The August stitches, Spring steps into town

August is finally here, and it is most definitely spring in old Melbourne town. The trees are shedding their leaves and replacing them with new ones for the warmer seasons to come, the birds are out in force and filling the air with lovely sounds of song and harmony and hay fever is running rampid, causing many to become involved in sneezing fits! More than half the year has now passed and it is time for festivals and parties galore. It’s no shock that the fashion world is well represented and over the last month I was fortunate enough to attend quite a few fashionable galas and be informed of some special offers coming up!

Los Angeles is often regarded as a hub of creative minds, and with a distinct edge in the denim revolution it was only a matter of time before Melbourne was privy to the L.A. brand Gridlock Denim. With the patent idea of incorporating removable pockets on jeans the fashion label teamed with club Silk Road, Hair brand MUK, Makeup company Bodyography and accessories label STORM London to support organisation Jeans for Genes and had an ultra fashionable crowd who were filmed by fashion tv in attendance to welcome the brand to Australia. Models Nina Komolova, Olivia Arezzolo, Tara Rech, Nick Bracks & Kake Rainey were in attendance with DJ’s Sebastian Morxx & Mobin Master, Big Brother star Rory Ammon, MC Surreal, Celebrity Stylist Amber Renae, band The Cardinals & dynamic duo Cassie & Andy Van (Vandalism) were also present and joined by models, stylists and the fashion elite.

For years girls have looked to MIMCO for the best in Australian accessories, shoes and bags but this year the brand took one step further and this past month launched their exclusive sunglass range – The range completes the brand who can now say they are the elite in Australian accessories, offering a full range of shoes, bags, necklaces, bangles, gloves and now sunglasses.

Teaming with ABLE Australia, the organisation that looks after people with disabilities including blindness, and some of Orchestra Victoria’s finest, vintage clothing label Chitra’s Closet launched their spring/ summer range with a bang. “The Orchestral Trio meets the catwalk” event held early in the month not only teamed with the organisation but also hosted many artworks created by clients of ABLE.

Raoul’s launch in Australia saw many stars turn out for the event. Hosted at their flagship store in mega-complex Crown. Host and Crown publicist Ann Peacock made sure that all in attendance were aware of the beautiful and luxurious fashion that they were presented with.  The luxurious brand that has recently made its way into Melbourne will surely be a hit as the Spring Racing Carnival is nearly upon us. Models Nina Komolova & Olivia Arezzolo were in attendance with friend and host Brodie Young, musician Daniel Livingstone and DJ Jody Mcleod. Olympian Michael Klim, Celebrity Stylist Amber Renae, designer Tessa Carroll, DJ Grant Smillie, model Nick Bracks & model mentor Greg Tyshing also made an appearance, and all attendees were serenaded with music from the stunning celebrity DJ Lindy Klim.

Fame, fortune and endorsements seem to take up so much of our time, and have a major influence on what we buy these days but local brand No Tomorrow wants the opposite of fame – They want respect for what they create and this chic London influenced graphically immaculate t
-shirt label delivered straight by the devils from hell and blessed by the angels from heaven is a brand that deserves it. The brand will hold their launch in the month to come so be sure to look out for it in stores all across Australia, including Blackbook Tee’s (Chapel St) & Edge Clothings (Various Outlets).

The opening of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is a major talking point for most fashionistas this month and you will hear all about it in my wrap next month - There are many parties/ events and parades to attend during the week, make sure to check out their website for all the details and while you’re there be sure to take the time out to check out this years faces of the annual event Lucy McIntosh & Ruby Rose.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martens shoes the iconic brand has asked 10 iconic bands, whom include N.A.S.A, Verbal and the Noisettes, to record their version of “cult classic tracks”. They have apple iPads and iPod shuffles to give away and Platypus Shoes located conveniently have given me the exclusive scoop to spread the word, and I would love for you to score a freebie or two, so make sure you head  in and check them out!

Look forward to Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, which officially kicked off last week, be sure to check out the No Tomorrow launch which will be heading your way later this month, be sure to shop for your Spring Racing Carnival clothes at Raoul, your festival sunglasses at MIMCO and your newest pair of Doc Martens at Platypus Shoes. For August that is the final seem, until next month…

Story and Pictures by Jamie Azzopardi

Email – jamieazzopardi@bigpond.com