Melbourne Fashion Week 2012

Melbourne was awash with uber fashion last week, thanks to L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. A week-long visual feast of Australia’s established and emerging designers showcasing their Autumn/ Winter 2012 collections on a world-class stage.

The opening event kicked off with the Davis Jones runway featuring model-of-the-moment, Samantha Harris and the new face to watch, Montana Cox strutting the wares of Akira, Easton Pearson and Josh Goot to name a few.

Throughout the week we witnessed the crème de la crème of new Australian fashion, from Dion Lee’s impeccable drapery to Ksubi’s camo, leopard and denim detailing as well as being blown away by Australia’s best; Collette Dinnigan, Alex Perry and Toni Maticevski.

Despite all the designers sending some Ab-Fab pieces down the runway, there were definitely some stand out collections, with labels Romance Was Born, Life With Bird and Gorman the ones to watch.

David Jones launched its Autumn Winter last night. Designers, celebs and celebs who are designers posed for pix on arrival.

Invitees included Danni Minogue, Miranda Kerr, Lisa Wilkinson, Jodi Gordon, Braith Anasta, Delta Goodrem, Emma Freedman, Sofie Falkner, Rachel Finch, Collette Dinnigan, Kate Waterhouse, Luke Ricketson, Camilla Franks, Jesinta Campbell, Jan Logan, Alex Perry, Carl Kapp and Yoko Sugiura ... and many more.

Electrolux Fashion Apprentice winner announced

Carly Harmen will be stepping into the shoes of an aspiring high end fashion designer after yesterday being labelled by Alex Perry as the 2011 Electrolux Fashion Apprentice.

The highly talented Victorian entrant will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of a six month paid apprenticeship with industry leader, fashion designer and Electrolux fabric care ambassador, Alex Perry. Carly Harmen was chosen from over 100 entries across the nation as having the most eye-catching and creative dress design.

When asked to design an evening gown that could be machine washable or dryable in an Electrolux Iron Aid Dryer or Time Manager Washing Machine Carly wasted no time nor detail in creating a garment that was fit for Alex Perry’s fashion critiquing eyes.

Carly’s dress was created out of polyester mesh and merino wool nuno felting, which are both light weight and easy to wear and create a beautiful silhouette. Her unique fabric choices and meticulous design techniques set Carly aside from the other designers.

The competition was judged on the overall design of the garment, the entrants’ design skills, as well as their thoughtful use of materials.

Following a gruelling interview process in Sydney yesterday Carly was handpicked as the winner by Alex Perry.

“During my interview with Carly it was evident that she is extremely passionate about this job opportunity and not afraid of hard work which is extremely important for this role. Carly’s genuine dedication for this industry was also something that stood out to me. She is the type of designer that wants to work, live and breathe fashion, making her perfect for the role.” stated Alex Perry.

Carly said, “I was so excited to even be part of the final four, I can’t believe I now have an apprenticeship with someone that I have always looked up to.”

The four finalists, Carly Harman (VIC), Gregory Amore (VIC), Krismar Idmilao (NSW) and Gavin Bradstreet (NSW) each received $500 to bring their design concepts to life. They were flown to Sydney to present their design to Alex Perry at his studio and received $1,000 spending money.

Alex Perry has denied claims that he's 'fattist'. Perry was recently critised for describing Australia's Next Top Model contestant, Alissandra Moone (size 8), as "overstuffed luggage". Perry insists he was criticising the person who dressed Moore, not Moone herself.