Recently on Thursday nights, I’ve been attending Fashion Torque at Globe Cafe in South Yarra, a very stylish fashion forum hosted by the fabulous celebrity stylist Phillip Boon and the legendary designer Jenny Bannister. They invite guest speakers and the panel talk about anything and everything fashion, from history, to trends, to designers and more. The attendees include fashion students, stylists, bloggers, models, fashionistas and boutique owners :)

The last Fashion Torque had a festive red theme so we all decked the room with rouge. Phil wore the most red I think. He is so chic.

Jenny Bannister, amazing miliner Richard Nylon, Maybelline makeup artist Nigel, Phillip Boon.

The topic that night was on ‘Image Makers’, how one attains their identity in their style, in their looks. An interesting point raised on the night was whether or not a fashionista should stick to ‘one look’ or be adventurous and try different styles…what do you reckon?

The beauitful stylist Sally, of Styled by Sally, who although has the looks and dimensions of a model , helps everyday ladies to build a wearable wardrobe and the confidence to pull off up-to-date looks.

A gorgeous fashion student showing us that a curtain from Spotlight can become an enviable avant-garde accessory:

Can I hear the rush of your footsteps to make one for yourself?

Ok, this one is not as easy to DIY. This is one of Jenny’s creations, afterall. This lady has the most vivid imagination and her brave style is second to none. This red breastplate was hand-made by Jenny from various lids. She is breathtakingly creative!

One thing I learnt from the talk is that we should never be afraid to dress up for anything! Even though the majority of Melbourne is a little behind and a little tasteless, we don’t have to endure their lack of imagination. If we want Melbourne to eventually become a fashion capital of the world, we’ve got to up the ante a little- instead of following trends, start one; instead of buying a million High St copies, invest in a quality garment made by the creative and undiluted designer him/herself; instead of conforming, shine!

Since our nation is so big on being ‘green’, we should also be mindful about the clothes and accessories we buy. We’ve got to buy Australian made, or else in the very near future there won’t be a single workshop that can make garments locally. Because unlike many factories overseas, people who work in our Australian fashion workshops are in good working conditions, are being paid a fair wage and these workshops provide jobs for talented people who otherwise will have to move overseas. So shouldn’t we support the guys who are doing the right thing?

So Aussie fashionistas, when you’re busy post-Christmas shopping, look at the tag, look at where the garment is made. If you want Australian to have a future in fashion, buy Australian made.

Oh and don’t be afraid to wear art on your sleeves.