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MODEL BEHAVIOUR

What has almost five hundred long legs, all the right moves and generates a buzz you just can’t ignore? The model casting for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane, hosted by Brisbane City Hall, that’s what!

The remarkable ensemble of statuesque models, a revved-up squadron of designers and retailers and an eagle-eyed selection panel, descended on the ballroom of The Sebel & Citigate King George Square on Monday.

The vibe was intense with adrenalin – and noise levels! – pumping as some of this nation’s most striking and spectacular models strutted their stuff, all vying for a spot on the catwalks of Queensland’s premier fashion event.

As always, each designer had a different vision in mind. First time Festival designer Colin Heaney was drawn to the strong women for his creative collections while experienced Festival designer Karen Neilsen was impressed with the swimwear bodies in the line-up.

Festival Director Lindsay Bennett said the model casting was exhausting, but also exciting – with the added satisfaction that the event was generating about 300 jobs for young Australians at a time when the economy was otherwise slowing.

“I can’t think of a better way to informally kick off these final, hectic few weeks of pre-Festival preparation than with a review of this year’s models,” said Mr Bennett. “And we at the Festival are really proud to be backing our belief in the fashion industry with real jobs for those who are committed to working within it.”

Click here to see our behind the scenes footage and don’t forget to visit MBFFTV at www.mbff.com.au to catch all the action from the fashion shoots.

ICONIC INTERNATIONALS ON OUR RUNWAY

It is, without doubt, the sexiest airline on the international runway - so it was a no-brainer that V Australia should join forces with MBFF to present some of the sexiest looks on the fashion runway, at this year’s V Australia Group Show on Monday, 24 August.

The V Australia Group Show certainly promises to be one of the hottest highlights at Queensland’s premier fashion event, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane, hosted by City Hall, with a lineup of closet covetables from Jean Brown, Tom Gunn, Frockshop.com.au and Samantha Ogilvie.

Festival Director Lindsay Bennett said the support of V Australia, one of Australia’s most successful international companies, was compelling evidence that dynamic businesses were increasingly recognising the Festival as an effective way to reach Queensland’s most discerning and style-savvy consumers.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a boom in the number of international labels that are only available in Australia through retailers Jean Brown and Samantha Ogilvie,” Mr Bennett said “There’s no doubt any more that Brisbane has arrived as a fashion force - and that it is still growing in stature.”

The Jean Brown group is one of Australia’s leading multi-brand fashion retailers. Their brand portfolio encompasses a mix of collections including Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Marni, Bottega Veneta, Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Prada and more along with Chelsea de Luca, Juli Grbac and Yoejin Bae. Precisely which of these uber-exclusive labels will be featured in the group show will remain a tightly-guarded secret until they hit the runway on the night, so the audience can be assured of seeing the very latest and hottest looks from some of Europe’s most influential couturiers. So don’t forget to reserve your seat early to what will be a must-see event!

Up-and-coming Australian footwear fashion designers Tom Gunn will showcase their Spring Summer 09 collection at the Festival. Inspired by the vivid colours of India, the collection of powerful, attention-seeking heels and classic yet bold flats feature a rich palette of magenta, deep purple, saffron yellow, anthracite metal and gunmetal grey as well as shiny and matte black, grey, rich salmon and natural tones.

Created by Brisbane-born Marnie Goss, top Australian online retailer Frockshop.com.au will be showcasing Alice + Olivia and Tibi. Alice + Olivia is sold in over 600 stores around the world and is a celebrity favourite, often seen on the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Hayden Panettiere, Diane Kruger, Lauren Conrad, Eva Longoria and many more. Tibi designer and creator Amy Smilovic hand designs a range of prints and styles to match her personal taste and distinctive approach to dressing which she showcases in the tents of Bryant Park each season during NYC’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Since opening her doors in April 2007, Samantha Ogilvie has created a buzz that has people talking about her interpretation of the latest chic yet wearable fashions. Samantha travels to Europe and America biannually to bring home coveted international fashions and she will feature labels Catherine Malandrino, Elie Tahari, Mike & Chris and BCBG Max Azria in the Group Show.

V Australia Group Show: Monday 24 August, 7.30pm, Auditorium, City Hall. Tickets $43 through www.qtix.com.au

A-LIST ATTENDEES

Love the look – and look who’s looking! If fashionistas can tear their eyes away from the catwalk during the Mercedes-Benz Group Show on Tuesday, 25 August, they’ll spy a veritable fashion force sitting in the front row. Australian forces of fashion Nicola Finetti, Kirrily Johnston and Lisa Ho will enjoy pride of place by the catwalk when they showcase their spring/summer collections at the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival.

Retailer Pink Mint will also join the show to present a collection by enduring icon Jenny Bannister, who was even honoured with her own postage stamp when she was named an Australian Fashion legend in 2005.

Together, these dynamic designers represent the cream of Australian fashion flair. They regularly dress international celebrities for the red carpet – so Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival is thrilled to turn the spotlight back on them this year, and welcome them as the stars of the show!

“We are absolutely delighted to have the support of these fantastic designers, and to give them the recognition they so richly deserve,” said Festival Director Lindsay Bennett.

“Their presence here demonstrates how much they value the Queensland market, which I believe demonstrates just how savvy they are. Queensland fashion consumers are discerning, they are dynamic, they are enthusiastic - and as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival grows, I’m sure we will see even more high profile national brands wanting to showcase their collections here.”

Nicola Finetti's architectural training forms a powerful base to present his spring summer 09/10 collection. Inspired by the style of the Polish ‘soft cubist’ Tamara De Lempicka, Finetti transforms the artist’s distinctive and bold take on the Art Deco Movement, into sharp and elegant pieces with a sassy attitude. Perfect for statement dressing, the range alludes to an inner power and underlying confidence.

Exuding a strong and confident femininity with a modern edge through the usage and combination of colours, silhouettes and details, it’s no wonder Nicola Finetti’s designs are worn by celebrities such as Naomi Watts, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Hawkins, Dannii Minogue, Dita Von Teese and Kristy Hinze.

New to MBFF but one of Australia’s leading designers, Kirrily Johnston’s unique relaxed Aussie aesthetic will be fully showcased in this Group Show. Her masterful jersey drapery and crumpled silk parachute dresses in orange and nude hues are sure to impress. Johnston’s skills have attracted some of the world’s most stylish clients including Nicole Kidman, Toni Collette, Mischa Barton, Miranda Otto, Kate Hudson, Irina Lazaroanu and Miranda Kerr.

Also new to MBFF, Jenny Bannister’s collection is exclusive to retailer Pink Mint here in Brisbane and contains a kaleidoscope of choices ranging from simple dinner dresses through to long formal creations.

The Jenny Bannister label is consistently represented in continued press coverage and worn by a faithful following of television, film, sport and music personalities who choose the label when attending the most prestigious and highly exposed events.

Lisa Ho’s collection will feature tribal prints and light flowing fabrics, as well as stunning Grecian goddess floor-length frocks. Her effortless glamour will bring to mind breezy Summer nights by sand and sea.

Frequently on the world stage, Lisa Ho gowns have been worn by Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls at the Grammys, Ciara at the NY MTV Awards, in addition to Alicia Witt, Annabeth Gish, Carmen Electra, Jenna Elfman and Tyra Banks at red carpet film premieres.

Mercedes-Benz Group Show 7: Tuesday 25 August, 8pm, Auditorium, City Hall. Tickets $43 through www.qtix.com.au

GLAMOROUS GRAND DAME

Even though she is near to a century old, our hostess this year is still setting the standard for classic couture and vintage class on the streets in Brisbane. Yes, you guessed it; City Hall will be hosting the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival and will be going out with a bang, before she closes her doors for a $215 million facelift at the end of the year. The restoration project will save City Hall and allow her to continue functioning as a community meeting place, beacon and icon for many years to come.

If you would like to take a sneak-peek at what will be going on behind the scenes of the Restoration Project free tours will be taking place every Wednesday and Saturday until the end of the year. Register by calling Brisbane City Council on (07) 3403 8888.

ICONS, ART AND EXTRAVAGANT ECCENTRICITY

As any discerning diva knows, the influence of fashion reaches far beyond the wardrobe. Indeed, the relationship between fashion and broader cultural life – including art, architecture, literature and music – is like any relationship: passionate, often tempestuous, sometimes contradictory and always intriguing. Which should make for some fascinating conversations at Fashion After Hours, two stimulating panel discussions, convened and presented for the first time this year by The Sunday Mail.

Co-presented by Brisbane curator Alison Kubler and The Sunday Mail Fashion and Beauty Editor Kellie Alderman, up to 120 guests per night are expected to join the panels for discussion on Eccentricity and Creative Collaborators, on Tuesday, 25 August, and Curating and Collecting Fashion, on Wednesday, 26 August.
Festival Director Lindsay Bennett said the After Hours discussions were an exciting addition to the Festival program.

“I’d like to see these events as just the start of a cultural component that we hope to grow each year as a vital part of the Festival,” Mr Bennett said.

“The Sunday Mail Fashion After Hours discussions will provide a forum for our experts to share their experience, insights and depth of knowledge with a broader audience, who already love and want to learn more about fashion and culture.”

Panellists Thea Basilou (Blonde Venus), Alison Kubler (freelance curator and writer),
Meghan Carlsen (filmmaker and producer: Idiosyncratic Women of Fashion) and Clare Press (designer of label Mrs Press and writer) will discuss Eccentricity and Creative Collaborators on Tuesday 25 August and how iconic fashion designers and iconic artists frequently work together to realise clothing that marries vision with aesthetics as well as the integral role of eccentricity within creativity.

On Wednesday August 26, Amber Long (Jean Brown), Roger Leong (Curator, International Fashion & Textiles, National Gallery of Victoria), Frances Parker / Miranda Wallace (Co-curators of Easton Pearson, Gallery of Modern Art) and Prof Suzi Vaughan (QUT) will discuss Curating and Collecting Fashion.

Tickets include a glass of Rosemount ‘O’ and a delectable, hand-made truffle from Bittersweet: the Chocolate Boutique on arrival, with a limited cash bar available.

The Sunday Mail Fashion After Hours events: Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 August, 8.30pm – 10pm, Hamilton Room, City Hall. Tickets $26.50 through www.qtix.com.au

ELEGANT EXHIBITIONS

To borrow and twist a phrase from the iconic Roy and HG: is too much fashion barely enough? While Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane, hosted by City Hall has a jam-packed schedule in 2009, we realise some fashionistas are simply never sated. So, the Festival is thrilled the following fashion events and exhibitions will be on show around Brisbane at the same time as we are:

Easton Pearson
22 August - 8 November 2009 Gallery 1.3 and Foyer Cabinet, GoMA

A survey exhibition of the Brisbane-based internationally acclaimed fashion house Easton Pearson which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year. The exhibition will feature designs drawn from Easton Pearson's own archive, and will explore the designers' eclectic sources of inspiration and the edgy glamour, exquisitely embellished fabrics and vibrant colours that have made them one of Australia's most successful design teams.

Lookout track kaftan / 2007 Cruise Collection / Images courtesy: Easton Pearson / Photograph: Stephen Ward

Museum of Brisbane presents In Fashion: Dressing Up Brisbane
7 August to 29 November 2009 Space 1 (Ann Street wing), Museum of Brisbane, Ground Floor City Hall

An exhibition for anyone who's known the thrill of dressing up for a special occasion. In Fashion celebrates dressing up in Brisbane by showcasing a collection of women's fashion, sourced from the private collections of Brisbane women and designers. From different eras in Brisbane's history, each garment opens a window into a fascinating story about dressing up for a special event. Through the ball gowns and bustles of by-gone years, exquisite wedding dresses to runway couture, visitors will get an insight into Brisbane's fashionable precincts, events and memorable moments.

As well as the historical and vintage garments on display, In Fashion will feature the local contemporary designers who have taken Brisbane fashion to national and international acclaim including Bora, Easton Pearson and Sass + Bide, with designs worn by the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Hawkins and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Please lift image from exhibition page on mbff

Modern Times: The Untold Story of Modernism in Australia
Sat 8 Aug 09 - Sun 8 Nov 2009, State Library of Queensland, slq Gallery, level 2 and Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery, level 4

The exhibition Modern times: the untold story of modernism in Australia explores the transformation of all aspects of modern life and focuses on our unique experience of modernism.

Objects drawn from five decades - 1917 to 1967 - reveal how our cosmopolitan culture was shaped. This exciting Powerhouse Museum travelling exhibition showcases over 250 works spanning art, design, architecture, advertising, photography, film and fashion.
Continue the exploration of modernism in Queensland with a series of talks, tours and special events at the State Library.

Come dressed in your most suave suit or fanciest frock on Friday 4 September for a special Modern times event - Etiquette & Style for the Modern Woman and Man presented by Amber Long owner of the Jean Brown Group and couturier Paul Hunt.

Wearer/Maker/Wearer: Recent Work by Paula Dunlop19 August -19 September 2009, Tom Heath Gallery, QUT Art Museum, 2 George St (next to City Botanic Gardens), U Block Level 1.

Often using vintage garments and re-working them, Dunlop’s practice questions the impulses of ‘originality’ and ‘newness’ that supposedly define fashion.  Each garment in the show was made for a specific recipient (friends, colleagues, family) whose self-portrait wearing the reworked piece allows the viewer a unique insight into the relationship between the maker and wearer.

Paula Dunlop is currently completing her PhD at the Queensland University of Technology. This exhibition is curated by Nadia Buick.

JUST THE TICKET

Don’t forget that every ticket purchased goes into the draw to win a fantastic holiday package for two people thanks to Mirvac Hotels & Resorts. Enjoy two nights at Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove including breakfast daily and one dinner and three nights at Sea Temple Resort & Spa Port Douglas including breakfast daily and one dinner, 18 holes of golf with motorised cart and a one hour spa treatment per person. The prize also includes return Virgin Blue flights and is valued at over $5,000.

A CHARITABLE CAUSE

$1.00 from every ticket sold will be donated to Autism Queensland.
Visit www.autismqld.com.au to see how you can help.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES:
Lindsay Bennett Marketing
Telephone: 07 3891 7751 / Email info@mbff.com.au

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Cocom Communications
Telephone: 07 3892 7736 / Email caitlin@mbff.com.au