It’s Spring here in Brisbane and the shops are filled to the brim with some beautiful Spring fashion. I am very excited by a change of seasons and have sorted my wardrobe and identified some key pieces I’ll be adding for Spring into Summer.To help me discover the Spring Trends, She Society were invited to enjoy a VIP Spring Fashion Showcase at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. It was hosted by lovely Channel 7 personality, Liz Cantor who was in conversation with celebrity stylist, Lana Wilkinson. Lana had interrupted her busy schedule, including styling clients for the Brownlow Medal presentation, to head to Brisbane and offer us her tips and tricks for the coming season.
Local fashion identities including The Brisbane Girl, Model Stace McGregs, Sally from Steele My Style and Meredith Mc Master, Milliner along with Indooroopilly stylist, Cate from Individual Style 101 were all admiring the catwalk looks from a plethora of Indooroopilly retailers. The Fashion Parade included David Jones, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sass and Bide, Oroton, Georg Jensen, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. It was a delightful way to spend an evening. Thanks to Kath Rose for this special Spring fashion invitation.
The Event
Guests were asked to meet in the Premium Fashion Hall on Level 2. Here we were greeted by pink arrows guiding the way. When I rounded the corner I gasped in surprise for there was a pink carpet and the whole area was decorated with Spring flowers in every colour of the rainbow.There were giant arbors perfect for your Instagram photos dripping with Spring blooms. A raised stage decorated with an arch in the colours of Spring was ready for the fashion conversation and smiling waiters glided around the room with delicious canapés, handing out perfectly chilled glasses of pink Chandon or cocktails. The pink carpet extended to the catwalk where more flower adorned arches were placed for the models to walk through.The styling for the event was by Jano Kotzas and her team from The Prop House.
The Fashion in the audience was just as exciting as what was to come on the catwalk with plenty of florals, shades of yellow, white, pink and sequins all vying for centre stage.
Styling Tips
Liz Cantor looked lovely and fresh in the GABIE, a mid pink one shoulder drape dress with a tied waist , from Ted Baker. She paired the look with nude pumps. Her hair was styled in a high ponytail. She was joined on stage by Lana who sported an olive green mini dress from Scanlan Theodore. She paired it with nude sandals. Her hair was styled in beachy waves.
Lana’s main message was that you must always be true to yourself and your own style. For Spring she says we will see, “ Lots of colour, orange, pink, green, yellow and lilac. There is a nod to the 80’s and 90’s with the return of the power suit and shoulder pads. Always look for the parts of your body you love and then emphasise those.”
When asked about wedding day and special occasion looks Lana replied, “ Your wedding look should elevate your own look. You must be able to articulate your look if you want a bespoke dress. As a stylist I try and find the designer who fits with my client, who can design a dress with the silhouette that they love. One of the considerations is that you are being filmed and photographed so the dress must look good from every angle.” Great advice from this stylist to the stars!
The Fashion
Guests were seated on lovely, white chairs with sections for each retailer, group and the media. Every seat boasted a great view. David Jones showed a range of men’s and women’s looks. Many were in pastel and hues of blue. I loved the Polo Ralph Lauren’s offerings, particularly a pale pink shirt dress in linen and the suiting in pale colours. Oroton boasted tan and white with several eye catching oversized bags, whilst Morrison showcased the fresh blues and whites. Brooks Brothers models looked sharp in their preppy looks. This was the brand favoured by JFK and it’s quality and timeless pieces are second to none.
Australian brands Veronika Maine and Cue sent their smiling models down the runway in green , white and yellow. I loved the eye catching black and white jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are big for summer in short or long styles. Don’t discount this look for your Summer parties. They are cool and comfortable and with the range of styles on offer you are sure to find one that suits you this season.
Kookai also shone in blue, white and metallics. There was lots of coral and white, pink , orange and purple in every collection. Camilla sparkled in a range of new styles. I loved the cool Sass and Bide range in stripes, rust and green. Definitely a winner for me!
Men were not forgotten with coloured pastel blazers, blues and checks in suiting. Think unusual combinations like grey and lilac checked suits for men. Calibre, Tommy Hilfiger, Peter Jackson and my husband’s favourite, Hugo Boss have some great menswear looks. Accessories from Georg Jensen, Swarovski and Mecca make up was also on show.
Colours to embrace are all shades of yellow, green, pink and orange. Blue and white is also hot for Spring / Summer. Power suits in short and long, often in linen for Spring, were abundant. Ultimately, as Lana said, it’s about being true to your own style and adding key pieces or accessories to update your look. Try a colourful or cross body bag. Wear a floral dress with sneakers. Wear a blazer with shorts. Colour is king this season and it’s just about finding the colours that work for you.
Thanks also to Mecca for the lovely goodie box and the special treats from Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. There are some great new retailers open just in time for Spring and guests were invited to experience exclusive offers in the centre on the night. Spring has certainly arrived here in Brisbane and it’s blooming beautiful!
SheSociety is a site for the women of Australia to share our stories, our experiences, shared learnings and opportunities to connect.
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