Australian Fashion Industry, Bloggers, Global Fashion Industry, Interview

Lady like Leopard

May 26
Picture of The Lady like Leopard blogger

 

Less is more – always. But let’s make this clear: I don’t mean less clothing…

and, as Karl Lagerfeld said, “If you’re not willing to have an ongoing dialogue with fashion, get another job.”

 

 

Bloggers: The Prep Guy and The Lady Like Leopard sitting at the House of Mackage show in Canada

The Prep Guy and The Lady like Leopard at the House of Mackage show in Canada

LM

What is the philosophy behind your work?

LLL

Everything and anything fashion! With my blog The Lady-like Leopard I hope to bring people together through fashion and give people an inside perspective to what the fashion industry is all about.

LM

What is the inspiration behind your work?

LLL

I first studied fashion design in Canada and then journalism at Macley College in Sydney. I wanted to combine my two areas of study and so starting a fashion blog seemed like a natural thing to do. Well, that and I’ve been obsessed with working for a fashion magazine since I was a kid so this is like my own little magazine.

LM

Who are the people from whom you take inspiration and whom do you most admire within your industry?

LLL

I admire anyone who is willing to put in endless hours of hard work to achieve their goals and dreams. I’ve met people who start a fashion blog and then quit because it’s “too much work”. You have to be prepared for that. I love the photos that Sydney Fashion Blogger takes and JetSet Justine’s style.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Interview

Aurelio Costarella

May 16
Aurelio Costarella Rondine Dress

I don’t subscribe to ‘FAST’ fashion or what I like to refer to as “landfill” fashion … cheap, disposal and anything but sustainable.

LM

What is the philosophy and inspiration behind your label?

AC

I am inspired by vintage finds, listening to their stories, letting the memories unfold. Legendary Hollywood starlets and random songs on my iTunes. I am driven by the design process, each thematic collection is an exploration that moves seamlessly from one season to the next.  I  focus on textile development, detailed cutting and quality craftsmanship.

With a distinctive handwriting that ranges from trademark delicate silk chiffon gowns, intricate handcrafted beadwork, embroidery and sharp tailored suits, the Aurelio Costarella brand is a luxurious offering of classic pieces with a contemporary edge.

This same philosophy is employed across all marketing and branding ideas, imagery and events.

LM

Who are the people from whom you take inspiration and whom do you most admire within your industry?

AC

The 1920’s was a revolutionary era for fashion and signalled a far more modern way of dressing. Women were no longer restrained by corsetry. The silhouette changed to allow a softer approach. The introduction of bold colours and embellishments allowed women far more flexibility, creativity and freedom in the way they dressed.  Garments became far more opulent and experimental thanks to the likes of designers such as Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Events

Leona Edmiston … The doyenne of Australian fashion

May 13
Picture of models standing in the window of the Apple store in Sydney at the launch of Leona Edmiston accessories May 2015

Leona Edmiston is Australia’s very own Frock Queen …

The Leona Edmiston label is beautiful, wearable, and affordable.

Leona describes her own label as being feminine, easy to wear, and eternally suitable for the urban sophisticate in our ever changing fashion world.

Label Ministry will be catching up with Leona in the very near future for an in-depth interview, but for now here is a sneak peek of last night’s capsule of city glamour to whet your fashion apetite …

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Australian Fashion Industry, Bloggers, Commentary, Interview, MBFW

Backstage at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2015 … with Serpent and the Swan

April 30
Model standing, ready and waiting backstage at Serpent and the Swan

… inspired by a shared childhood love of the animal kingdom and a somewhat dark and morbid fascination with the anatomy of creatures and their mystical incarnations.

Three models at Serpent and the Swan backstage before the show

Runway Ready.

During Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this year, I was privileged to be able to interview some of Australia’s most iconic designers. These interviews will make up a series of articles which will appear on the Label Ministry website in an effort to bring awareness, greater popularity and support to people who year in, year out, dedicate their creative minds and talents to the Australian fashion industry.

This weeks expose is Serpent and the Swan, a Sydney label which has now maintained a strong following and significant foothold within our industry since 2009.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Commentary, Interview, MBFW

Stevie May

April 30
Two models sitting on a table before the show at Stevie May

 

I have a lot in common with Stevie. We’re both relaxed in our styling but we’re also conscious of elements like form and texture. I love the idea of being friends with Stevie. She’s a cool chick!

One of the most exciting things about attending Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this year was the opportunity I had to interview the designer behind Stevie May, Cassie Vecchione.

Cassie who lives in Byron Bay, travelled to Sydney to unveil her first collection for the label, Stevie May admist the hype of fashion week.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Bloggers, Editorial, Interview, MBFW

MBFW 2015 Serpent & The Swan, Stevie May, Watson X Watson

April 22
Model standing being photographed for Serpent and the Swan

 

From the editor’s desk …

Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.  Gianni Versace

Well, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia has drawn to a close!

Label Ministry interviewed many wonderful designers across the week at Carriageworks in Sydney’s Everleigh. These will be on the website very soon.

Here is a little peep at who you can expect to see showcased in the upcoming interviews which will include fantastic runway coverage and an intimate discussion with the designers themselves.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Interview, MBFW, Swimwear

Zingiber

April 11

 

Zingiber was involved in a group showcase as part of New York Fashion Week in September, which, along with multiple shows on home soil, captured attention both in Australia and overseas. Making connections will always be an ongoing, ever-evolving process.

It’s an exciting time indeed in Australian fashion right now.  As an all time lover of fashion, and a total devotee of Australian fashion designers, nobody is more excited about the industry spectacle that Sydney is about to embrace. Yes, it’s that time of year again. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2015.

I will be sitting front row in many shows across this jam packed week, and I have no doubt I will witness the unveiling of many new iconic labels. This years event will boast no less than 47 collection shows and the showcasing of 70 of Australia’s leading and emerging designers. Special events, industry seminars, and a networking glitz and glamour gala awaits for industry insiders.

One of Perth’s acclaimed swimwear designers, Zingiber, is showcasing in the middle of fashion week this year in the runway event simply called ‘Swim’.

The designer behind the label, Nicola Spicer is one of six designers showcasing in what is sure to be a hot bed of talent for those competing to have their collections and names recognised in the global swimwear market.

We caught up with Zingiber before the Sydney event to find out more about her label.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Commentary, Interview

Lui Hon

April 8
Four models walking down the catwalk at the Lui Hon runway show in Melbourne in different coloured dresses.

The names given to my collections seem to happen in the moment of time […] I truly believe that everyone has a “little hero” inside of them.

My heart beats with excitement as I survey the beautifully serene space, lined with chairs upon sleek, dark floorboards. Streams of natural light pour in through side windows. The models have been carefully selected by virtue of both their beauty and their ability to “glide”. The space is ethereal – its long, expansive wings balanced effortlessly by a live musical performance by a woman named Ping. She plays an ancient Chinese instrument called a Gu Zheng, the sound of which literally transports me back to an ancient time. With a face of enigmatic calm, Ping plucks its eighteen strings with a pick made of the shell of a hawksbill turtle.

The space is the RMIT design hub in Melbourne’s Carlton.

The event – Open Endedness – Lui Hon Prive Show 2015/2016

The man behind it all – the incomparable Lui Hon.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Bloggers, Styling

Zoe Van Zanten

March 13
Girl with long dark hair sitting on a stool in chinos, bra top and hat.

Featured Image:

Chanel Caldwell at Chadwicks Photographer Jeremy Choh HMUA Alana Santos

 

Zoe Van Zanten

Zoe Van Zanten is a Perth stylist. She believes as we do that Perth is a fashion hot spot. Zoe says “there is a wealth of creative talent in Perth, from designers through to photographers and models. What makes Perth a fashion hot spot is that it doesn’t have a ‘style’ like corporate Melbourne, or hipster Sydney, there are all types here of all different fashion styles”.

“…growing older doesn’t have to mean losing your style and getting the same haircut as your husband.”

Black and white photo of long haired girl in bra and trousers model shoot

Phillipa Bingham at Chadwicks photographer Meiji Nguyen Hair Kerryn Wilson MUA Kristen Ashton

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Australian Fashion Industry, Bloggers, Interview

EatFashion.NotCake.

March 5
Beautiful fair skinned girl with silk bandanna and red lipstick.

EatFashion.NotCake.

Elle Giles is the Perth fashion blogger, and the owner of this beautifully named blog.

As I once lived in Perth, I know only too well how beautiful a city it is, added to which it is simply a hot bed of fashion as far as Australian designers are concerned.  So it goes without saying then that any fashion blogger who is amongst it there is a fortunate one indeed. One of them is Elle Giles.

LM

I love your website and blog. What inspired you to create it?

EG

I’ve always loved reading & writing as well as fashion, I studied creative writing at Uni before I dropped out to pursuemy career in styling. We were meant to write every day and blogging seemed like a great way to improve my writing skills with a subject that I had a real passion for.

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