Day 2 of MBAFW started with a witch hunt. I met Perth fashion designer Betty Tran (See below in a photo with Harpers Bazaar editor Kellie Hush) for tea in the morning in my ‘gym clothes’ (not really, I’ve never set foot in a gym, but it was namely a black sweatshirt and black leather shorts) when I spotted the lady with a bewitching hat. I tried to chase her down, but within seconds she vanished into thin air… Ok, I admit, I wasn’t wearing glasses and my heels were not designed for running. I’d seen a few fashionistas these 2 days channelling a little bit of Saint Laurent AW13 with their witchy blacks but I was determined to find this lady in question. Her hat was irresistible. It just so happened she was waiting next to me before the Manning Cartell show, her hat is custom-made by Hatmaker (ask for Jonathan and he’ll create a one-off creation for you), she is Carolina, a stylist and creative director for Nicola Finetti. I grew up lusting after his clothes. Every Sunday I used to visit his QV boutique after church, leaving my fingerprints all over his silks, feathers and embroideries. Maybe if you own one of his pieces from 2000-2002 it still has my DNA on it hehehe…anyway, I think a bespoke hat is the next lust/must-have don’t you?

Carolina in her self-designed hat made by Hatmaker

Sacha Strebe, online editor for Fashion Exposed, in an alluring Zara jumpsuit

Harpers Bazaar Editor Kellie Hush & designer Betty Tran

The scenic Victoria Park is so serene and beautiful.

Plus, Sydney has so many amazing vintage stores! Meet my new/old pyramidal backpack bag.

The highlight of Day 2 was seeing a fluffy pooch attend the Manning Cartell show and of course the show per se. Cast your mind back here and you’ll see why it brought me a mixture of sweet dejavu and home-sickness. Turns out that Carolina (See 1st photo) is this little dog’s dog-sitter. He sat obediently on his owner’s Gucci bag during the show despite the lights, the models and the music. I repeat. De ja vu.

Whether or not you like white, the Manning Cartell sisters are here to convert this SS13/14. You’ll find yourself mysteriously sporting a healthy glow just so you can slip into these stark white, highly structured, sometimes sheer, sometimes perforated and ultra-comfortable pieces. Khaki makes a star appearance, in leather of course, but a mish-mashed geometric print in soft cottons stole the limelight towards the end of the show. There are references to Alexander Wang’s all-white SS13 collection with sheer stripe panels, and one could argue that the hexagonal pattern may be inspired by Alexander McQueen’s SS13 honeycomb motifs. But that’s none of my beeswax. This summer I simply cannot wait to cover my shoulders in kimono sleeves, bare my midriff sans belly-ring and maybe give my white lab-coat a DIY make-over!