L’oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2010 delivered a hectic week for buyers, celebrity guests and fashion fans with runway shows, exhibitions and demonstrations happening constantly throughout the week.

Bianca Villarosa recounts the highlights from the 2010 L’oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, with exclusive photos by Victoria Rike-Heke.

As the lights fell there was an eerie silence followed by blasting music that signalled the start of a very intense Runway show. The fashion elites gathered under the roof of ‘Peninsula’ at Central Pier, Docklands in Melbourne on quite a balmy night. Undoubtedly the heat was being felt inside as well. The waterside venue played the perfect host to present ‘L’Oréal Paris Runway 5 presented by Cosmopolitan’ for L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Week 2010.

The night kicked off with ‘White Suede’ by Jacqui Demkiw. Leather jackets, short lace dresses, white tights, studded leather gloves and ankle suede wedge boots supplied by ‘Peeptoe’ shoes brought the show to life.

It was all about statement pieces with your 80’s power shoulders, strong black tones juxtaposed with gold and enhanced silk tones.

Random zips on gloves, skirts and tops glistened in the light while a black double-breasted knee-length coat hit the ground running teamed with gorgeous oversized gold buttons, An ivory satin frock broke the absence of colour as well as the chic floral print maxi-dress which swept across the floor so delicately.

Bettina Liano hit the stage with their intense blue and yellow lighting which then faded to a calm white. Bettina Liano’s Autumn/Winter 2010 collection draws together Punk and Romance this season, exhibiting a mix of colours including Navy and Moody Blues, deep purple and Metallic as far as the eye can see.

The black leather skirt made its first appearance for the night and appeared to be a core item featured amongst most of the designs. Teamed with an off-the-shoulder black glow mesh top, it screamed ‘cool’.
Exposed zips made a come-back in the new denim styles as did the Peplum jackets and corset panelling. A soft, pale and blue organza trimmed dress danced down the runway as did the velvet black frock, its collar trimmed with gold material. The over-sized, what appeared like, the boyfriend jacket snuck out as did a classic pair of black high-waisted jeans worn under a light-denim wash jacket.

This is Genevieve rolled out next with again the white tights, short grey and black skirts and studded skyscraper heels. Prints appeared to make a comeback to add a different element to most of the pieces displayed.

Genevieve’s Winter 2010 line is loving the ‘throw-on’ pieces, excessive material and the chunky but tasteful style. Pretty and flirty dresses with their obscure prints as well as sheer panels also made an appearance. A fantastic furry jacket made the collection which was an amazing stand-out piece.

Extinct came out flying – literally with images of flying bats being a highlight of their audio visual display. The black leotard being the first item out on stage worn by a trim model and teamed with a leather jacket with high shoulders was a crowd stopper. The boys popped out next sporting oversized black coats with hoods while others wore tailored and sophisticated blazers in mahogany matched with a chequered shirt.

A velvet navy blue blazer also wowed the crowd. Girls showed-off gorgeous black chiffon playsuits with black high-waisted belts and pranced around in shoes supplied by Stillier.

Joveeba came out raring to go. It almost appeared that a fruity cocktail had been splashed across the runway with gorgeous pale peach and cream light filling the venue. It was a pretty set, which was quite geometric. The detailed zigzag pattern around the collar of a simple black chiffon dress was amazing and demonstrated femininity and confidence.

The tie-dyed burgundy dresses teamed with oversized accessories were a hit as were her simple frocks in navy, cream and indigo. A couple of striking prints, ruffles, and belts cinching tops were all the rage as were jackets above the waist.

Exposed grey socks also worn just above the ankle in the shoes supplied by BobBons were a cute little addition to the outfits. A silver and gold sequined vest which was also the pattern on a skirt and a very thin blazer broke the shows tones, with these items reflecting for all to see.

Wayne Cooper was up next. Off-the shoulder, black vinyl dresses with ruffles opened the show followed by garments that were an ivory colour.

This set was awash with contrasting textures, sharp silhouettes and sculptural ruffles with colours such as black, khaki and chocolate brown being used.

The chiffon jumpsuits as well as the stunning black sweetheart-style dress with the additional chiffon train were deemed gorgeous.

The short sleeved and black vinyl wrap added a rock chic feel as did the revival of the 80’s with strong shoulders being accentuated in the jackets. The inverted triangle shape can actually elongate ones legs! Knitwear and super soft leather and preppy taffeta dresses wrapped up Cooper’s parade.

Nicolangëla rocked our socks next. With lots of tiers and layers supporting the dresses were extremely obvious. The olive, sleeveless plain dress with the material to tie around it was classy. Using luxurious fabrics and ensuring gowns mould to fit one’s body as well as the clever use of belts and ties ensures this style is a winner. One of the final pieces, a gorgeous coat with what appeared to be a feathered thick fringing around the collar was a stand-out as it hung above a plain black silk dress to the knees teamed with heels by Stillier.

To the beats of ‘Toyfriend’, Nina Maya’s collection was on fire. Bursting, hot pink lights struck the walls of the venue to elude a fun and crazy environment. The vivid orchid print worked in alongside floral shapes was a feature of the show with a frock detailing this pattern as well as a skirt.

A thick, white and heavy cardigan secured to the model’s body with a thick black belt as well as a stark-white trench-coat which appeared to split in half just under the mid-riff appeared to be practical items for the winter months.

Hussy was last up and finished the show with a bang. It was very suave with a mixture of navy, grey and black tones scattered throughout the show. The emerald dress with a black belt provided a break from the darker colours as did the dress featuring the sketchy red floral motif and cut-out blooms at one shoulder.

The purple short dress teamed with bronze leggings injected the runway with extreme colour as did the final gorgeous piece which donned bright silver sequins all over it. The gold and silver chain fringing, heavy cuffs and subtle details to ruffles and necklines saw this designer’s work which is feminine without being too girly, greatly recognised.

Overall, it was a fantastic show and one which has definitely warmed us up to what the future of fashion has to offer.

You can read more from Bianca Villarosa here and here