“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.

Internationally acclaimed Australian designer Collette Dinnigan, will show her Printemps Ete 2011 collection ‘Cirque d’ Amour’ (Circus of Love) at the Hotel Meurice during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday 5th October at 11:30am.

Marking 15 years as the only Australian on the official Chambre Syndicale du prêt-a-porter des couturiers et des createaurs de mode schedule, Dinnigan will show her collection in an intimate salon show.

Collette Dinnigan printemps ete 2011 presents a fresh palette of pastels and crisp whites creating a backdrop to detailed and delicate embellishment, combining the expression of sport and luxe.

Hues of lemon and mint contrast against elaborate lyrical prints arresting the audience and ricocheting a fantasy of spirit. Souvenir prints with pleated contrasting serve to deliver a Collection encapsulating a newfound ease for contrast – soulful vitality.

“The honour of showing in Paris is as much about representing Australia on a global design stage as it is about growing our presence in an international market, I feel incredibly privileged to be acknowledged in a forum of my peers. Cirque d’ Amour is youthful, fresh and channels the sport of performing” says Dinnigan.

2010 also marks further milestones for Collette Dinnigan, in addition to her 15th year showing in Paris it is also her 20th year in business and the 10th year since opening her London store at Chelsea Green.

A testament to timeless design and style Collette Dinnigan continues to distinguish herself through the craftsmanship and quality that stay true to her focus on luxurious and exceptionally beautiful pieces.

It is always a treat to see Karen Nielsen’s swimwear designs on parade. And although the same collection was presented earlier in the year, the pieces at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival made a splendid opening to the Splash event. Examining the vintage inspired one-pieces or the high-waisted black bikinis, it is clear that every woman, no-matter their size or shape, will be looking good in a design by Karen Nielsen.

In the only parade at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival that was totally dedicated to swimwear, the designs of Lisa Maree were sure to make an appearance. Lisa Maree is no stranger to the runways of Australian fashion weeks, but this label is not a fashion veteran yet. The design innovation in the colours and shapes of this swimwear demonstrates that Lisa Maree is a designer on the way up.

Daughter Of The Gods was third onto the runway, but it was the first time most members of the audience had heard of them. The bronzed models were adorned with feathers and fluros. The way the models strutted confidently reflects the mantra of the label. Daughter of The Gods was named after the movie made to tell the story of the first woman who demanded the right to wear comfortable and revealing swimwear.

Hotel Bondi Swim’s collections were oh-so-very Sydney. Within each piece the sights and sounds of Sydney’s world famous beachs and nightspots were echoed loudly.

While Hotel Bondi Swim echoed the sights and sounds of Sydney, Bond-Eye shouted them. The colourful prints on the Bond-Eye fabric sung praises of the hot and floral Australian Summer and the way it is celebrated in Bondi.

Sol Bellow is not a widely known about brand, but, with the way each piece has been designed to flatter every body shape, it will soon be a well known brand to beach-goers. Sol Below spreads design inspiration slink black one-pieces to micro-sized scorching red bikinis. The result of the different colours and shapes made a stimulating catwalk show that got the crowd excited for the Summer ahead.

On a boiling day, there is no better feeling than to drape the body with silk and rest poolside. Colin Heaney’s silk kaftans catored for this desire. There were rain-forrest greens and sunburnt reds flowing down the catwalk. For every different emotion evoked by Summer, Colin Heaney catored with a design.

After seeing the models strut the newest swimwear designs, it became clear that skimpy bikinis are the way to go. For Spring/Summer 2010, modesty comes in the form of a kaftan – to be stripped off in moments of heat. The look to-die-for this season is the same as every summer: a perfectly toned and tanned body with just a whisper of colour to complement the natural physique.

BLK1 Article: ELLEN CROSLEY BLK1 Photographer: www.petersollner.com

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