it wasn't until I was standing at the media briefing this afternoon and understanding the concept of fashion festival in more depth. Fashion Festival is for the 'consumer'. For some, this may be their first fashion show. It gives ordinary, everyday people the chance to see inside the glamourous (and not so glamourous!) fashion industry.
now I've been to a couple of fashion weeks, parties and events over the past few years, but each year I always get a wee bit excited like a 5 year old on red cordial. while I wait patiently with the media for the doors to open, you slowly see photographers squeeze their way closer to the front. after all, first in best dressed. as the doors open, there is a bit of push and shove and I feel quite insignificant. i move out of the way and let the photographers mark their territory as does a lion in the wild.
we make our way up to the pre drinks at the bar, i walk in and it's a media frenzy with australian television and fashion personalities everywhere. girls with perfectly curled hair posing for photographers and free flowing Rosemount wine at everyones lips - to someone off the street, this is pure glamour. this is what you see on the movies and some people only dream of going to!
i watch stephanie rice, Olympic Swimmer, being interviewed by fashiontv. she looks amazing in a slinky, dusty pink cocktail dress. i turn around and see Lizzie Lovette, television presenter, walk through the doors. dressed in a cropped blazer with sharp shoulders, a beige singlet covered in sequins and a short, yet classic black skirt - so simple an outfit, yet looks amazing even to the unfashionable eye.
i met a lovely lady, Amanda, from 'Make a Strand' jewellery designs. check out their designs here. i look forward to maybe one day including some in my shoots!
standing outside the entrance to the opening gala show with all the other photographers, camera crew and tv presenters I watch the cameras click away at unthinkable speeds as celebrities and australian fashion icons grace the red carpet. there was Kate Waterhouse looking ever so sleek in a strapless number and Gracie Otto pulling off a bright and bold dress with minimal accessories.
as I crouched down as close to the runway as I could in my 4 inch heels, i scaled the room and watched everyone sit quietly waiting for the show to start. the lights go down, images are projected onto the screen of old black and white movies. classic jazz music is blasted and the lights come up - again, there is my inner 5 year old child just wanting to squeal with excitement.
Jayson Brunsdon's designs are sleek and elegant. australian haute couture at its finest. with this collection focusing on backless and one shoulder dresses, the lines and cuts of each outfit sitting perfectly on each model, complementing their shape and figure. high waisted shorts and long pleated skirts rated highly on my must-have pieces of the season!
as the lights come back up, everyone moves to their feet quicker than you can say 'after party'.
everyone continues to mingle and chat about what show they will be attending next. I head home to rest my poor, swollen feet ready to do it all over again tomorrow.
I will be blogging daily about Sydney Fashion Festival thanks to Sireshan @ Chic Traveller.
For photos please check out his website www.chictraveller.com
