Last week I had the absolute pleasure of viewing the Autumn/Winter 2015 Micky In The Van collection at The Estelle Store.
This beautiful boutique, which is run by Mickey In The Van designer, Estelle Michaelides, has recently become one of my favourite stores to visit. It is an incredible treasure trove of Australian designers like Cameo, Asilio and Staple the Label, to name just a few, but it is Estelle’s unique and inspiring designs for Micky In The Van that set it apart from the rest.
I was so thrilled to be invited to this intimate event, which was a showing like no other I have experienced before. We all know the drill when it comes to the standard runway show, lights go down, music roars and models walk up and down the runway showing off the designers new collection. But Estelle has a way of making this type of event so much more special and personal. I have described her clothing as art in the past and the collection viewing was, really in a way, a very beautiful art performance.
The night began with opera, and ballet performed by Kate Bright and Maria Trenton who were styled in Micky In The Van outfits. It was a wonderfully warm way to start the night and really set the mood for was to come.
The performance itself was inspiring, with Estelle dressing her model piece by piece and styling her looks one by one right in front of our eyes, which I thought was a great insight into Estelle’s vision and a wonderful way to demonstrate different ways to style any particular garment.
For me the stand out pieces were and exquisite black silk chiffon gown, which received “oohs” and “aahs'” in unison, and an impressive floral printed jacket with a cropped front and curved back (with matching pants for the stylish & brave).
It was very special to see the styling process, which is often a mad rush reserved for backstage, transformed into part of the viewing experience…I tell you that Estelle can certainly tie a mean bow!!! (I’m definitely setting aside some time to practice this much-needed skill)
And I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank Mama Michaelides, who’s candle, which was a gift from the night, has been leaving the most delicious smell in my bedroom over the past week.
Thank you Estelle for a beautiful night.
You can visit The Estelle Store at – 244 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe, 3079