Fashion Commentator Glynis Traill-Nash on the Lead-up to Australian Fashion Week, Gucci’s Goodwill Gesture, Sabatini’s 20th Anniversary and THAT Wedding Dress

Fashion commentator Glynis Traill-Nash talks RAFW and Royal Wedding Fever.

And We’re Off!

Well, Rosemount Australian Fashion Week is now in full swing, and you can see all the insider excitement at RescuTV. A handful of designers got in early with shows last week, and we were there to see the action.

Carla Zampatti showed a beautiful collection on Thursday morning—elegant, colourful and just a little bit sexy. Hatmaker’s Jonathan Howard created beautiful layered organza headpieces that wafted gently as the models hit the catwalk, and Michelle Jank was behind the scenes styling the show in her inimitable way, but always letting the clothes star. See video footage of Carla’s show here.

Ginger & Smart sent out a colourful collection, featuring neon pink, acid yellow and indigo played against dove grey lilac and marshmallow pink. Accessories were particularly strong, with envelope clutches of varying sizes and wedges and flats with text print.

Friday saw Mrs Press put on a chic showing at Sydney’s Sofitel Hotel. It was a playful resort-style collection with nods to the Caribbean, with pompom trims and pineapple prints and appliqué. High-waisted shorts and cotton tied-front shirts were casual and fun, while simple knot-front and bias-cut silk gowns in tangerine and coral would be perfect for red carpet moments. Suzy O’Rourke created gorgeous hats and headpieces, including Carmen Miranda–inspired fruit bowl piece. Ay, carumba!

Happy Birthday!

New Zealand’s Sabatini celebrated 20 years in the business last week with a breakfast event at Café Sydney. The family-run business has Margi and her brother Tony Milich at the helm and daughters Danielle and Chloe on the team. A small retrospective collection on mannequins stood vigil in one corner before a catwalk presentation took place. Top models including Samantha Harris, Louise Van der Vorst and Alice Burdeu were made up like dolls by Napoleon Perdis to complement the flattering knitwear pieces.

Wedding Fever

After months of speculation, Kate Middleton chose to wear Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. (The only option in my humble opinion.) The Grace Kelly–inspired dress did manage to pull off the tradition-meets-modernity requirement. The lace, long sleeves and full skirt offered the former, while the structure of the corset and the structured, undulating bustle detail brought the latter. And in a particularly generous and gracious move, Middleton allowed sister Pippa, as maid of honour, to look, frankly, hot as hell, also in McQueen. The cowl neck and sheath silhouette were supremely flattering and modern, while the lace trim and button-back detail tied in beautifully with Kate’s dress. My guess is that Pippa’s dress will be the hot-ticket reference source for many brides-to-be.

There was also considerable chic on display in the pews on the day. Victoria Beckham showed maternity style like no other in a simple tunic dress of her own design. But of particular note was the monochromatic trend—hat to toe in the same colour. No-one nailed this better than Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, who—even if you didn’t care for the ensemble or this particular shade of blue—you had to admire for her commitment to the overall vision.

Gucci Goodwill

Gucci has launched a bracelet to raise money for earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan following the devastating disaster and in March. The bracelet is created in the colours of the Japanese flag and features a silver medallion reading “Gucci Loves You”. All proceeds will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society in its support of disaster victims.