Press

Midnight Fashion

Sarah Wilcocks - 14 Dec 2007 - http://www.thescene.com.au/Fashion/Features/Midnight-Fashion/

The hyped-up Midnight Fashion launch party has now successfully come and gone, heralding big developments for the future of the idea. The concept is the brainchild of emerging event entrepreneur Cameron Hill who aims to bridge a gap by merging the fashion and nightlife scenes. He also wants to give up and coming local design talents the rare chance to expose their talents to the fashion pack outside of the major fashion events that occur only once or twice a year.

Melbourne’s Bond Lounge was the place to be as it became packed from the VIP Platinum Room to the runway with a fashionable, yet surprisingly sociable, crowd of onlookers. At times the two runway shows (one held at midnight, naturally) became hard to see - especially for us height challenged guests - as hundreds congregated around the stage. Hosting the event was model Sally Arnott, who was Australia’s representative in last year’s Miss Hawaiian Tropic International, which claims to be the largest beauty pageant in the world. The rest of the working models on the night were of an impressive standard and included some familiar faces who are regular Spring Racing Fashions on the Field finalists.

The shows featured Miss Lyndel Yeo’s (MLY) distinctive, feminine silhouettes with a hint of flamenco styling in a juicily tropical colour palette. Street wear labels Boski and Kiss Chasey joined Sydney interlopers Lost Souls Clothing in presenting casual printed tees and tanks often suited to late nights spent dancing. Chroni’s current collection was inspired by fond childhood memories and as such created an innocent, playful look while rag dolls accompanied the models down the runway. Ma.te.a’s showing was striking yet feminine but it was the promising Anna Campbell, whose ethereal designs floated down the catwalk that really hinted at a bright new star emerging from the local talent pool.

The ensembles were adorned with unique handmade Joolz jewellery. Airdrie Makim, the independent local designer behind Joolz, was recently awarded runner up just behind Oroton at the Essential Awards as Accessories brand of the Year. Beating out perennial fashion heavyweights Dolce and Gabbana, Guess, Swatch and Adidias is no small accomplishment!

Midnight Fashion managed to pull in the right people to take note of a team of fledgling yet interesting Australian talent and now leaves the fashion crowd eagerly hanging out until the next big after dark instalment.

:: Spotlight :: Midnight Fashion Supports Melbourne’s Young Designers

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

What is Midnight Fashion? A new concept revealing Melbourne’s top young designers to an exclusive guest list, Midnight Fashion (MF) fuses together the best of catwalk fashion and Melbourne’s famous bar culture. The result is an evening of style, glamour and beauty.

Cameron Hill is the man behind Midnight Fashion: a keen and energetic 20-year-old, Cameron saw an opportunity within the Melbourne scene for a regular event that was influenced by fashion, not just music, and which offered young designers a platform to showcase their labels and network with potential buyers and the fashionable public.

“I created Midnight Fashion as a launch pad for young designers. It is something I am very passionate about - it’s tough out there for those just starting out,” says Cameron.

Cameron also realised many venues were not entertaining their fashion-savvy guests and so he combined his two loves – an exclusive night out at a hot bar or club and catwalk fashion – to create Midnight Fashion.

“Midnight Fashion seeks to entertain partygoers interested in Melbourne fashion outside of the official fashion week forums, allowing them to experience true Melbourne catwalk fashion, great tunes and mix with others

who appreciate the same aesthetic.”

Midnight Fashion (MF) will be holding regular events at über-cool locations around Melbourne.

Article thanks to 2threads.com click here

The much anticipated follow up to Midnight Fashion was held last Friday at the Royal Melbourne Hotel, and it goes without saying that Midnight Fashion 2 was a fantastic success. Several hundred of Melbourne’s young and stylish turned up on the night to witness fun, fashion and to get a taste of what up and coming local designers have in store this season.

Kiss Chacey opened the first parade of the evening with their line of funky, bright range of menswear featuring graphic Henley tees paired with dark skinny jeans for a laid back, surf inspired look. I can see this range loved by boys and men alike.

Chocolate City went on to impress with a grungy range of menswear featuring leather jackets, faux fur trims along with preppy vests and knit scarves. Chocolate City’s women’s range was no less impressive. Flattering high waisted dark indigo skinny jeans and skirts featured heavily, along with slinky print dresses that finished well above the knee.

Gimp menswear went on to demonstrate that tough skull prints are still very much a feature this season, with fantastic skull print tee opening their parade. Quirky graphic tees featured heavily in Gimp’s parade, including a rather edible looking steak…of course, Gimp finished off their tough look with dark to black skinnys and trainers.

 LMaree sure was prepared for her Midnight Fashion show; the designer had a cheer squad donned in matching ‘LMaree’ tees positioned at the runway ready to announce her arrival. LMaree was right on trend showcasing blazers and ice-skating skirts teamed with pussy bow blouses and cropped vests. LMarees designs included the continuance of the high waist, paired with simple tops featuring delicate details such as beading and neck ties. LMaree’s show was all about the detail, a standout number being a black shift frock with abstractly embroidered lace teamed with oil-slick leggings. Not only did LMaree feature lace; sequins, ruffles and beautiful fabrics also adorned her parade.

Voyager menswear was simple yet on trend. The line featured simple tees, cotton collared shirts, teamed with slouchy canvas jackets and funky nylon bombers. The range had a preppy edge to it with pieces such as knit pullovers and scarves teamed with distressed denim. All in all, a very wearable line that would appeal to a large demographic of gents.

Shona Design certainly injected a hit of colour into the evening with her funky designs. The range featured brightly coloured shift dresses in a range of fabrics and prints. The line would not have been complete without a striking quilted gold hooded dress teamed with sheer black tights. The standout of Shona Design’s parade was a super quirky, yet very wearable blue jumpsuit, styled to perfection with sheet hosiery and black platform heels. Shona Design pieces are certainly recognisable, unique and just what we need to liven up a chilly Melbourne winter day.

The second parade of the evening kicked off at Midnight with designs from Jaci Bailey. Each piece in Bailey’s collection had a young, fresh, feminine appeal, particularly her opening number – a super sweet, yet very funky baby pink and blue check ‘Space Invaders’ hoodie. The talented Melbourne designer range featured floral high waisted skirts teamed with ‘The Beatles’ band tees, feminine shift dresses ranging from lurex stripes to bright patchwork panels. Jaci Bailey certainly demonstrated a refreshing uniqueness, however by no means did Bailey feel the need to go over the top with anything too outrageous – Bailey clearly shows that simplicity is the key.

Nana Judy delivered a western meets university prep theme in their menswear line. On show were on trend check shirts in a variety of colours, teamed with funky vests and dark skinnys. Great outerwear was also on display, Nana Judy featuring a slouchy grey tweed jacket that received several remarks from the gentlemen standing behind me. A clear standout of the Nana Judy show was the cheeky combo of a striped shirt and black skinnys accessorised with a tie and striped braces. This very wearable line received an excellent response on the night and is one to be on the lookout for in future seasons.

Alexi Freeman’s parade was nothing short of a graphic artists dream come true. Whether it be colour or monochrome, each of Freeman’s pieces were truly captivating. Zig Zag print super slinky dresses featured heavily, along with a splash of colour in the form of the blue silk shirt dress. With an eye for detail and designs that have the potential to not only look fantastic not only on models, but on the mere mortals among us, Alexi Freeman’s A/W 08 range is set to be a hit.

Anna Campbell’s parade was one of femininity and delicacy. Each and every frock featured intricate attention to detail. Campbell has spared no expense on this range, with fabrics ranging from delicate silks to satin and organza. The short hemline was a recurring theme throughout Campbell’s parade, yet apart from that every single piece had a personality of its own. Stand outs were the white satin frock with stiff organza frills down both the front and back, and the peachy flapper frock, adorned with rows upon rows of brilliant tassels. Anna Campbell’s range summed up in two words? Easy…Cocktail Couture.

Not only did Midnight Fashion 2 allow some of Melbourne’s most talented young designers to show of their Autumn Winter 08 range in style, it allowed fashion lovers from all over our wonderful city to experience their creations. Cameron Hill, (organiser of MF2) proved that with persistence, hard work and a hell of a lot of promotion, success is always possible. Midnight Fashion 2 was a huge hit, friendly faces, top music, fabulous fashion with everyone present sharing that one common love – Melbourne Style. Bronwyn Miller 31.03.08