“It’s all about a pretty, sexy, cool vibe, with plenty of hardware detailing, sequins, cut outs, structured silhouettes juxtaposed with soft textile accents. ” Are the words of Claudia Venti, creator of the COCO LUXE label.

Looking at the Summer 2010 collection, it is easy to see that these words are true.

COCO LUXE is mostly club-wear but unlike other sparkly labels, this brand of dress would look appropriate on every age group. The maxis, playsuits and cocktail dresses in the collection are predominantly black and white. There are a few stand out splashes of colour which are sequined heavily. The boldy coloured pieces all start with sharply cut bodices which flow down to flatter the feminine physique.

The COCO LUXE mission statement says: “Dedicated to the sassy and distinct fashionista whom appreciates a whole lot of luxe and crazy/beautiful moments.” While the label has been worn by Jessica Hart on the pages of glossy fashion mags, it would be wonderfully appropriate in high-class cocktail bars.

This foxy allure has been inspired by the creators life experiences in show business. With this, has come an enthusiasim for fashion finery. Every piece is embellished by hand in fine workmanship, making each and every piece 1 of a kind.

The full collection can be viewed and purchased at www.cocoluxe.com.au.

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2010. All Rights Reserved.

The established designer show was a triumphant finale to a fabulous fashion weekend. The collections displayed an ecelectic mix of fashions from around the world, including Dubai, Romania, Canada, India and Seattle. Highlights from the night included the accessories of House of Versatile Styles, the fabrics from Bzma, and the ever classic elegant designs of Vera Wang.

Bzma, a Dubai design house headed by Bisma Ahmed showcased an amazing array of fabrics and colours in the traditional Middle Eastern style fashions. Originaly from Laos, Ahmed sourced fabrics not only unique in colour, but also incredibly detailed in texture. Using the traditional Safron colour in many garments was expected, however garments using pastels and watermelon pink were incredibly striking and unexpected. Draping details such as triangular and beaded edging gave unique dimension to the conservative dresses. In contrast, Vera Wang did not employ a diverse colour palette as it was a bridal collection, however the silhouettes and fabrics showcased were incredibly unique.

Vera Wang bridal is arguably the most recognized name in bridal fashions, exactly the reason why Seattle’s Marcella’s La Boutique ensures it stocks her most current designs. It is the careful consideration that makes Wang’s dresses so individual, and the elegance of her designs is rarely seen in other lines. Almost all the dresses were full length with full bodied skirts, most using chiffon, silk and tulle. Only one dress used a solid fabric, a watermarked taffeta. The emphasis of the collection was on creating a soft silhouette with bunched think chiffon, some with detailing such a lace underlays, shoulder detailing or a black waist bow. The audience was breathless during the fairytale collection, Vera Wang is truly a visionary in bridal designs.

BLK1 Article: CAITLIN REID

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2010. All Rights Reserved.

A number of vendors presented their wares at Seattle fashion week to create awareness of their brand, and to share the inspiration behind their business. The vendors most passionate about their products were quite inspiring, and these included Cheekybum body products, Tropical Tan sun tan salons and most remarkably, Whitney Stern Jewelry Designs.

Cheekybum body products was conceived by Rachael Humphrey through her knowledge of natural food products via a past catering position. This knowledge has allowed her to maintain the promise of no artificial additives in the products, including fragrance and preservatives. The attractive 50s pin up style packaging, along with the homely story of the humble beginnings of the company (which occurred while Rachael was preparing for her mothers birthday) make this company and its products extremely endearing.

The most outstanding of the vendors was undeniably Whitney Stern Jewelry Designs. Whitney’s own personal passion for her business shines through into the craftsmanship of the immaculately fine pieces, all with individual defining characteristics. Growing up in an Argentinean family, Whitney later moved to Chile where she learnt macramé from the very talented women designing fine jewelry on the streets. Despite the alluring financial benefits of mass production, Whitney feels she wants to give back to her south American roots. All her pieces are hand crafted by Peruvian jewelry craftswomen in a workplace which is maintained as a fair trade space by The Greater Good – a world wide human rights organization. Furthermore, with fine stone acquisition the subject of much criticism due to the lack of fair trade etc. Whitney ensures that she knows exactly where her stones are from, sourcing from Seattle and Peru. These considerations are often lacking in jewelry designers in this decade.

The careful human rights considerations are only a small part of the allure of Whitney Stern Jewelry, the pieces are truly beautiful. The detailing on the dainty pieces are refreshing in a time when bulky, hard jewelry is gaining popularity. Sand Blasting has been used to create a delicate matte finish on numerous bangles and earings, while a hand sander was used to create a granulated finish on other pieces. The careful consideration of the finishes, detailing, hand craftsmanship and small scale manufacturing made Whitney Stern Jewelry Designs the standout vendor at Seattle Fashion Week.

BLK1 Article: CAITLIN REID

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2010. All Rights Reserved.