There was a huge variety of fashion showcased by Brisbane’s emerging designers at the RAW Brisbane, Awakening event. From the theatrical costumes of Lotusdevi Designs, who’s models had big hair and even bigger personalities, to the soft, flowing eco-friendly garments of Juzu to the corporate women’s wear of The 400 Co., there was something for every taste!

As usual this is just a sample of what was on offer, so make sure you get to the next RAW event to see it for yourselves!

Juzu

Juzu is an eco friendly fashion label who create pieces that are soft, feminine and float down the runway. To embody the spirit of being more in touch with the earth, their models didn’t wear shoes on the runway.

Lotusdevi Designs

Lotusdevi Designs is a theatrically inspired label, focused on creating bespoke costuming pieces for dancers and alternative fashionistas and lines of limited runs on popular designs. I enjoyed watching these models playing the part of a characters from a cabaret show and having fun with the amazing styling.

Scarlett Menagerie

Scarlett Menagerie is created by Kristine Browning who specializes in custom made garments and accessories for the bold fashionista who loves a pop of colour and embellishments. Each garment or accessory is handmade, from the design sketching, pattern making and sewing.

Eliza

Eliza from Eliza McCabe, a Brisbane based emerging designer focusing on minimalist and modern forms, combined with delicate silk and plenty of warm golden colours.

Falling for Willow

Showcasing their Jungle Fever collection, accessories by Falling for Willow is handmade in Brisbane.

The 400 Co.

The 400 Co. is clothing inspired by the 400 fashion elite who were selectively chosen by Mrs Astor, self-crowned queen of New York, to attend her annual ball, The 400 Co. is dedicated to providing fashion forward Australian women with stylish corporate clothing.

The energy of youthful exuberance and the creativity of Brisbane’s emerging fashion design and art scene is what makes RAW Brisbane an amazing event. The last RAW Brisbane for the year did not disappoint with an animated short film screened at the beginning of the night, musicians rocking out on stage, finishing with a fashion runway showcasing talented local designers.

The fashion showcase featured couture garments galore and creative hair styling and makeup making the runway a feast for the eyes. If you missed out on attending RAW this year don’t worry because they will be back in 2014!

Fabulously fashionable attendee, Tamzen Holland (fashion stylist) with her husband.

Luna Candy

Luna Candy is original art prints and handmade adornments created by artist Katie Moon. Katie loves popular culture, beverages, plush sharks and pug dogs.

The always vibrant Aicha from The Fashion Heist.

Clone Designs

This range from Clone Designs is focused on using timbers and leather that has been reclaimed, recycled and re-purposed. Breathing new life  into home wares, leather wear, accessories and jewellery. All pieces are unique as they are printed by hand in the Clone Designs studio.

This amazing flower creation is by Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose!

Hunting Faith The Label

Hunting Faith The Label creates pieces inspired by the glamour of the 70′s fused with the effortless chic silhouettes of the 90′s. It was all about short and sexy for summer on the runway showing off the label’s rebellious sophistication.

I Found Lucy

I Found Lucy is a sweet and cheerful clothing label filled with memories of childhood dreams. With amazing hairstyles including an ice-cream inspired look, flowers in their hair and creamy pastels for summer these ladies are ready for a garden party!

HoskiN Designs

HoskiN Designs was born from the love of all things creative, spectacular and divine. These pieces by South African born Natanja Hoskin, were all about mixing textures and fabrics to create inspiringly creative garments. Not for the wallflower, these pieces represented couture with attitude!

Hoskin Design’s creator Natanja Hoskin, with her models.

Kallista Ironmonger is the talent behind Kalistque Dolls, a makeup artist specialising in day, evening, formal, wedding and special effects makeup. She also created elaborate hair styles for Rebecca Cobbing Couture’s runway show.

Rebecca Cobbing Couture

Rebecca Cobbing Couture garments are one off couture pieces, designed solely for the client. Every individual design is its own artistic instalment where the client is the muse. These pieces are intricately designed and hand embellished, the fish tail silhouettes and ball gowns made me wish I had a black tie event to attend!

Silhouettes are bold and dramatic, handmade embellishments adorn classic tailoring and modern textiles accentuate femininity with extravagance and mystery.
- Rebecca Cobbing Couture

Lisah and Nash

Lisah and Nash clothing is made locally on the Sunshine Coast. The collection is for both women and men with key pieces designed to be unisex.

The 2013 Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) has started and there is such an amazing array of international films on offer that I spent several hours reading the program and debating with my sister about which films we are going to see. One of the films that would interest any fashionista is an American film by director Matthew Miele called ‘Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s‘.

Even if you can’t afford to shop at Bergdorf Goodman’s store in Manhattan, New York, everyone around the world knows that it is synonymous with high end fashion labels. This documentary gives us mere mortals a look inside the luxury store with interviews from the likes of Rachel Zoe and Vera Wang.

“The legend, the parties, the fashion idols, the windows, the women, the buyers and shoppers — and most of all, the quintessentially American dreams of New York’s high-fashion hot-spot.”

There are 2 screenings, Tuesday 12th at 6:30pm and Friday the 15th at 6:30pm. Check out the trailer and the BIFF site for more details!

So Much To See At BIFF

Obviously there are heaps of other great films on offer so make sure you check out the program!

I am also excited to see Big Sur (about writer Jack Kérouac, as he attempts to escape the overwhelming success of literary fame and struggles with alcoholism) and The Congress (where Robin Wright plays herself in an alternative reality where ageing actors can create eternally youthful virtual copies of themselves but sign over more than they bargained for, with live action and animation).

What are you excited to see?

November is here and there are some great Brisbane fashion events you won’t want to miss including the final heat of Capulet Bar’s Fashion Fridays, Finders Keepers handmade markets and the final RAW showcase event for 2013!

Fashion Fridays Heat 4

Date: Friday November 8, doors open at 7pm, the runway starts at 9:30pm
Location: Capulet Bar, 188 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Cost: Tickets $10 at the door.

Heat 4 of Fashion Fridays at Capulet Bar is going to be huge! Showcasing designs from Harriette Hill (who I interviewed recently), Knickerbocker Bloom, Koji, The Kaftan Queen, Qui Qui, Nicki Derrick – The Label, One Colour, Envy Clothing, Undral Fashions and Ivy Rose Design Studio!

Finders Keepers Market, Brisbane

Date: Saturday November 16 & 17, 10am – 4pm
Location: The Old Museum, Cnr Bowen Bridge Road & Gregory Terrace, Herston
Cost: $2 (children free)

Christmas is coming so now is the time to get in early and buy some amazing one-of-a-kind pieces at the Brisbane Finders Keepers Markets. Held at the historic Old Museum, expect to see handmade goods including clothing, accessories and art created by local and interstate artisans. Or, if you just want to relax on the lawn you can enjoy live music, coffee and food stalls.

Brisbane SS13 Artwork by Supertrooper Studio

RAW Brisbane presents ENCOMPASS

Date: Friday November 22, from 7:30pm
Location: The Arena, Fortitude Valley
Cost: $15 pre sale or $20 (cash only) on the door. 18+ only.

RAW is an indie arts organisation for artists, by artists. They focus on spotlighting underground talent and RAW Encompass will showcase approximately 40 artists in film, fashion, music, visual art, photography, performing art, hair and make up across the whole venue at The Arena. To get an idea of the amazing talent on offer, culminating in a fashion show at the end of the night, check out the other RAW events I have attended, Translations and Generation.

Two of the faces of Undress Brisbane: Aicha Robertson and Jazmin Foster-Macready after stomping it out on the runway.

Predress could not have prepared you for the 2013 Undress Brisbane sustainable fashion runway. It was an eye opening evening, with 3 runway sessions to fill, Undress Brisbane brought out amazing designer after designer.

Runway 1 featured street wear, runway 2 showcased delicate intimates and comfortable sports wear and for the finale, runway 3 showcased gorgeous evening wear.

The bar was serving delicious organic cocktails and the runway seats were filled with Brisbane’s fashion elite. The length of the runway was extraordinary and, while giving the models a good workout, it also gave the attendees plenty of time to see the garments. Lit with soft blue lights and decorated with tree branches and leaves, this was a truly unique runway experience.

The fact that so many designers are committed to weaving sustainability into their production is extremely important for the future of our planet and sends a strong message to the rest of the fashion industry. Here is only a small sample of the talented designers and fashionable attendees from the evening.

Fabled and True

Vintage, pre-loved or re-purposed floral and lace fabrics and ladylike silhouettes are Fabled and True’s signature look. Handmade in Brisbane, each Fabled and True piece is designed and made with a love of vintage and days gone by.

La’Or

La’Or clothing sparkled on the Undress Brisbane runway! This label represents high fashion created in an ethical way, where the fabrics include one-off silk pieces, hand-loomed and hand-dyed in Cambodia making each garment unique.

Gemma Anastasiou

Gemma Anastasiou practices sustainable design within high fashion as a means of pushing innovative ideas and creative solutions for the future of fashion.

Glory Box

Glory Box is the destination in Brisbane for unique and vintage garments, shoes and accessories.

Harriette Hill

Harriette Hill are ethically and sustainably created – handmade by real people in Brisbane using a combination of recycled, repurposed, vintage and natural fabrics to minimise their footprint in the fashion industry.

Koru Swimwear

Koru Swimwear is made from eco-friendly fabrics with recycled materials and bulk dyed fabric processed without water waste or water pollution.

Madonna Bain Eco Intimates

Beautiful and luxurious, Madonna Bain Eco Intimates are made from organic and eco-friendly textiles! These eco textiles are not only gentle on the environment, but they are also renowned for their super soft and luxurious feel.

Nico Underwear

Nico Underwear minimises their impact on the environment and makes all of their garments in Australia under ethical conditions. Their materials are sustainably sourced and made to last! Comfort and sustainability? What’s not to love!

What could be more fun than screen printing your own t-shirt?

Tuffys and Tuffets

Tuffys and Tuffets underwear is fashionable, fun and 100% Australian Made. Offering men and women of all shapes and sizes a number of on-trend designs from briefs to boxers, bras and leggings.

Ties and Whimsy

Ties and Whims create “Ties For Her” which are created from vintage and recycled materials, adding a sense of history and uniqueness to each piece.

Habitude

Habitude aims to supply unique and limited edition handmade garments. The fabric is printed digitally using pigment-based colourants, enabling the company to order small quantities of fabric and therefore reduce wastage.

Anna-Lisa Wiklund

Anna-Lisa Wiklund fashion design, handmade in Brisbane.

De Lore Couture

Sustainable men’s clothing made locally and ethically in Australia and New Zealand by De Lore Couture.

October is here and there are some great Brisbane fashion events you won’t want to miss including Capulet’s Fashion Fridays, GOMA talks and the Undress Brisbane runway show!

Fashion Fridays Heat 3

Date: Friday October 4, doors open at 7pm, the runway starts at 9pm
Location: Capulet Bar, 188 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Cost: Tickets $10 at the door.

Heat 3 of Fashion Friday’s will showcase designers including Hoskin Designs, Jessica Tovey The Label, Hunting Faith the Label and ZaraMcKenna Designs, with more to be announced! Indulge in canapés, sip cocktails and enjoy the runway show!

Panel Discussion and Book Launch: Art/Fashion In The 21st Century

Date: Saturday October 5, 3pm
Location: The Gallery Of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Cost: Free

Authors Alison Kubler & Mitchell Oakley Smith (the authors), with Susan Dimasi, (Director & Artisan Designer, MaterialByProduct) and Dr Nadia Buick (Co-Director, Fashion Archives), who will form a panel to discuss Art/Fashion in the 21st Century prior the title’s official launch in the GOMA Cinema foyer.

Undress Brisbane Runway 2013

Date: Saturday October 12, from 7pm
Location: Level 4 Wilson Parking Chinatown, 31 Duncan Street, Fortitude Valley
Cost: Runway admission is $18

This will be the biggest sustainable fashion show Australia has ever seen. With three runway shows: swimwear & lingerie, day-wear, evening-wear & accessories, sustainable design exhibitions, organic cocktails and live music.

Jasmin, Jon (co-creator of handmade jewellery and homewares label Sconnie and Jam) and Emma.

RAW Brisbane is a platform for emerging creatives to showcase their talents. Whether you’re into fashion, photography, art, dance or music – there is something to inspire everyone at RAW. This is the second time BNE Style has attended RAW, (the RAW Generation showcase was the last time) and the calibre of artists and performers was just as amazing as last time!

The showcase is displayed across two levels with all live acts (including the fashion parade) down on the main level with art spread across both levels. The Funktion Photo Booth was especially fun and worth the 10 minute wait to get inside and snap some silly photos!

Fellow Brisbane blogger Claire (far right) from Fashion Sweethart and her friends enjoying RAW!

Vanessa Friscia (centre) and partner (left) performed an amazing contemporary dance routine on the night, leaving audiences spellbound and silent. Vanessa Friscia and Tammi T (right) are dance teachers at Mad Dance House, Tammi T’s Saturday beginner class is always heaps of fun!

RAW Art

Hungry Designs

Meet Amanda from Hungry Designs who is an illustrator, jewellery designer and all round lovely lady! From pin up girls to fierce zombies and ghouls, her wearable art collection is expansive! I love her mounted animals series, especially this triceratops wall mount, too cute.

Photographers Michelle Fleur and Genevieve Althea

Meet Michelle Fleur (left )and Genevieve Althea (right), two of the talented Brisbane photographers who showcased their amazing work at RAW.

Genevieve Althea - loves noticing the small things and even using herself as the subject in her work.

Michelle Fleur - takes romantic, sun drenched fine art images and also does portrait work.

RAW Fashion

Anna Hulm

Anna Hulm creates divine silk dresses, inspired by dance which represent a fusion of style and comfort.

Infidel The Label

Infidel The Label is a Brisbane based, ethically responsible label for the fierce warrior inside us all!

Undral

Undral is the label by young Brisbane designer Undral Altan, her prints are playful and her feminine designs are flattering to all shapes.

La’Or

La’Or sparkled on the runway! This label represents ethical fashion, where the fabrics include one-off silk pieces, hand-loomed and hand-dyed in Cambodia making each garment unique.

It has been over 10 years since I last attended the Ekka, so when I was invited to have a day of adventure with fellow Brisbane blogger, Ashleigh (www.theblondesilhouette.com.au), I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance to rediscover my inner child.

Our first stop was the Commbank Natural Fibres Fashion Parade. On show were beautiful garments, designed by a mix of Queensland’s top designers and up-and-coming stars (from QUT and MSIT), all created from natural fibres such as cotton, wool and silk. There was plenty of eye candy with colourful spring designs and soft flowing garments that are perfect for the warm weather we are currently experiencing.

Then it was off to meet and greet some baby animals and try (in vain) to get a good photo with them! As the sun was setting, we ventured to side show alley for a ride on a childhood favourite, the ferris wheel to view the Ekka from a different perspective!

Fellow Brisbane bloggers, Ashleigh (www.theblondesilhouette.com.au) and Juliet (www.lacenruffles.com).

Outfit details: City and Colour t-shirt, Friends of Couture skirt from Dangerfield, stockings and creepers from Top Shop.

George Wu.

Maiocchi.

MSIT (Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE).

Alexis Dawn – I love this colour for spring!

Gail Sorronda – I love the colourful stripes and the model’s platform sandals!

Trying to cuddle animals at The Ekka!

Ashleigh just before we went on the ferris wheel, her candy coloured sunglasses and lipstick gave her outfit a fun pop of colour.

There were many gorgeous, smiling people at one of my favourite events last weekend, The Finders Keepers market, which took place at the beautiful Old Museum. The markets promote independent designers and artists and it’s great to see so many talented people in one place. Many of the stall holders are selling handmade goods or, if they don’t make their product from scratch, they are able to tell you each step of the process because they believe in sustainability and not having their goods mass produced.

It was a pleasure to chat to so many passionate people and be inspired by their amazing creations. A small handful of the stallholders are featured here but if you missed this one, make sure you attend the next one to experience it for yourself!

Lydia, Kindling fashion designer, who produces sustainable and ethically produced garments. Wearing her falling leaves dress, more of her clothing is pictured below.

Oktoberdee creates gorgeous leather bags, this design is based on a hand woven traditional Mandala created by artist Jay Mohler.

It was exciting to see the lovely Tammi and SJ who agreed to let me take their photo in front of the gorgeous Old Museum building, where the markets were held.

Need a plant that won’t die? Knot Another Etsy Store creates these amazing crocheted cactus plants that require absolutely no maintenance!

The gorgeous Lauren Carney shows off her gorgeous illustrated prints, these are available online and you might also be interested in her super cute t-shirts.  More prints and accessories shown below.

Finders Keepers wouldn’t be complete without the amazing designs and illustrations of Miss Ella Mobbs (pieces pictured above and below).

Jules and Jon, the creators of handmade label Sconnie and Jam were also in attendance to promote their adorable prints, wooden accessories and homewares.

Most new businesses don’t survive their first year, so it’s something worth celebrating that The Happy Cabin has made it to one year old! And Leah (pictured above right), even in her interview with BNE Style 3 months ago, was already planning how she would celebrate this milestone.

The ‘Beat The Odds’ party was an intimate gathering for 60 lucky people, The Box in West End was decorated with balloons and party hats with the pom poms were made by Leah and wearing them was mandatory! The lovely hosts were also handing out delicious finger food like cheerios and mini quiches, reminiscent of the happiest birthday parties.