Vibrant big nails were a major feature this year, with designers recognising the role of nails as a [...]]]> OPI – the stylish woman’s lacquer of choice – strutted the catwalk at Mercedes Benz Australian Fashion Week and the pre-shows, featuring on hand and toes at 21 designer shows in mainly white and sorbet pastel shades. 

Vibrant big nails were a major feature this year, with designers recognising the role of nails as a fashion accessory.

‘Chartreuse’ (halfway between yellow and green) was the signature colour featured throughout the week, alongside peplum detail, pencil skirts, sequins and sophisticated athletic inspired outfits.

The most popular vibrant yellow/green chartreuse, OPI’s Did it On Em, was admired by many and chosen by Manning Cartell and Aurellio Costella.

White lacquer shades were also popular with many designers choosing OPI’s Alpine Snow or Don’t Touch My Tutu (OPI’s new sheer white) as it complemented their predominantly white on white collection, including; Carla Zampatti, Zimmerman, Bec & Bridge, Manning Cartell (on toes).

The elegant and sophisticated reverse moon nail extensions featured at both Maticevski and Johanna Johnson.

Another new nail trend featured at MBFW was the ‘reverse’ French Manicure, nude or white nails with coloured tips, as seen at Carla Zampatti and Lisa Ho.

A few designers also chose an exclusive ‘nail-art’ style with gold tips and gold flames as their inspiration.  AJE nails, referred to as disheveled elegance, had a bronzed base (OPI’s Cosmo Not Tonight Honey) with a V-shaped chevron at the tip (OPI’s DS Glow) littered with gold dust glitter on the tips.  Whilst Watson X Watson’s nails featured a golden hand-painted flame on the tip of the nails.

However the most colourful assortment of nails was seen at Camilla celebrating ‘gypsy meets jetsetter’, where we were taken on a journey visiting 7 different destinations, each with matching nails (Australia, Africa, Brazil, Asia, Peru, India and Navaho).

www.opi.net.au

Images copyright, courtesy of Raynard Tan 2012.

Designed as a ‘glittering jewel box’, furnished with diamond shaped banquettes [...]]]> DIANE von FURSTENBERG, one of the premier names in American fashion, has finally arrived down under! The first DVF flagship boutique in Australia is located in the recently opened premier shopping destination, Westfield Sydney (Pitt & Market Sts, Sydney).

Designed as a ‘glittering jewel box’, furnished with diamond shaped banquettes and constellations of mirrors that spiral across the ceiling, the store is a slice of New York glamour!

Jeff recently spoke to DVF Australia Managing Director, Geraldine Dielenberg, about the highly anticipated opening and the legend behind the brand.

What’s the brand philosophy? Empowering women, designed and manufactured for real women.

Is it all just about the Wrap Dress? Not so! We recently welcomed a new designer (ex-Gucci) Yvan Mispelaere who has brought a bold new energy that matches beautifully with DVF’s contemporary designs.

What sizes do you carry? US 2-14 (just add ‘4’ to get Aussie sizes), so 6-18.

What’s new? Bold tones contrasting block colours together so that dresses can appear as two pieces. Look out for dress shorts in the Spring collection which is due in-store now (February). There are new monthly drops so always fresh and interesting arrivals not seen before!

Founded in 1972 and headquartered in New York City, DVF Sydney will carry the full range of DVF collections, including ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes, handbags, eyewear, books and small leather goods.

In this age of super slick mass [...]]]> Youthful, bright and colourful… the sexy global jean brand is back yet again pushing the limits of advertising with its Spring/Summer 2010 “Sex Sells…Unfortunately We Sell Jeans” campaign, taking inspiration from flirtatious “fire” and “water” elements used in both its washes and treatments.

In this age of super slick mass manufacturing, no other brand is engineering “abrasion” denim quite like Diesel – hand abrasions, bleach, resin and spray treatments, squeezing, scrubbing, stone washing and sandblasting – delivering the highest quality of craftsmanship and expertise.

Featuring 40 styles for men (in 80 washes) and 20 women’s styles (in 40 washes) in the latest Australian collection,  “fire” denim features a “charred” and “toasted” treatment, recalling distressed jeans worn by fire fighters.

“Water” denim features hand-painted splashes and droplets in shades ranging from dark indigo to hard bleached denim.

There is also a lot of relaxed-fit 90’s style denim in the collection including “carrot” and “baggy” shapes reminiscent of street wear style from Keppers and 26Red (cue RUN DMC).

With this new collection, Diesel is back in a big way appealing to a broader audience with designer denim from just $200. Celebrity fans include Elle MacPherson, David Beckham, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Katy Perry, and Lou Doillon to name a few.

Did you know?

Australia was the first market to carry Diesel denim back in 1975 when Diesel founder Renzo Rosso met Mark Keighery (founder of Marcs brand) at a Paris fashion show and the line was carried through Marcs stores before widening its wholesale presence.

www.diesel.com

From the ready to wear ‘Classics’ (suits, ties, shirts), to the high performing formal ‘Collection’ and high-end [...]]]> Co-founder of Aussie label and international success, Herringbone, Matt Jensen has brought new thinking to young men’s “suiting” with the launch of his M.J. Bale label, recently opened in Woollahra, Sydney (106 Queen Street).

From the ready to wear ‘Classics’ (suits, ties, shirts), to the high performing formal ‘Collection’ and high-end ‘Custom’ made-to-measure suiting, M.J. Bale heralds a new chapter in Australian men’s style with supremely-tailored fashion for the discerning Aussie male – clientele he describes as “true global-roamers”.

Matt sources materials globally and locally including Australian Merino wool; Italian fabrics; Japanese sartorial manufacturing; American and Egyptian cotton, to produce masculine, timeless garments.

The new flagship store interiors were designed by Sydney architect, Kelvin Ho: “The store design is intrinsically linked to the philosophy of MJ. Bale, bridging the divide between the nostalgic and the modern. Recycled blackbutt floors, Tasmanian oak shelves, Hessian panelling with brass detailing and antiques that resonate the brand story.”

M.J. Bale’s current A/W collection channels the spirit of Italy’s great-uncrowned king of style – industrialist and playboy Gianni Agnelli. Often referred to as the most stylish man to walk the Earth, Agnelli (who died at 72 in 2003) immortalised the art of impeccable suiting.

M.J. Bale is aligned with a variety of organisations including Australian Wool Innovation, acclaimed restaurants Vue de Monde and Est., Opera Australia, and several Super 14 Rugby teams – NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies and the Western Force.

(Staff Uniform Project), SUMMER 2010