Fashion Week only swings around once a year in Australia so come May everyone in the industry is lining up their outfits, pillaging pr agencies, last minute online shopping, loaning from friends and otherwise spending solid quality time in front of the mirror.

Dear reader; I wanted to be one of these people but I was doing the MBFWA review story for vogue.com.au in the lead up and hence was too overwhelmed with existing loans,countless emails and shoot production to think street style.When Monday came around and I had no outfit, I sent some emails and my assistant to pick up a few things from a couple of ravaged pr offices that now looked like supermarkets before Hurricane Irma hit ; barren and sparse.

First world problems these may be but one needs to get through the week clothed and my preference is a tad more fabric than what Bella Hadid wears on the Cannes red carpet 😉

Even though many Australian heavyweights didn't show this year, there were many highlights to the week so I decided to do a little photo diary - I want you to see all the fun that was to be had ! Sadly, I'm not posting all the shows I went to- some of them I just didn't get great pictures at - sometimes the lights are too low and the models move too fast.

 

DAY 1: Camilla & Marc started off the week with a bang, all cool tailoring, oversized jackets, shoulder pads, ruffles, off the shoulder dresses and skirts over pants. There were so many things to love here, all I can say is: send separates guys!

The Camilla & Marc stage was this amazing outback-ey looking set that every single person tried to get a photo in after the show. Here's me, semi soaked still cause it was pouring outside, elbowing my way to a quiet corner with the help of Yan Yan Chan who took these photos for me (thanks Jan ; )).

Wearing Rebecca Valance skirt and bustier, Balmain Top, La Perla bra, Gucci bag, Zimmermann shoes and a vintage Versace jacket

DAY 2 :Monday was a busy day, so what better way to start it but by wearing head to toe pink and matching it to a double shot flat white in a Dion Lee Vittoria cup ? Wearing Dion Lee top and pants, Michael Lo Sordo jacket, Fendi bag, Charlotte Olympia shoes, Balenciaga earring and vintage Balenciaga sunglasses

I loved the Bianca Spender show; all oversized, feminine suits and flowing, sensual silks. Well tailored and flattering with a sustainable bend, I can't wait to wear some of those slinky silk dresses over wide legged pants

En route to the Alice McCall show  (Alice Mccall pants, Ginger and Smart top, Gucci shoes, YSL bag and Matteau bikini top )

If Alice Mccall had a girl she were making clothes for it would be a fun party girl with vintage sensibilities. Some of her dresses and shorts used to be so short they'd make my eyes water ( cause I didn't have the guts to expose so much of my pins ) so I'm loving how some of the hemlines are longer this season and there are amazing maxi gowns in the fray too. Lace detailing and lamé dresses never hurt the party girl either, let's face it

My mates Mikey & Toby over at Double Rainbow did an amazing job growing their hawaiian shirt label into a veritable style reference of their own. This show was pure festival summer incarnated with mesh tops, prints galore, tracksuit combos, clever t-shirts and beach shorts we all need once the heatwave hits. Big love to Sarah Starkey who styled this show to perfection, within the restricted confines of the Landsdowne hotel non the less.

It was 9 pm when the Double Rainbuu show finished so I rushed to the intimate dinner Michael Lo Sordo was hosting at the city institution that is Bambini Trust. I had to make a swift change into a Michael Lo Sordo look in the car, across the road from a packed bus stop which was as hilariously awkward as you can imagine. The girls and I were all Lo Sordo brides that night- Sunny Vandervelde took this fun snap of us in front of the restaurant before we all settled to a gorgeous candlelit dinner. Thanks Michael and MCM pr for this wonderful night!

DAY 3 When you're dressed so farshion but you wish you were wearing a bikini and diving in!

Wearing Undone Project pants, Jill Sander t-shirt from Net-a-Porter, Zimmermann shoes, Dinosaur designs earrings and bracelet, From St Xavier clutch and Double Rainbuu x Le Specs sunglasses 

The Emilia Wickstead x Matches Fashion was a pure delight. Not only was it held at the spectacular Wylie's baths which I'd never been to before but the weather was incredible, the clothes lovely, the atmosphere magical, the champagne cold and the appetisers delicious. Can every show be like this? I wanted to twirl in these pretty dresses and dive into some long gone Riviera pool whilst wearing a pink swim cap. This show evoked so many feels that I escaped through a portal to another time. When the show finished, I still didn't want to leave because the reality was wonderful too.

Snakeskin, lamé, 70s, gingham, sheer...the Hansen & Gretel show had all the trends. All I can say is: I'm coming for you head to toe snakeskin print, don't even bother hiding cause I'll find you!

I had some time to rush home and get changed for the Romance Was born show ( wearing Romance Was Born, Gianvitto Rossi from Net-a-porter shoes, Reliquia earrings )

Hello lamé, hello slinky goddesses, hello prints, ruffles and the joy of seeing creativity unbridled - Romance Was Born show is always such an unmissable event on the week's calendar. This year, the underbelly of Hubert's was transformed into a Parisian salon where models twirled between tables and enchanted us with ruffles, lace and batwings.

 

As if the beautiful clothes weren't enough, guests were presented with a delicious 3 course sit down dinner and drag queen singers that ravished the captive audience with vintage hits. The night also served as a launch for RWB's incredible retrospective book - if you love fashion, buy this book as it's sure to be iconic ( and whilst you're page turning, play a little find Tanja game- there are a few pictures in there from my modelling days ) The fun didn't stop there- after the show, some of us stayed on for a nightcap and danced on tabletops ( i'm looking at you Isabella Manfredi ; ))

DAY4: One of the highlights was the Christopher Esber show today, with it's impeccable detailing and painstakingly beautiful beaded knits. I wanted so many items from this show. Worn as a look , these were strong pieces but equally important; any one of them would elevate plain old t-shirts or jeans to new heights. I also had a deadline today so I spent most of my day just editing : (

Wearing Zimmermann pants, Michael Lo Sordo top, Gucci Belt, Byfar x Net-a-Porter sandals, YSL bag from Net-a-Porter, vintage necklaces and jacket, Reliquia earrings

Day5: Nothing like the joy of arriving to the Ten Pieces show at Icebergs and finding my girl Lindy Klim was seated next to me. Love an early morning catch up! ( Wearing vintage top, Fendi sunglasses, Lindy wearing Rama Voyage and Dion Lee)

Maurice Terzini and his partner Lucy did such a great job with this collection. Modern, fresh,androgynous and wearable, the clothes were as cool as the show was fast paced and to the point, a bit like mr Terzini himself. Bonus points for casting some of the coolest characters around who promptly started a dance off on the balcony when the show ended.
The evening saw the ethereal Akira show and the tribal inspired Camilla show, followed by Russh magazine's dance party extravaganza ..needless to say the weekend in bed was heaven sent!

Thanks so much to all the designers, models, hair and make up artists, pr and my fellow journalist and bloggers for making this MBFWA such a hoot

Lindy Klim is a style icon, a businesswoman, mother of four and a Balinese princess. Secretly, she is also hilariously funny, Sagittariusly honest to a fault, disarmingly open and a dear friend I have loved for a decade. I met Lindy when I was with my ex partner and she was with hers - we hung out as couples at first but as our individual relationships and lives took on similar arcs, we became each other's confidantes, advisors and travel buddies. Now Lindy has two new babies; a little girl called Goldie and Rama Voyage; a new label that exudes relaxed linen chic in her signature style- a blend of elegant tailoring and je ne sais quoi ease. I caught up with Lindy to chat about life, love and her new label...

How is Goldie? And how do you juggle 4 children ? I struggle with work and just 1 !

Goldie is divine.. I am so in love with her. It’s a little bit of a shock to the system going back to the newborn stage but I am super lucky to have an amazing partner. The constant juggle with kids and work is never ending.. I think it’s important that my children see me work hard but it’s so hard to leave them at home. Sometimes it can even be a week at a time, that can be really difficult. I am so fortunate that I have a partner that helps out and having a strong support team with babysitters etc is important.

We met when we were both with our ex partners and went through our break ups at exactly the same time. I was lucky that mine played out out of the prying eyes of the press but you had to go through it all feeling exposed. I remember you found some unsavoury stuff out directly from the gossip mill. How do you deal with the incessant need of the press to know every detail of your private life? Unlike many people I know in your position, you have been able to keep yourself trusting and open. Do you feel like people take advantage of this?

It’s been an extremely difficult time of my life.. i actually don’t think people understand unless they have been through divorce! I try to be honest at all times and I think my honesty and realness is what people like about me. I have found it very hard to keep quiet on many things when all I want to do is yell at the top of my lungs! I feel that in many ways when you are dealing with a person with a difficult personality any small thing can become a problem. You have to pick and choose your battles. I have a really great group of friends (you included) that I trust will all my heart and are thankful everyday that I have their support.

 

Now that you have had a partnership and children with someone and that did not work out long term, what advice would you give your younger self about love, commitment and starting a family?

To know your shit!! I wish I was across everything.. I will NEVER sign anything ever again even if my future husband, mother, or closest friends tell me to.. I will always get advice first. For many years I buried my head in the sand about a lot of things especially things I find difficult such as finance.

You obviously still believe in love and whenever I see you with Adam, I am so happy for you both. Has the definition of love changed for you?

I didn’t think I would love again... I was so badly hurt and didn’t think it was possible. BUT then I found Adam and the love he has for the children and I has made me believe in love again.

You became a successful entrepreneur with the skincare label Milk. How much of that company did you mould?

When I start a business I put my heart into it. I love finding ideas and bringing them into life. The little touches that give it a soul. I think all entrepreneurs have passion for what they do in common

You now have a new label called Rama Voyage that I adore. Tell me a bit about your new label.

I have always loved foreign travel- it feels so exotic. I wish I could go back in time to when travel really felt like exploring! When you lived out of a trunk and every meal was an occasion to be dressed fantastically! I would keep a diary of my dazzling thoughts and read volumes of books and paint as I gaze out at some dramatic scenery unfolding before me (laughs). It seems such a romantic idea for today’s fast pace living. Where all too often foreign travel is a holiday spent trying to sleep or keep the kids on the go. This form of travel had it own style which I love. The journey was the destination and all the experiences along the way were the intrigue. I was inspired to create a label that catered for this spirit. It is destination wear, it’s fabulous and I love it.

 

Everyone thinks that I’m high maintenance and is always surprised that I really don’t do that much to maintain my appearance. However, compared to you I’m Mariah Carey. I am always amazed how incredible you look with just a few things in your make up bag. Tell me how you preserve your sanity, fabulous form and youthfulness.

(laughs) You crack me up! You take FOREVER to get ready.. I admit most of the time you finish off your makeup in the car but we still manage to be late to most events! I just think less is more for me.. if I wear too much makeup I look like I’m about to go to a Balinese ceremony, and my hair is a nightmare as it’s so think so I just tie it up! I had however noticed my skin getting very dry but now I am a La Mer ambassador that problem as stoped.

You’re a genuine Balinese princess, yet you are down to earth and nonplussed about it. What are the protocols of that in Bali and do people adhere to them? 

Yes this is true but as I say to most people what are the chances of being born in to royalty of a third world country!! Unlucky or lucky?? I guess it depends on how I look at it... money would be nice I guess but respect is worth everything in Bali.. I usually don’t tell local Balinese my real name as I don’t think I deserve the respect as I didn’t grow up in Bali and I don’t even speak the language fluently.

What have been your favourite countries and places to stay in and why?

I love Paris especially when you and I go together .. I feel like we have the most incredible time. I have also fallen in love with skiing in the French Alps.. Adam is an incredible skier and we have had the best time there.. it was one of our first trips together and will alway be one my fondest memories.

If you had to choose a life motto that most represented you what would it be?

It changes but right now it would be: Show up and be present.

Photographed by Tanja Gacic
Assisted by Eleni George

Our designers on their inspirations and favourite Paris haunts

During Fashion Week, Paris is a whirlwind of activity – not only is it an arguable epicentre of the world’s most eagerly awaited fashion shows but numerous buyers flock to Paris for re-sees of collections that occurred elsewhere in the world. This year, I enlisted my dear friend Lindy Klim to help me find out what Australian designers love most about the city of love. We used the opportunity to visit their Parisian showrooms and choose our favourite pieces for a whirlwind shoot whilst picking their brains on their beautiful collections…

(above)Dion Lee

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the collection, which fabrics did you use and why?

With this collection I wanted to explore evening wear silhouettes, that felt grounded and relatable.The silhouettes were created through slashing into the fabric at different points and alloying the fabric to collapse around the body.
We have worked with silk satin, triple viscose, leather and mohair; a mixture of contrasting, luxurious textures.

What do you love about Paris?

I love the sense of intimacy.You feel like you are in a small town, on a large scale.

Favourite spot in Paris?

Comptoir De L’Image on de Sevigne;An incredible archive of photography monoliths and rare design books.

Christopher Esber

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the collection, which fabrics did you use and why?

Desert landscapes were a major notion in this seasons collection influencing the white chalky hues and burnt yellows through to the Raffia textures and finer pleat details. I wanted to take a skewed approach on the Classics- the essentials that every woman needs in her wardrobe.

What do you love about Paris?

All the doors and architecture

Favourite spot in Paris?

Brezih Cafe would have to be my favourite café

Tome

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the collection, which fabrics di you use and why?

This season we chose two female artists: Belgian dancer Ann Terese Der Keersmaker and American Designer Donna Karan .They both rose to prominence in the early 80s and their aesthetic involved feminising and sensualising traditionally masculine elements . We took on their love of jersey and leotards -from Ann we took her geometry and from Donna the business banker cotton shirring stripes, bias cut satin dresses, and love for animal print. Then we took animal print in different directions by distorting it and elevating it in printed tissue silk lame, embroidered organza and wool blend jacquard

What do you love about Paris?

The food, the museums, the Bon marche!

Favourite spot in Paris?

It's not so secret but my favorite place is the Brancusi Atelier just outside the Centre Pompidou.

Michael Lo Sordo

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the collection, which fabrics did you use and why?

My inspiration for Spring Summer would have to be the creative gathering of models, photographers and fashion designers in early ‘70s Paris mixed with a hint of romance. One thing I’ve always loved on a woman is a sexy dress that makes her not only feel beautiful but also empowered. The collection has a hint of softness with movement of the sheer pleats – chiffons in black, white and red with an undertone of relaxed and effortless dressing.

What do you love about Paris?

There is a certain buzz that hits Paris during Fashion Week. You can feel the spark all around from the Eiffel Tower to the Sacré-Cœur. It’s hard not be inspired on a daily basis - whether I’m in the car or walking the streets – you never know what might see and grab your attention.

Favourite spot in Paris?

Every time I go to Paris the first thing I do is attempt to make a reservation at Breizh Cáfe in the Marais which is impossible at times because they are booked out until like 2018 and even though you must make a reservation over the phone they never pick up. But without a doubt the best crepes you will EVER have.

Toni Maticevski

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the collection,which fabrics did you use and why?

It started out purely about the fabrics. I noticed they all have a papery feel- everything was a bit tone on tone and shade against shade. So then I worked on silhouettes and shapes to exaggerate that flinging of supple crispness. I wanted it to feel clean but the detail in the garment to be really structured. So the whole thing felt a little constrained and relaxed at the same time.

What do you love about Paris?

Whats not to love! The pastry, the language, the people, the city. It really feels like my second home. Since living there over ten years ago just being able to go down any street and still discover something amazing is exciting.

Favourite spot in Paris?

Hmmmm. I love the little gardens across the city.. its so nice to be able to sit for five minutes outdoors surrounded by beautiful buildings, watching kids play and perfectly manicured flowers blooming.

Kym Ellery

Tell me a little bit about the collection, which fabrics did you use and why?

Artist Egon Schiele’s expressionistic painting kicked off inspiration for the collection, and is the muse you can thank for the voluminous, twisted, sharp, soft and asymmetrical shapes which were strong throughout the showcase. Think flared pants which are more office-chic than 70s flower child and frilled criss-cross draping on layered shirting, both exuding a certain sophisticated and clean-cut femininity. Fabrics: When designing I tend to choose my fabrics first.
I feel like they really set the mood for the collection. I love to source unique textiles from Switzerland, France and Italy and there is never any substitute for quality.

What do you love about Paris?

I love the culture and history that comes with Paris. The city has such a rich history with so many stories, I really feel that when I walk the streets there.

Favourite spot in Paris?

I love sitting on the grass in the garden at Place des Vosges. Watching the children play in the fountain's water is one of my favourite things to do on the weekend.The fountains are the closest things to being at the beach for Parisians so and as an Australian it is so fascinating to watch.

 

Ellery photographed by Jake Terrey
All others photographed by Claire Price

This year I left the Australian winter early to camp out in the Mediterranean on the other side of the world in support of my boyfriend Stephen Pavlovic's For Festival, now in it's second year on the delicious island of Hvar. Some of my dearest friends came over to join me, effectively preventing me from lifting a finger. Or perhaps it is unfair to blame my work hinderances on laughter, fun, amazing music that kept me up all night dancing and all day lounging on a beach? But what is a girl to do when confronted with paradise, sunshine, sea, cocktails, seafood dinners and bands such as Haim, Klaxons, Neneh Cherry, Darkside, Mark Ronson, Erol Alkan, Erlend Oye, Tensnake etc? I chose the path of surrender.Or maybe it was more like tightly embracing my new found mantra: laugh, swim, dance, eat a lot and enter into tan wars.Repeat !

The most wonderful part of this festival is that it's ridiculously small at only 2000 people full capacity, making it , in truth, not very festivally at all (hallelujah). But what is really special is that it is spread over 3 incredible islands of Hvar, Jerolim and Stipanska with venues ranging from an old monastery to a cute beach and a posh island disco along with happenings such as chill beach parties, open air nighttime concerts and all night pump fist disco dancing extravaganzas in an intimate environment.

Finally... well it's freaking Hvar, the St Tropez of Croatia. It's luxe, it's beautiful and it's the Med- replete with sparkling blue waters, lobsters, pine trees, cobblestones and lavender everything. Bey and Jay felt the energy when they named their daughter Blue Ivy here .And I am but a mere mortal ! Here is the first part of my travel diary ...

 

 

Crazy deep blue waters and the moment I realized I could really get used to this boat lyf

 

 

Some organic island accruements

 

 

 

 

 

Mojito o'clock at Laganini

 

 

Haiming it up with Haim... awesome all sister band who actually rock and roll HARD. Talk about talent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erlend Oye playing his epic History of Music session, that culminated with the whole beach following him into the water during the last song .Akin to a religious experience, this man needs to start a love cult asap.

 

 

And the award for most laughs solicited goes to the Klaxons band! Come night they played an electric set where people swarmed the pool in front of the stage and girls took their clothes off. James Righton's beautiful wife Kiera Knightley watched the mayhem from the sidelines