The weather is freezing. The streets are wet and I still have my winter kilos on me. The only signs of spring coming up around the corner are the sheer flowing flags of a beautiful Lucy McIntosh, the Face of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. The ads are a little reminiscent of Abbey Lee Kershaw for Gucci’s Flora campaigns.

I was invited to attend the media launch at the Town Hall earlier in the week  to see the Lord Mayor Robert Doyle speak and introduce to the public both the gorgeous Face and the cool Ambassador. Who else best personifies Melbourne style than Melbourne-bred It-Girl Ruby Rose?  Both Lucy and Ruby are beautiful and articulate, and I applaud the committee’s selections. Here are some photos to get you into the blooming mood..

Lucy will be opening and closing a series of the designer runway shows. I’ve already booked for the 2nd show! Cannot wait!!! Lucy looks a dream in a Toni Maticevski dress and jewels from Shag.  She is not just a pretty face, she also has an enviable body and is very eloquent as well. Lucy is recently engaged to Black Eyed Peas DJ Poet, she is actually in search for a wedding dress that will be beautiful and unique enough for her. I’m guessing she will be eyeing Collette Dinnigan and Lisa Ho’s collection very carefully. But she did mention that she would prefer a non-traditional dress, maybe a futuristic Arnsdorf piece?

Ruby’s dress is made by an RMIT student Jack Loder, which you may have already read about in the Monday 2nd August edition of MX. Man, we have some talented emerging young designers in the making! Even Ruby herself is starting her own label. She will be presenting and DJ’ing for the after parties. Is it just me, or has she gotten a lot skinnier?

Another garment that deserves special mention is Shoona’s blue jacket, also made by an RMIT student, Jess Slade. I cannot wait to see the student series catwalk! I love Shoona’s necklace as well!

Sarah – Dhini dress and Etro jacket from Christine

Shoona – Gorman dress, jacket by RMIT student, Jess Slade

Lucy McIntosh – dress: Toni Maticevski, accessories – Shag

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle

Ruby Rose – dress RMIT Student, Jack Loder

Emily – Gorman dress, Akira jacket, Akira leggings

Nerdia – Arnsdorf dress

Luke – Arthur Galan AG

I was lucky to meet the talented stylist Connel Chiang, (you can read more about him here) who created such a bright, colourful and youthful mixture of florals and patterns. He is wearing some silk rose rings from Christine, who was also present at the launch. And I bumped into the beautiful Sarah, of Sarah Style Emporium.

I also befriended 2 lovely fashionistas: Erin, who works for the Herald Sun, and Bronny, of the fabulous online stylist site http://askbronny.com/. I loved their jackets and Erin’s silk top!

Ah…now I just have to get out of my winter flab and slip into something more stylish for the shows. Cannot wait for the 30th August! It will be my first time attending MSFW whole-heartedly. Even though you cannot compare MSFW to London, Paris or Milan Fashion Weeks, MSFW can be my warm-up before I head off to Europe later in the year =)

Who else is going? We should dine together or sit like a front-rower in the back rows together! Don’t forget to doll up and bring your camera! Let me know which shows you’re going to!

love

Cecylia