Event | The Blonde Silhouette

Forever 21 Brisbane Launch

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Wearing: French Connection Pleated Dress, Saba Belt, Jo Mercer Tanessa Heels (similar style here), French Connection Silver Clutch, Thomas Sabo Pearl Bracelet.

When I first heard the news that Brisbane would soon be home to the first Australian Forever 21 store, I experienced a #tbt to 2009, where I spent November holidaying in California. Surrounded by effortlessly cool Cali girls, I embraced the american IT girl lifestyle and took a little Californian flavour back to my Brisbane life, with some fast fashion pieces from Forever 21.

Now 5 years later and I’m treated to a VIP media tour of the gleaming multi-storey retailer in Queen Street’s prime position and watching the shiny yellow ribbon being cut my model/actress/blogger Alli Simpson.

Offering a delicious start to my Thursday morning, the event began with a breakfast spread including individual bircher muesli bowls, mini ham and cheese croissants, pastries and fresh fruit, catered by Lennon’s Restaurant in Brisbane’s newest luxury hotel, Next Brisbane. We were then escorted on a private tour of the store, imprinting our footsteps on the new floor before any other shopper- a little bit special indeed!

Blogger Clique: @itsconnieyeah, @zestfashionblog and @thefashionheist

Homegrown brand ambassadors Lisa Hyde from The Bachelor 14 and blogger/model Alli Simpson

With an appreciation for an organised layout, I particularly loved how the store is divided into themes, with denim trends and luxe boho/festival fashion merchandised separately, creating a clear yellow brick road for any fashionista. Other highlights included the chic mannequins with their dip-died candy coloured tresses and the girly ambience of the change rooms featuring a pastel pink and mint colour theme.

Offering an extensive summer collection divided over two whole floors, with each pieced priced to suit a minimal budget, I walked away with a little yellow bag of goodies including two contrasting print dresses and a handful of girly toiletries (@theblondesilhouette), with the best part being this little haul came to only $100!

Wearing a lemon hue, teamed with monochromatic and metallic accessories, I certainly blended in with the store’s colour palette which highlights a bright yellow seen in the merchandising. It seems neon was the popular choice among other guests, with the blogger clique dressing brightly for the occasion, while being snapped in store.

A big thank you goes to the girls at The Red Republic for hooking me up with the ultimate insider experience! To my lady following, I would definitely suggest checking out this new fashion hotspot for accessible and affordable style!

SHOP THIS LOOK:

Emerging Talent & Tutu’s

Pictured: Cleopatra Jackson, designer of A Jacksonian Era and model

Adding a youthful playfulness to the runway, The Emerging Designer Show brought to light the talent of new gen designers showcased at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane, including Begitta, Otim Ajalia, Anna Hulm, A Jacksonian Era, Emu Designs, Peony Swimwear, Suzii K, Stokes Thompson Design and Erin Hassall.

From Swan Lake to the runway, Begitta opened the show with a theatrical selection of ballerina inspired gowns, appropriately matched with pointe shoes. Following a graceful exit, the runway saw elements of bold colour, wild prints, flowing fabrics, feathers and a hint of mystery, seen in a dramatic masquerade.

In prime position, Erin Smith Photography snapped up the most incredible looks from the runway, capturing detailed close ups and mid action strides of the leggy models. Below are a selection of our favourite runway moments from the Emerging Designer Show.

Begitta

Otim Ajalia

Anna Hulm

A Jacksonian Era

Emu Designs

Peony

Suzii K

Stokes Thompson Design

Erin Hassall

Photography by Erin Smith Photography

Happily Ever After

Pictured: Jack Sullivan Bridal

The entire female audience sighed wistfully as Brides Desire by Wendy Sullivan opened the runway with an angelic, delicately laced wedding dress, accessorised with an embellished crown, for the Monili Jewellers Bridal Group Show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane. Saying I do to cascading fabrics; tulle, satin, silk and lace, the runway paraded seasonal trends in bridal beauty, showcasing the designs of Brides Desire by Wendy Sullivan, Bertossi Brides, Darb Bridal Couture, Rayner Lee, George Wu and Jack Sullivan Bridal.

Just a bouquets’ throw from the runway, my attention was diverted from the fairytale-like scene to the glistening diamonds, jewels and precious stones provided by Monili Jewellers, adorning the runway beauties. If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then I’ll happily take the friendship pledge to Monili Jewellers (for a 5 carat marquise diamond ring and matching pendant of course!)

While MBFF has seen its fashionable finale, I will continue to admire my favourite bridal moments captured by Erin Smith Photography, as for now this is the closest I have come to my happily ever after…man, rock, couture and Manolo Blahnik’s wanted!

Brides Desire by Wendy Sullivan

Bertossi Brides

Darb Bridal Couture

Rayner Lee

George Wu

Jack Sullivan Bridal

Photography by Erin Smith Photography

#myerss15

Setting the A-list scene are designers Arthur Galan, Gail Elliott, Alex Perry and TV Presenter Georgina Lewis

It’s fashion week in Brisbane, celebrating the annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane with the creme de la creme of Australian designers and retailers. In an exciting start to the week, I attended the Myer S/S 15 show in premium seating, practically metres away from the runway and from my dream man, international supermodel, Kris Smith.

There was certainly a buzz in the air, as the models took to the runway sporting trends of summery whites, bright colours, bold prints and floating fabrics. Texture wise, there was a selection of sheer, silk, feathers, mesh, lace and neoprene on display, predicting to be on point for spring.

For the gentlemen, styling was of a playful nature, with the likes of Brent Wilson and Arthur Galan AG dressing men in floral prints, checks and fun neon colours such as burnt orange and bright blue hues.

Closing the show was a spectacular collection by Alex Perry featuring my three favourites: pink, lace and A-line skirts. This reaffirms my style mantra, being that femininity remains a predominate trend regardless of the season.

Snapping away in the photographers’ pit, was my superstar photographer, Erin Smith Photography. A totally different scene to her usual wedding repertoire, Erin delivered the goods, capturing some incredible moments and outfits that were secret to the runway. Below are some of our favourite moments from an exception show.

Arthur Galan AG