Ginger and Smart Fashion Collection 2010

Australian luxury brand GINGER & SMART is about creating inspiring product to a design-literate customer. Always sophisticated and sharply modern, ‘Chic, Modern and Effortlesss’ is the strict style mantra for each collection. The Fashion, Luxury Accessories and Spa collections are the happy result of the strict philosophies of luxury, quality and innovation.

The label was founded in 2002 by Sydney-based sisters, Alexandra and Genevieve Smart out of the desire to combine family talent to build a strong fashion-lifestyle brand. With Alexandra’s creative business background as an Editor and Publisher for luxury lifestyle magazines, books and the internet combined with Genevieve’s years spent at the helm of Lisa Ho as Senior Designer, and her grounding with Australian swimwear and fashion luminaries, Zimmermann, their united industry knowledge covered every possibility, probability and all the potential of a successful and exciting family fashion business.

Their three buzzing retail stores, designed in harmony with their unique concept, have created welcoming havens to reinforce the core conviction of the ‘Luxury Escape’ – even if it is in your lunchtime. GINGER & SMART product is also placed with carefully selected and prestigious stores throughout the world. Available in over 100 boutiques in Australia, including David Jones and over 40 leading international stockists including Matches, UK; Cara and Co., Russia; Lane Crawford, Hong Kong, CK Tang, Singapore.

T h e T r a n s c e n d e n t SS 2010/11

The inspiration for this collection is The Transcendent, or the fourth state of consciousness, lying beyond waking, dreaming and sleeping.

Magnetic prints illustrate this blissful wakefulness and future beauty, through diffused angles and blurred perspective – the light and images you see when you close your eyes.

The depth of colour palette meanders from calm shades of nude, lilac and mint to vibrant injections of blush and grounded tones of olive, smoke and oily blue.

Silhouettes are fluid, modern and effortless with sleeveless jackets, sexy slouchy trousers and chic dresses worn with silk printed lingerie.

The Ginger & Smart Accessory line accompanies this collection including sharply modern shoes with angular metal heels and ultra -soft bags in draped and twisted perforated leather in grind grey and nude.

Available nationally from Ginger & Smart boutiques David Jones and selected stockists from July.

BLK1 Photographer: Victoria Rika-Heke

Images :

 

The first day of Rosemount Sydney Fashion Week has been known throughout its fifteen year history for being a day of highly-charged chaos.

The Overseas Passenger Terminal at Sydney’s Circular Quay was brimming with anticipation before the first show

At 9am sharp, a long line of fashion guests were lead into the darkness of the runway hall. Samantha Harris, of Indigenous Australian background was the first model to set foot on the runway. Harris was given the honour of opening for Lisa Ho. Lisa Ho is a designer famed for her wearable designs that are loved by many.

While Lisa Ho started the runway schedule as a veteran fashion week exhibitionist, the second runway show was a first time debut. Seventh Wonderland proved themselves to be a label that will be long remembered for the stunning swimwear in their Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Carly Hunter, Guanabana Designs, Story By Tang and Uscari all followed in the women’s ready-to-wear show

Following the women’s ready-to-wear was more ready-to-wear, but this time, it was coming from New Zealand. Zambesi showed a runway which made spectators sigh for a Summer far-away.

Rachel Gilbert and Bassike were also first timers on the Rosemount Sydney Fashion Week runways.

As the afternoon wore on, experienced exhibitioners Bec & Bridge and Aurelio Costarella brought the events at the Circular Quay to a close.

Stay tuned to BLK1 to see full coverage of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week

 BLK1 Photographer: Victoria Rika-Heke

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

Akira, Alex Perry, Alannah Hill, Anna Thomas, AG by Arthur Galan, Bianca Spender, Calibre, Carla Zampatti, Collette Dinnigan, Easton Pearson, Fleur Wood, George Gross, Ginger & Smart, Gorman, Harry Who, Kirrily Johnston, Lisa Ho, Sabatini, Sass & Bide, Scanlan & Theodore, Simona, Thurley, Trelise Cooper, Willow and Zimmermann were all seen on the catwalks of the David Jones Autumn/Winter 2010 Season Launch.

Australian model Miranda Kerr lead the catwalk parade before an audience of more than 500 VIPs at the Hordern Pavilion on February 10th.

The unveiling of the David Jones range started with black. The pavilion was plunged into darkness before the sleek David Jones logo was lit up to shine down on the catwalk. Miss Kerr began the show, also in black. The next few minutes were all about black but before too long indigo blues and fire-engine reds were seen sauntering down the catwalk.

Although the lighting in the pavilion was kept dark and uninteresting the clothing was used to maintain intrigue from the audience. Kelvin Harries, stylist for the show , should be commended for his way of purposefully dictating the trends for the season.

Autumn/Winter 2010 is all about black, white or cream with a brightly coloured or metallic contrast piece.

To say that nothing was simple or basic on the catwalk would be incorrect. Basics were teamed from head to toe on the models with new life drawn into them through texture and often a single statement colour in an all-black outfit.

Vibrant patterns are always unusual for an Autumn/Winter collection. There was no floral to be seen. Instead, metalics and tiny brass beads were used to embellish necklines and waistlines. On every model it was clear that the collections were all about the flow of the fabric and the attitude of the individual who wore them.

The female models had their hair cut short, and the male models were put together with precision – every trouser, every tie and every jacket on the men was co-ordinated and matching. The only exception to this rule was the statement piece which was a reoccurring motif throughout the show.

The catwalk show played through for the best part of a half an hour and all this time the message was drilled into the crowd: keep your outfit simple with the exception of a statement or two.

Article: ELLEN CROSLEY  Photographer:IMAGE NET

Article/Image: ©  2010. All rights reserved.

8pm, 2nd September, a typical Spring evening in Melbourne, slightly windy, a little cool and the ever constant threat of rain on the horizon, tonight was my lucky night though, dry and buzzing. Swanston Street was illuminated with typical characteristics of the yellow taxis, trams and buskers: a welcome contrast to the red carpet and fashionistas embracing it. The Melbournians pulled out all the stops and it was a vision of high fashion flittering around the ever grand and graceful Melbourne Town Hall for Spring Fashion Week, The Designer Series featuring Dhini, Ginger and Smart, Gorman, Kirrily Johnston, LIFEwithBIRD and Nicola Finetti.

The male fashion that was scattered through the waiting crowd before the show managed to steal gasps of desire….they had some of the most fantastic and interesting pieces. From shorts with knee high socks and brogues to sequined skinny fit trousers to cow print bags. On this occasion, they stole the limelight from the girls and gave themselves a much defined league of their own.

Dhini opened the show with her military crossed with Aladdin inspired collection, think the little drummer boy flies on a magic carpet, structured military hats and jackets matched with loose harem pants and shoulder detail tops including ruffles and ruches. Colours were block and bold with olive green and a few shades of blue dominating the catwalk. The collection had a wonderful contrast of starch, structured pieces and loose flowing silk dresses and shirts. This collection has a similar feel to the A/W 09 collection, only softer and more gentle.

LIFEwithBIRD started off with romantic, light, floral playsuits, very flirty and feminine in pale blue and grey hues then with a dramatic change to skin tight mini, a staple in the A/W collection. The collection was very flirty displaying short and cheeky silk dresses and shorts, ruffles and flouncy shirts.

Next up was Gorman, the models burst on to the catwalk in amazing ruffles, bright colours, animal print – reminiscent of another era; the hippies were definitely in town with a safari twist. Beautiful, bright woven bags adorned the models shoulders, silk flowing dresses were nipped in with stunning beaded, colourful belts, skirts were animal print and bold stripes in organic cotton. Loose fitting and comfortable yet beautiful and wearable, this collection reminded me of sitting in a peaceful park on a beautiful day.

Ginger and Smart exploded onto the catwalk next, what a collection. With beautiful full length linen dresses, silk nude pants and a definite monochrome presence. Structured jackets finished bold, brightly coloured maxi dresses giving an amazing contrast. Luxurious materials with an edge. Headbands and visors accessorised the collection but the defining moment of this collection was the final piece, a silk, brightly coloured maxi dress accessorised with a kite on the back. Fascinating, interesting and a true stand out piece for Spring Fashion Week.

Nicola Finetti was up next and this collection was all about the classic but with a twist LBD. Short, structured and fitted with feathers decorating the waist bands, ruffles down one shoulder. Although black was the word of the day, the show was topped off with white and nude colours, a summer alternative to the little black dress. A beautiful and timeless collection that will be a staple in every fashionistas wardrobe this year.

The final collection, and my personal favourite, Kirrily Johnston. The sounds of Kate Bush exploded into the room and the statement piece of the show burst onto the catwalk. A simple black dress pinched in so tight with a large watch as a belt, the clock face taking over the whole front of the dress. The collection then moved onto flowing pieces that followed and complemented the contour of the model’s body. The first of the men appeared on the catwalk, with gold chains, flouncy shirts and fitted harem style pants, Jack Sparrow sprang to mind. Beautiful classic t shirts with drape detailing and long cardigans completed this earthy look. A gold striped maxi dress was followed by leather waistcoats and zips. This collection was stunning and the most perfect end to this designer series.

The overseas fashion houses such as Chloe, Armani and Marc Jacobs are examples of overseas brands that hi-end consumers never stray away from. Events such as what was seen on the catwalks today entice consumer exploration in to the beautiful pieces Australian designers produce. Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2009 has been perfect place to showcase unique Australian design, launching these designers into big names.

BLK1 Article:LUCIANA LONGO

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Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

The classic ‘Little Black Dress’ was on display in all its splendor at the Diet Coke Fashion Show today, the third day of Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival.

With creative collaborations from ten designers such as Alex Perry, Sass and Bide, Alpha 60, Kirrily Johnston, Marnie Skillings and Alice McCall all came together to create a series of thirty little black dresses initially inspired by the silhouette of the iconic Diet Coke bottle.

The show opened with the classic look of the black dress and then incorporating a more sexy interpretation of the modern LBD of today with feminine detailing that included low-cut evening gowns with gold embellishments, vintage-inspired cuts and detail, feathers and re-working edgy prints.

Spectators were presented with how the classic LBD can be brought to life in a myriad of ways. The standout dress collection includes Sass and Bide’s mini dress with cross-strapped detailing, Alice McCall’s sexy spider-web-like boob tube mini dress and a retro re-creation of the black tutu worn with shiny leggings and glamorous frocks and accessories from Romance Was Born.

Bright and bold coloured clutches will be the new trend this upcoming season as seen with Alpha 60 collections and vintage pearls and jewellery will update any outfit for a night out. The designers managed to showcase new ideas into working a little black dress with the injection of dazzling coloured leggings and sparkling headwear for an interesting appeal while staying close to each label’s traditional style.

Australian Fashion designer, Alex Perry says the collection the collections of each designer’s signature style reflects the feminine form of every women.
“It’s sexy and curvy just like the Diet Coke bottle”, says Mr Perry.

The show ended with all the models making a final walk on the catwalk to the Britney Spears song ‘Circus’, an appropriate song for the unique collections that embraces the creativity, fun and a passion for fashion shown at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival.

BLK1 Article: THANH LOAN NGUYEN

Article: © BLK1 2009. All Rights Reserved.