The eagerly awaited L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival kicked off last night with a runway spectacular hosted in conjunction with Vogue.com.au and David Jones. Featuring a hand-picked selection of the latest fashion offerings by our favourite Australian designers, you could feel the stylish crowd swoon each time their beloved designer pieces walked past. Of course, LMFF’s very special guest, London’s doyenne of digital prints, Mary Katranzou opened the show (and later returned again, just in case someone blinked, for a long time) with her striking signature trompe l’oeil prints. I’m always on the hunt for wardrobe inspirations, so below are the top-notch looks I’ve selected for you:

Rachel Gilbert: an emerald sequined long sleeve gown that ticks all the right boxes: Green, pantone’s colour of 2013; pure opulence and did I mention long sleeves?

Scanlan & Theodore: to be honest, this was my favourite collection shown and it was nearly impossible to narrow down to one look. But this futuristic structured shift with its boxy sleeves and ultraviolet hue, bears an uncanny resemblance to the night sky. Totally irresistible.

Dion Lee: If you are a leather lover, you can’t go past the skilful twisted pleats and the animalistic (or should I say amphibian) appeal of this sexy getup.

I’m stumped with this outfit. Probably the one that gave me the biggest wow factor, I’m gutted that I don’t know who designed it. Guess I’ll have to raid David Jones tomorrow to find out. Do you know who made this ingenious checker board leather dress?

Thank you so much for letting know that this divine checkerboard leather dress is from Bassike. Now where did I put that $1395?

White is the new black, as demonstrated by the trim and terrific trio: Montana Cox (last time featured here), Jessica Gomes and Samantha Harris. Well picked David Jones.

And now to street style! Undoubtedly the best-looking-and-bald-couple in Melbourne: Jessie & Micah, of RAWW, in their signature polished and edgy style.

Yuan, of YuanLi Couture, a London designer here on holidays, I want her (python) lips! And the beautiful Sarah in Sara Phillips and I.

Both Sarah (Style Melbourne) and Jess (What Would Karl Do) showing us how to rock heavy-metal. And I spy with my little eye Lady Melbourne in the background!

Have you met Violet, the Dulux canine ambassador? In case you’re wondering why there’s a fluffy attendee at fashion week, Dulux is LMFF 2013′s corporate sponsor. We all know the power of colour in fashion, but did you expect an English Sheep Dog to be such a sweet fashion accessory? Did I say accessory? I mean statement.

Looks like Kirby (StyleHunter, the official media partner of LMFF 2013) and I both caught the blues. Hers is from MyWardrobe and mine is from my wardrobe. I enjoyed toying with contrasting hems. Ooh, both Kirby and Micah (See above) are sporting silver points!

This is Irish (Stylezilla), genetically blessed with a gorgeous face, to-die-for-hair and the ability to walk on ice.

Sally (Styled by Sally) wore her Lisa Ho top first (it was also featured on the runway). And I can’t seem to shake off my addiction to Blue-and-White outfits, wearing a vintage top and bag, Karla Spetic skirt (last seen here), YSL pumps.

LMFF is the one week I usually await in eager anticipation and great fear. Anticipation because there’s so much to see, to learn and to absorb! I’m so excited to see new collections and meet new designers, unlike a child the night before Christmas. Fear because in the past I’ve always had to juggle being a vet, a TV extra and a blogger during fashion week. But thankfully, this year, I (don’t have to attend an overseas wedding and) can concentrate on bringing a carefully-curated view of the festival for you. This year I only have this: unleashed enthusiasm. So do keep in touch with me on TWITTER, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM (@cecyliadotcom) as I’ll be posting exclusive titbits from all the events. Speak soon lovelies!