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.

I’ve been struggling to write a review about Australia’s Next Top Model over the past weeks. Now the Rift-Raff have gone and the girls have had their much needed hair make overs, exposed in episode three, it’s clear who the front runners are. Over the past few episodes the girls have strutted their stuff at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and posed to show their natural beauty in front of a camera.

Here is BLK1’s Top Four girls (this will change weekly).

First Place: Kelsey - She is my favourite so far even though she’s 172cm. Alex Perry calls her a midget but don’t forget she’s taller then Kate Moss and Australia’s current ‘it’ model, Bambi. A Byron Bay beauty with an inner cool chic edge.Her photos are flawless and like Harper Bazaar’s Claudia Navone said, “there’s something special about her”. I don’t think she will win but I hope she goes far.

Second Place: Jessica - A leggy 5Ft 11 stunner. I don’t know what it is about this girl but she has it. Keep an eye out for this one.

Third: Kathryn – She’s an international model in the making. Why hasn’t she been working as a model already??? Kathryn on a catwalk??? It’s a no brainer. Can’t wait to watch her grow.

Fourth: Amanda - I like her. Her personality is sweet and she would make a good commercial model. She reminds me of previous Next Top Model contestant, Kristy Coulcher.

Other models (or reality stars in the making) still in the running include Kimberly (who needs to stop trying to copy off girls from previous seasons. You’re no Cassi Van Den Dungen ) and Paris Hilton look-a-like Sophie. Both girls need a day with June Dally-Watkins. Judges favourite Joanna is interesting but just not sold yet.

Now for the worst models of this year’s season. Please note: I will not be kind. The reality of the modelling industry certainly isn’t.

First: Ashlea – Thank god they got rid of her. She had no model material. Much more like Lindsay Lohan stomping down a catwalk.

Second: Claire – enough said.

Third: Ashton – She may have the measurements and the look but she is a magical flop in front of the camera and really didn’t have the heart for it.

I’m predicting ineloquent sounding Chantal to go in next weeks elimination. She is so boring.

The girls have a long way to go to measure to the likes of the very dull but sensational Alice Burdeu, the superb Clare Venema ( who should be modelling around the world but choose the boring school life of Adelaide) and of course could-be Supermodel Cassi Van Den Dungen.

More to come in following weeks…

Catch Australia’s Next Top Model on Fox 8 every Tuesday from 7.30pm.

Article: SUNNY BURNS

Mok Theorem Spring/Summer 2010/2011 Collection| FACE Fashion Event at CarriageWorks | Sydney | Images | Photos | 2010

After launching just three months ago, Mok Theorem is a fashion label that is growing up and up, with more people whispering it’s name in fashion circles

When looking at the Spring/Summer 2010/2011 collection, it is obvious why. Each piece is divinely eye catching and edgy. The blacks, whites and boxy cut fabric can be dubbed as “so very now”.

All the trends of 2010/11 is clearly present in this collection. This is the reason it will be interesting to see what Mok Theorem will create in seasons to come.

BLK1 Photographer: Victoria Rika-Heke

Images: © BLK1 Photographer 2008-2010. All Rights Reserved.

Oat Spring/Summer 2010/2011 Collection| FACE Fashion Event at CarriageWorks | Sydney | Images | Photos | 2010

Oat is not a fashion label that dictates the personality of those who wear it. It’s pieces are open for accessorizing to vocalize the style of the wearer.

With its sleek cuts and basic colours, the pieces in the Oat collection remind us that fashion is about self expression and should be used to make personal statements – not statements dictated by designers.

Oat’s collection will look great on any type of person, as long as they have a personality bold enough to match the edgy designs

BLK1 Photographer: Victoria Rika-Heke

Images: © BLK1 Photographer 2008-2010. All Rights Reserved.

Mackenzie Mode Spring/Summer 2010/2011 Collection| FACE Fashion Event at CarriageWorks | Sydney | Images | Photos | 2010

The garments in Mackenzie Mode’s collections all bloom like flowers. Fresh patterns are splashed across puffed skirts and sleevless tops to bring memories of a colorful bouquet.

When one wears Mackenzie Mode, they’re immediately transformed into a playful party-girl. Cherry Blossoms and poppies are a standout print within the collection. These flowers are placed to be symbols of youth and joy. These symbols echo what Mackenzie Mode is all about.

BLK1 Photographer: Victoria Rika-Heke

Images: © BLK1 Photographer 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.

Opening night of seattle fashion week was an exciting mix of young and independent designers showcasing a wide range of fashion genres. Comcast student fashion winner, Isaiah Whitmore (House of Isaac Andrew) definately stole the show with a uniquely inspired collection.. The night dpisplayed an eclectic mix of styles and genres, from NES fashions full length satin cocktail dresses to Norjacks screen printed hoodies.

Despite being the only casual urban streetwear collection, Norjack stood out due to its wearbility and clever use of the brands signature lightening stripes and brandname screen printed on the tshirts and hoodies. A striking finish with glow in the dark prints in the pitch black theatre was a definite crowd pleaser and a highlight of the nightš shows.

The most outstandingly unique collection of the night was undoubtedly H.O.I.A. (House of Isaac Andrew) the Comcast student fashion design winner. Inspired by the alluring darkness of Tim Burton and the long nothwestern American winter, the pieces showed the designerš careful consideration of silhouette, form and texture. The finest example of these skills came in the form of a cropped, sleeveless leather vest complete with pleated shoulders, the perfect wearble piece to showcase this young designerš inspiration and talent. Challenging conventional sillhouettes and colour schemes paired with the use of unique accessories such as shin guards and leather detailing made this collection truly memborable. Isaiah Whitmore is now the young designer to watch for the upcoming seasons.

BLK1 Article: CAITLIN REID

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

Anna & Boy’s Spring/Summer 2010/11 collection was comprised of the binary ideas: tight and skimpy or loose and covering-all.

Bikini’s were made up of small squares of fabric with blocks of colour.

The rest of the collection features bright, flowing maxi dresses, again with blocked colours. There were also a few nature inspired modesty tops which would be perfect for slapping on over a bikini at a day at the beach.

The overall tone from the runway at Anna & Boy was casual. Everything that was paraded is highly wearable and can be expected to sell well in stores. There also seemed to be a cutesy undertone running down the catwalk, with the models sweet smiles expressing the attitude of the designers very clearly. Anna & Boy’s Spring/Summer 2010/11 collection is all about pure and simple beachy fun.

BLK1 Photographer: Victoria Rika-Heke

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

Zimmermann are famed for their bright colours and frilly cuts. It was a shock to audiences when models wearing white faces with vampish black lips were sent down the runway in monochromatic prints. Everything for the first few minutes of the Zimmerman show was black and white. These shades were contrasted through geometric, psychedelic patterns on long wavy pants and tight, high waisted shorts.