lots of pre-final pageant event competitions are occurring including the Swimsuit, Resorts  Wear, Talent and the one that I am most interested in (naturally!) here in my "Sashes & Tiaras" BLOG: The EVENING GOWN COMPETITION. The "Long Gown Competition" as it is called (as opposed to "Short Gown"??) is happening in separate sections with 3 different contestant groups competing...

Satins and Sequins: Contestants from Group 2 of Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition--Joy-Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila Philippines

In each of these contests, the top contestants get medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) which will give them points helping them gain better spots in the Finals (similar to Miss "World" I am guessing).

The first "Long Gown Competition" occurred on Tuesday night with "Group 2" consisting of 29 ladies. The winner (or Best in Long Gown)--according to the judges--was Miss Earth Peru, with the Silver going to Miss Earth Costa Rica and Miss Earth Philippines and the Bronze going to Miss Earth Nigeria.

Good Gowns or Not-so-Muchee? Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Contestants

There's no way of beating around the bush: I do not know who the judges were but...I did not agree so much with the Top Four (well, only just one!)...so, as it has become a tradition here in my BLOG, below are MY TOP Favorites of the Group (Top 10) and five that were just A MESS. Before I show you my list, I have to say that these were not a group of UBER FAB Couture Gals. I know this isn't Miss Universe or Miss World and therefore these contestants might not have the caliber of design and money backing them so I did give a little "slack" for that but still...as a fashion designer/pageant fan/red carpet commentator, I had to "judge" adequately.



Here's my Top 10 Best from Number One to Ten: 

1. Miss Earth Nigeria Eucharia Akani: OK, first of all,, is it A LOT? Yes. But, is it still really kind of fabulous? DOUBLE YES! I like this for many reasons: It looks AMAZING and impacting. She looks like a PERFECT beauty queen. It fits well. The length is also PERFECTION and to-the-floor! The silver is on-point and just right for her skin color. I love it. I would have given her THE GOLD!

Score: 9.15

2. Miss Earth Angola: Ermelinda Demantos: Loved this look from head to (almost) toe. The blush/golden colored shimmering gown was red carpet perfect, looked refined and well-made and not so "fire friendly" (some of the other gowns were MAJOR polyester-get-near-a-match-and-they'll light up messes!). I really liked her slicked back hair but...those UBER-stacked heels (is that what I see peaking from the center front slit?) are really not making me happy! PLEASE Ermelinda, dump those things and go for non-platform strappy heels (and just have a seamstress hem-up your gown. ASAP.

Score: 9.00

3. Miss Earth Colombia Juliana Franco: I liked the blue color, the one shoulder-like silhouette and nude illusion insets. Was this a but "Figure Skating Costume"? TOTALLY. But, listen, compared to a lot of the other gowns I saw here, this was VERY NICE. TRUST ME! It fit well, wasn't so tacky, wasn't HOOCHIE, had stage presence, the length was correct and her hair was modern and not so "Pageant Betty".

Score: 8.98

 4. Miss Earth Spain Ainara de Santamaria: I liked this gown and it was one of my favorites of this group for its simplicity, non "cray-cray" detail and pure and elegant fit. I also liked the emerald and light green sequined detail. Oh, and yes, the length was JUST RIGHT! It was simple, beautiful and impacting.

Score: 8.97

5. Miss Earth England Charlotte Brooke: Miss Earth England wore this golden-hued gown with silver crystals featuring a fitted column gown over a full overskirt. The style was elegant, impacting and almost Paris Haute Couture-like (almost). Her styling, however, was the unfortunately aspect which didn't elevate this gown to a position of fabulousness and grandeur; her hair was droopy, her make-up was inelegant...she looked too simple and "basic" yet her gown was "Red Carpet Cannes Film Festival". I gave her points more for the gown than her personal styling. It was still better than most of the others...even the ones who got some of the Long Gown medals.

Score: 8.70 

6. Miss Earth Chile Sofia Manzur: Since I had to pick my Top Ten here in this group, some of these choices were "giving them too much credit". But wait until you see some of my "Uh Oh" choices and you'll understand how this might have been "GREAT!". I liked the red color and the fit was fine. Sofia looked like a Spanish Senorita in a Sevillana Gala. I also loved her slicked back chignon. I wasn't a fan of those CRAZY gold sequined pumps (Ayyy Dios Mio!) and that "Cha-Cha Peek-a-Boo-Danger Zone" super high slit. But, if I just half-closed my eyes and avoided those two things...

Score: 8.20

7. Miss Earth Cameroon Verucha Cossinda: I liked the "mermaid Lite" silhouette of this gown and the color was lovely. I'm also happy about the fit and correct length (no tacky platform pumps showing!). Overall, this was a pretty choice for Miss Earth Cameroon.

Score: 8.10

8. Miss Earth Lebanon Elsa Antoun: Nice gown for Elsa, Miss Earth Lebanon. This black and white "Mermaid" shaped gown featured white appliques and black tulle godets at the bottom. It was nothing extraordinary but at least it fit well, was the right length and there weren't any HOOCHIE too-high slits or breast-a-licious cleavage.

Score: 8.05

9. Miss Earth Pakistan Ramina Ashfaque: Yes darlings, you read right--Miss Earth PAKISTAN! Karachi-born Ramina is competing in the Miss Earth 2017 contest and for the Long Gown Competition, she wore this canary yellow gown. Listen, under any other circumstances (or this was "Miss Universe" or "Miss World" I would have deemed this a "Sherri hill off-the-rack Pageant Betty" you-know-what. However, I think she looked radiant and lovely in this. It fit her well and she made an impact on stage. Was it A LOT of polyester? YES. And would I rather not seen those nude platform pumps? Totally. But, in this group, she was still one of my Top Ten.

Score: 8.00

10: Miss Earth Peru Karen Rojas: Believe it or not (I couldn't!), Karen won the "Gold medal" for this gown in the Miss earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2. I placed her as my TENTH favorite. This was OK but certainly--at least in my eyes--not the BEST. I did like the gold flower appliques over the terracotta-colored illusion netting...and it was A LOOK but...it was verging on tacky-licious. But I had to add a tenth favorite and I decided Miss Earth Peru and her gown would be the one.

Score: 7.99



Now, on to the "Oh-No-She-Didn't: Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Edition": Her are my "Top Five" Uh Oh's...

Miss Earth Belarus Polli Cannabis: Oh Polli. Bless your heart. While I kind of liked the top part, the bottom half was just a true GOWN MESS; it looked like black and pink toilet paper got stuck in a tornado and created a gown-skirt. I just wish designers would NEVER do that to dresses. Please. It isn't pretty. On a nice note: The length is right and she is pretty.

Score: 6.25

Miss Earth Costa Rica Fernanda Rodriguez: Fernanda somehow nabbed the SILVER medal for this gown. I am at a loss. This is a teal polyester lace/nude/applique mess. The whole too-see-through inner gown is just stripper tacky and the style is so Downtown Los Angeles Santee Alley. I know I sound like a Gown Snob but seriously. On a good note, she looked fresh and young and pretty--from the neck up.

Score: 6.20

Miss Earth France Melissa Strugen: Melissa wore this violet colored gown featuring golden scroll applique and chiffon overskirt. The gown (inexplicably) featured a mini dress lining underneath showing through. The entire look was not cute. And her hair styling and makeup did not help. I kind of get what she was going for--perhaps a "Near Eastern Goddess" but she ended up looking like a "Prom Scheherazade".

Score: 6.20 

Miss Earth Hungary Victoria Viczian: It's the "Miss Earth 2017" Beauty Pageant...and while I can understand that sponsorship may be light and you have to buy your own dress possibly from the sale rack in Budapest, this off white Duchesse Satin style was just...TOO BASIC! I am happy that it was the correct length but seriously, Victoria wasn't even trying. This is a Bridesmaid Dress for a wedding. NOT, the gown you wear for THE MISS EARTH 2017 LONG GOWN COMPETITION!

Score: 6.00



Last but not least...

Miss Earth Slovenia Sara Gavranic: Oh Slovenia. Oh Sara. Just look at this: Gold Stretch. Lycra. Draped and hi-lo. Oh wait..is that lace in the back??? How do you say "tacky-licious" in Slovenian? On a nice note, I liked her hair and red lipstick.

Score: 5.50 



**STAY TUNED for MORE of my "Sashes and Tiaras" Pageant Blogs discussing "Miss Earth", Miss Grand International" and many more HERE!



Until then....I'm excited to launch my NEW Pageant Coloring Book!!! It is full of FABULOUS Beauty Queens and Gowns ready to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Purchase now on Amazon.com HERE:

SPEND-LESS SHOES SS17 LAUNCH

SPEND-LESS SHOES SS17 LAUNCH

"I collect Vogue, Shoes and compliments"

With the upcoming Adelaide Fashion Festival and exclusive VOGUE Weekend, fashion is on the mind. And when you're galavanting at these social fashion events one thing I've had to learn is graciously accepting compliments in a world where we're taught to negate sincere adorations. 

But more important than Vogue or compliments are... shoes.

At last count I had 37 pairs of shoes and that was a solid 6 months ago (send help). And Spend-Less Shoes isn't doing anything to help me with my (very normal) personal selection of footwear. 

Spend-Less Shoes have officially launched their Spring/Summer 17 collection in conjunction with Party With Lenzo and BeYoung PR. The new range of shoes incorporates styles for your next cocktail night near the beach, Spring Racing Carnivals and extra fashionable Friday nights. 

The evening was hosted at Adelaide's newest devoted event space, Chateau Apollo, where Cassie Young invited the foremost Influencers for a fashion shoot challenge! Which blogger would take out the Spend-Less shoe style crown? The brands that contributed to the nights success include Modern Party, Aeon Collective, Little Big Balloon Co, Pickawall, Studio Botanic, Hello Kit Co, Red Hen Gin, Entourage Events and Food by Annabel.

With a boutique 'shoe bar', bloggers were able to try-on multiple styles available in the SS17 to style with pieces available from Couture+Love+Madness to show themselves and their audiences how versatile and modern Spend-Less's new collection is.

Of course my extra self had to frock on with my House of Zhivago sequin dress, paired with the rose gold 'Evie' heel ($49.99) set in NYC (on the bucket list) to pose for the shot below.... that won me tickets to the Paolo Sebastian AFF Runway! <3 

The event was one of the most well-thought out and memorable experiences I've ever had the pleasure of attending. A big BIG thank you so Spend-Less Shoes for creating an amazing, affordable and fashionable range of shoes for every girl to wear and Cassie from BeYoung PR for orchestrating such an amazing Influencer event.

#ThePairToTakeYouAnywhere

What's your favourite shoe for Summer?

RECAP - MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

RECAP - MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

Melbourne Fashion Week took over the footpath of Swanston Street for its annual week long offering that launches the beginning of Spring and Summer and the social season in which Melbourne comes alive. 

Suit: Jack London

Shirt: Department 5

Socks: Gucci

Shoes: Ben Sherman

Bag: No Name

Sunglasses: Arockonalens

The fashion obsessed flowed into the Melbourne Town Hall to view the latest offerings from both designers and retailers with their glasses of champers in hand. It is always a great environment to catch up with your fellow stylish friends, see familiar faces behind a camera and meet new and exciting people that your normally only communicate with through your instagram feed. The MFW Bar meant serious business inside with its set up and exhibition space, which unfortunately did not flow outside to the claustrophobic outdoor area on the footpath either side of the entrance. 

Courtesy: Mamamia

For dedicated fashion addicts there were a handful of people on the street that peaked my interest. Hoards of bloggers, influencers and wannabes presented their best offerings for the camera's as they circled the block. As you know the louder and more individual you are in your clothes, the more likely you are to peak the interest of the papz and be snapped. In this case I felt like I was stuck inside a photo shoot for a menswear suit catalog. After a week of viewing the street styles I was left with the impression that Australian menswear fashion is still relatively conservative, with not much evolution between seasons or even years. Thankfully there were standouts from the ladies who bought their A game to the footpath injecting understated chicness and colourful combinations whilst braving the chilly nights.

Shirt & Blazer: James Harper

Pants: Department 5

Shoes: Lacoste

Bag: Doucals

Sunglasses: Gucci

Trends that dominated the footpath outside the shows:

Street Luxe - The number one dominating trend was the mixing of streetwear with high fashion. Of course all black ensembles were everywhere, and the opposite. All white was also present like a flock of seagulls searching for a potato chip. 

Florals - As Miranda Priestly so eloquently put it, florals for Spring. Groundbreaking. Let's move on.

Belts - Belts were everywhere. Some good, some bad and some that I will be happy to never see again. If I see one more GG gold belt I think I will scream as it has replaced the tiresome YSL tassel bag that every woman has been renting for the last year.

Men in Suts - When it comes to men's suits there were some stylish accessories to set off the slim tailored fits that were on display. Plenty of pocket squares and lapel pins which showed individuality of the wearer. There were minimal pleated trousers which have been huge in Europe for the last two years and plenty of loafers with no socks. Special shout out to the gents who took the stuffiness out of menswear and wore something a little different and didn't play it safe. Bravo.

Pretty Ugly Shoes - Delighted to see so many wonderful shoes with different hardware and embellishments in a variety of styles both on men and women. Thigh high leather tan boots on women with chunky heels were a regular staple. The elaborate shoes would not normally be considered pretty but the vulgarity and opulence was beautiful and refreshing to see in Melbourne. ADORE!

Fur - Fur accessories adorned everything from earrings to bags and shoes. Poor little critters will live on for seasons to come after being dyed in fabulous colours providing a lux

vibe to ensembles.

Blazer & Coat: Oxford

Shirt, Tie, Pocket Squares & Shorts: James Harper

Sweater: Ted Baker

Socks:  Gucci

Most of the shows were exactly as I feared, producing safe visions of well groomed and pruned ensembles ready for the horse racing season in a few months. The flare for dramatics or igniting a point of difference was eliminated by many big designers that played it safe and delivering much of what they have for the previous seasons. However there were a few examples of inspiration and creativity that will be burned in my mind for a while. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for updates

Garage Runway - As much as I enjoy a good summer dress, there was a lot of black and muted tones or uninspiring patterns that were constantly reused. I understand ethical fashion and the need to be wise with materials, but without variety comes boredom. I have seen so many dresses inspired by Queen B's baseball bat twirling dress to last me a lifetime. 

Menswear Garage - Alike the aforementioned it was held in the basement of the Melbourne Town Hall, the likes of Amxander, Jack London, Autonomy, Chris Ran Lin and Dom Bagnato sent styles down the runway that unfortunately did not peak my interest. Following European trends with oversized bumbags across the chest and numerous patterned materials that were reused for different pieces, there were a few nice pieces but nothing that made me gasp. The overall vibe of the show was trying to be edgy with the model selection, music, skateboards and styling, that it all felt the same. I left a little deflated after this showing.

David Jones - The creative styling team behind the show should be commended for creating safe ensembles that would peak the interest of suburban housewives and gents who require a suit for the races. A huge retailer like David Jones do know their target audience very well and this showcased their knowledge of their consumer, right down to the YSL heels or The Kingsman inspired gentlemen that will soon appear on movie screens.

Premium Runway Four - Finally an injection of what fashion means to me. There were opulent embellishments, tassels, fabric choices, voluminous sleeves and dramatics in the styling including a little homage to good old Formation film clip. The line up of deisgners meshed well together although once again there was a little too much black on the catwalk for my liking, but it is Melbourne after all and black sells. 

Premium Runway - Closing - The saying "Leave the best to last" was true of closing night of the festival with some inspirational displays sent down the ice melting runway. In a week that started off rather underwhelming it was good to wrap the festival up on a positive note with some of Australia’s most popular labels such as Romance Was Born, solid stand out for me.

After a few seasons not attending what was Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and rebranded MFW, it was pleasant to see new ideas influence the program and inject some much needed innovation into the festival. Melbourne has serious pride in it's events and the team behind Melbourne Fashion Week should be commended for staying current and on trend whilst producing a solid program. A huge shout out to the volunteers who spent 12 hour days holding the festival together. Round of applause.

I believe that some of the designers need to lift their game if they wish to retain current supporters of their brands, or attract new customers. By the end of the week photographers were not on the streets, media pit at the end of the runway appeared a little thin and there were many empty seats in the town hall creating an underwhelming atmosphere. With Melbourne Fashion Festival receiving an injection of funding from the State Government recently it will be interesting to see if the fashion capital is big enough for both Fashion Week and Fashion Festival. Let the catwalk battles begin.