VAMFF – Graduate Showcase

Lilt x Paul Batt 01Lilt x Paul Batt 09Lilt x Paul Batt 04_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have been so crazy busy over the past few weeks that I haven’t had much time to myself.  Needless to say the blog has suffered for this and I haven’t been able to post as much as I normally like to.  I’ve been wanting to desperately publish today’s post for over 2 weeks now, and although I am quite a bit behind schedule I am still so eager to share it with you all.

There are two main reasons why I couldn’t wait to publish this post.  One is because during fashion week,  the graduate show is always bound to be one of my favourites. Young and creative Australian designers, untainted by the realities of the commercial world and keen to show of their hard work.  It’s always interesting to learn about the unknown designers, the ideas behind the collections, and get a little glimpse into the future of Australian fashion.

The second (and very exciting) reason is because my incredibly talented photographer friend Paul Batt contacted me letting me know he would also be at the show, and offered to take some behind the scenes, and runway shots for LiLT blog.  I freaking admire, and love this man’s work, so you can imagine my excitement when he suggested we work together on this post.

And so I ventured to VAMFF with my good friend Yianni to see what this years graduates had in store for us!

See below for my two cent’s on my favourite collections of the night!

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lilt x Paul Batt 02

Designer: Yan Wang

I enjoyed Yan Wang’s menswear collection, which was heavily inspired by the bold and geometric op-art prints of the 1960’s.  Mostly because I am a sucker for bold geometric patterns, but the silhouettes were also interesting with boxy cuts and unexpected 3d structures incorporated in the suiting.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lilt x Paul Batt 22

Lilt x Paul Batt 08Designer: Roxane Chang

 Roxane Chang’s collection, I found was extremely wearable. A fun way to bring colour and design to denim, which is usually a “basic” item of clothing. Lot’s of coloured tartan and raw edges gave the collection a bit of a 90’s edge. The combination of mustard, navy and denim hues are still calling out my name.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lilt x Paul Batt 21Designer: Edwina Sinclair

 Edwina Sinclair’s collection was inspired by emoticons and pop art, but for me it was all about the ankle length, pastel pink, swing coat! It had such a mesmerising shape and movement. It is one of the top pieces, which is still firmly in my mind 2 weeks on.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lilt x Paul Batt 16

Lilt x Paul Batt 06

Designer: Wing Chiang

 I am not usually one for overtly “pretty” garments but Wing Chiang’s collection was a perfect mix of girly and modern.  It was the layers of transparencies formed by sheer silk placed and folded over floral prints, which seduced me. Very feminine, very romantic but still with a bit of attitude.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lilt x Paul Batt 20Designer: Juliette Booth

 Juliette Booth’s collection was all about attitude. Made as a unisex range, the darts were taken out of all garments to create a boxier, more masculine silhouette. Great digital prints on oversized pieces made for a very edgy, very “street” collection.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lilt x Paul Batt 14

Lilt x Paul Batt 13

Designer : Gabrielle Brown

 I am so intrigued by 3d printing and its place in fashion, so it’s no surprise I rather enjoyed Gabrielle Brown’s collection.  The beautiful mix of delicate details and structured 3d printed features, made this collection so hypnotic. It was a kind of push and pull between a pure soft angel (light transparent silks) and a strong futuristic alien being (Neoprene and opaque sculptural structures)…. So desirable, Really VERY COOL

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lilt x Paul Batt 26

Lilt x Paul Batt 19

Designer: Anna-Marie Gruber

 And last but not least was Anna-Marie Gruber’s collection. Inspired by the film “Vertigo”.  An unexpected and original take on knitwear, the pieces stay well away from your usual floppy oversized knit and instead explore bold geometric shapes and lines in the form of architectural inspired silhouettes.  Such an innovative take on knits, and such a timeless palette of greys, blues and greens, any piece from this collection would be a real statement. Very avant-garde, and very desirable.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lilt x Paul Batt 23

And on that note, I would like to say a huge thanks to Paul Batt for very kindly taking these amazing shots.  Do yourself a favour and check out his website HERE.  And if you happen to be in Queensland make sure you drop in to the “Josophine Ulrick & Win Schubert Photography Award 2104” exhibition at the Art Centre Gold Coast, where Paul’s work will be exhibited.  The exhibition runs from 29 March – 25 May 2014.

xo Luci

All photography by Paul Batt

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wishlist – Smart Casual

DREAM OUTFIT SMART CASUALI’m slightly obsessed with The Bag Department bags. I’ve recently added another 2 members of TBD into my wardrobe, one of them being the cross body Evelyn bag. I absolutely love it, and although I initially thought I would mainly wear it out dancing or shopping (keeps the hands free) it has quickly made its way into my daily rotation.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about investing in some “smart casual” pieces that I can wear when I am off duty but still want to look the part. So here is the weekend wish list styled with my new gorgeous TBD bag.

Witchery Classic Shirt / Witchery Phillipa Loafer / J Brand Boyfriend Jeans / Amber Sceats Multi Knot Bangle / The Bag Department Evelyn Bag

Designer Profile – TETTMANN.DOUST

Lilt Blog Designe ProfilesT&D campaign3TettmannDoust Lilt Blog 06TettmannDoust Lilt Blog 04TettmannDoust Lilt Blog 03__________________________________________________________________________________________

Anyone who knows me knows I am an absolute sucker for unique and interesting print design.  If you add skillful pattern making, luxurious natural fabrics and Australian made to the list, well…. I’m yours!

 A couple of years back (before I had even started LiLT Blog) I came across TETTMANN.DOUST at a fashion show I attended, where designers Naomi Tettmann and Elke Doust were awarded the Stonnington Emerging Designer Award.  I remember at the time I was absolutely “wowed” by the duo’s collection (a sentiment which hasn’t changed with their more recent work). Their designs were truly unique and their digital prints were exquisite. I hadn’t seen much quite like it and I’ve remembered their name ever since.

 And so a couple of weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the girls’ Studio for a sneak peek of their new “Underland” collection, which will be launching at the Virgin Australian Melbourne Fashion Festival on Saturday the 22nd March.

 The new collection is collaboration between TETTMANN.DOUST and artist Naomi Bishop, whose artworks, inspired by the landscapes of underground caves, have been translated into bold digital prints.

 The collection is beautiful and sophisticated with touches of intricate embellishment and seriously delicious fabrics cut into interesting silhouettes.

An absolutely must see, you can still buy tickets to the TETTMANN.DOUST runway show HERE, and make sure you check out my interview with the ladies below.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

T&D campaign6TettmannDoust Lilt Blog 05TettmannDoust Lilt Blog 02T&D campaign2TettmannDoust Lilt Blog 07TettmannDoust Lilt Blog 01__________________________________________________________________________________________

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how Tettmann.Doust came about
Our collaborations began when we met in 2003. We have since worked together in many forms, both professionally and as friends on arts based fashion projects. The label was a natural progression. We have very different backgrounds, Naomi having been involved in fashion from a very young age (inspired by her mother), and myself coming to it a little later, with a prior background in interior architecture. We both worked together at Melbourne label Gwendolynne for some time before starting our own business.

 What inspires your design and creative decisions?
Namely the natural world, the sciences, and other creative disciplines. We love and find great motivation in collaborating and exchanging creatively with other artists and designers.

 How would you describe both your personal styles?
Naomi: Black, understated, relaxed, androgynous but…not afraid of a floral frock every now and then! Elke: Colour and print heavy but always with a base of black. Bold but restrained.

 What are 5 essentials in your wardrobes?
It’s TD all the way (even at the gym)…but Elke takes her Deadly Ponies overnighter everywhere (even in the day), and Naomi is always wearing jewellery by both Julia Deville and William Lewellyn Griffiths.

 Who are some of the people that inspire you and why?
Our friends, as many of them are also pursuing their creative aspirations. Seeing others make their way in tough to crack industries is a huge inspiration, as well as support.

 If you could design a garment for anyone in the world, who would it be?
This is tricky! There are many starlets we’d love to make frocks for, however we are both currently really appreciating Mia Wasikowska’s acting talents, not to mention her look.

 What are the top 3 resources, which you turn to for inspiration?

1. Friends, fellow creatives

2. David Attenborough docos, and all other nature inspired film showing beautiful imagery

3. Nature

 What is the best place to shop in Melbourne?
Bunnings & TETTMANN.DOUST

 What is next for the label? Where do you see the brand going in the future?
Overseas!

 Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to start his or her own business in fashion?
Get some money behind you, get some experience, and know your market before you start. We have found that creating a support network has also been very valuable.  And…stick to what you love and focus on it, hard.

Photos by LiLT Blog and Tettmann.Doust

LiLT Instagram – February 2014

Lilt Instagram FebruaryI cannot believe February has already come and gone.  Here’s what’s been happening on instagram.  Make sure you follow me at @luci_lilt_blog

Tea time / Friend of Mine t-shirt / White Night Melbourne / Tettman.Doust preview / Ralphy the Frenchie / Clea from Limedrop / Brunch and The Bag Department bag / Liana from Pelican Sleepwear / Le Bon Ton / Kawaii top / La Condesa tacos / Alexander McQueen at the Modern Love exhibition  / Mad Stitches earrings / New We Shyne necklaces