Perth Marketplaces...

In September this year I was blown away by the markets held during the Perth Fashion Festival. There was so much to see and do, it was hard to find the time to fit in everything. Here is just an overview of what was on offer...

Up Market (Winthrop Hall, The University of Western Australia)

This was the biggest 'Up Market' that I've been to, Up Market is mainly handcrafted products geared toward young families. As a crafty person I try to find things that I can't make, so it is a real find when I come across something that is just a bit different and unique. That is what I like about Up Market you are always pleasantly surprised.

If your disappointed you missed it you don't have to wait too long. The next Up Market is on Sunday 28th November 10am -4pm at Winthrop Hall, UWA (Tip: Make sure you get there early, because parking can be difficult).

If you can't make it to the UWA Up Market, try the Subi Up Market on Thursday 2nd December 5pm-9pm, the lower end of Rokeby Rd between Hay St and Roberts Rd.

For further information about Up Market events in Perth go to www.perthupmarket.com.au

Unwrapped the marketplace (Outside the Art Gallery of Western Australia)

Unwrapped the marketplace is a platform for aspiring local designers to promote and sell their wares. I couldn't think of a better setting than in the beautiful surrounds of the new Urban Orchard in front of the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

I was thrilled when I spied Edwina Noll and her amazing millinery creations. Based in Albany she is one talented lady, I'm only sorry I didn't get there earlier as her stall was almost empty. However she did let me take a few pictures of what remained, they were gorgeous!

The next Unwrapped isn't until March next year, so watch this space. Or go to www.unwrapped.com.au

Popsicle (Pop up market)

For those who haven't heard of Popsicle it is a Pop up market held in a unique way during the Perth Fashion Festival every year. In 2009 it was held on a bus that traveled to a different location everyday during Fashion Week. This year it was held in two industrial shipping crates outside PICA, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art.

I just love the way they kitted out the crates to show off the emerging local designers products. I came away with an adorable tea cup brooch. If you want to have a look at the different labels that were on offer go to www.onwilliam.com.au/popsicle/

Popsicle is a creation of the William St collective and the Perth Fashion Festival. They always have something you have to collect from each store on the map. This year magnets were the order of the day, designed my local artist Sean Morris.

(These markets were all held on the same day, who says nothing happens in Perth!) x

Perth Fashion Festival...'UP'!

Well Perth Fashion Week is over for another year and what a week! For a small city we sure have an array of budding and established designers. 'Wheels and Dollbaby' by designer Melanie Greensmith is probably Internationally the most well known, but the label 'Antipodium' based in London and Fremantle designed by a brother sister duo have been worn by the likes of Alexia Chung.

I attended the Finale Show 'UP! A Celebration' it showcased three designers all at different stages in their careers, starting with 'Jaime Lee' as the 'Up and Coming' designer. All the models in her collection wore bright pink Lycra body suits, which I found a bit distracting from the clothes which were also brightly coloured. The clothes on there own were really beautiful, it was just a shame she felt the need for the body suits. The 'Jamie Lee' Menswear was also quite bright (+ the pink body suits).

The second collection was from 'Paper Skye' entitled 'Upwards and Onwards'. It opened with a short film which had no connection with the collection whatsoever. It felt tacked on as though the designer thought it might look trendy to have a film. The collection its self consisted of floaty chiffon dresses in different pastel shades.I find pastels difficult to wear especially in beige tones, it can have the awful effect of looking like you have an extra layer of skin. Having said that it was a well put together cohesive collection.

I have only good things to say about Joveeba. Joveeba the third and final designer was the most established of the three and it showed. 'Up Up and Away' was by far the best collection and I could find little to fault with it. The dresses and prints were really beautiful. However what made it work was the fact that the collection was more polished and all the pieces were in harmony. Unfortunately it was too difficult to take a decent photo of the models from my vantage point so you will just have to use your imagination. (Additional: Above is a photo of the interior of the warehouse where the shows were held throughout the week.) x

Perth Fashion Fest!

Coming up this September from the 9-15 is the Perth Fashion Festival. This annual event is growing bigger every year. There are many amazing events scheduled for every night of the week. There are also some amazing free events on offer. If your interested in going to any events or just want a peek at what is on offer just got to www.perthfashionfestival.com.au or click on the link!

Before I was a hat blogger I was a fashion student at Polytechnic West (Formerly Swan TAFE, Bentley). This was my collection for my graduate show in 2005. The elaborate dress with the exaggerated hips was my couture gown. I carved the hips out of foam so they fitted perfectly to the models body. On the catwalk there was a scary moment when the heel of her shoe got caught in the tulle, but luckly she managed to steady herself!

You will notice that my first cloche hat is on one of the models, it didn't sit quite right because her hair was in a bun, ahh well not everything will go right on the night! Love Lucy x

(Footnote: The 1st photo is of my gown model Tianne and myself and all subsequent photo's are of my collection.)