Gladragger

Getting a kick out of shoes
February saw zany new footwear brand Fiebiger launching amid cocktails and shoes aplenty. Created by sisters Kveta and Bianca Fiebiger (pictured) Fiebiger's Tokyo inspired inaugural range was the focal point of the evening, which saw Fiebiger-clad models sashaying amid Fiebiger light box displays at hip CBD venue The Rooftop at Curtin House.
SDP Photo.

Setting the festival mood
Recent weeks saw the fashion crowd brave wind and rain to attend the official launch of the L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF), scheduled from March 2 to 9. Taking place in the capacious surrounds of Peninsula in Shed 14, Docklands, the launch included speeches from LMFF organisers and sponsors as well as sneak preview of catwalk delights to come from LMFF models (pictured).

Luxe surroundings
Melbourne-headquartered womenswear label Luxe Accessories adopted an "old world theatre" theme to herald the launch if its 2008 autumn/winter collection.  Having converted the SDP Photo Studio for the occasion, scarlet red was a key theme of the evening as guests were welcomed onto the red carpet and through the traditional velour rope. Guests nibbled on popcorn as they settled to view the opening teaser, a burlesque performance to the classic tune Hey Big spender. Pictured is Mik Grigg of Thrive PR with Luxe Accessories designer Jade Schilling.

Sexy swimwear
Dance music and bronzed goddesses helped introduce some sunshine into a cloudy day when swimwear brand Speedo launched its new 2008 beach collection recently. Guests, who included buyers from national retailers David Jones and General Pants, were greeted by the new face of the beach range model Lara Bingle. The collection is in store from July. Pictured: Ethan Robertson, Marek Krisanda, Lara Bingle, Buck Palmer, Dean Stannard, Rebecca Shelton, Simmone Duckmanton, Anca Tiribega and Angela Bellotte.

Miss Underwear
Multi-coloured spotlights added some ambience to Myer Sydney late last month when the department store threw open its doors to introduce the industry to its latest exclusive lingerie brand Miss Pink. Models wearing the youth label stalked the floor as an all-female DJ crew ramped up the sounds. Pictured is Paul Bonnici and Ken Thompson.

All aboard
The who's who of the Sydney fashion scene were spotted lurking around the ground floor of the QVB as luxury brand Coach opened the doors to its first Sydney store. President of Coach International Peter Emmerson flew in to officiate at the opening with guests toasting his arrival with Moet champagne and Grey Goose vodka cocktails. Pictured is Kelly Smythe and Sigourney Gray.

A Japanese story
Keeping one person happy during an evening out is hard enough but David Jones had the unenviable task of entertaining more than 500 at its recent autumn/winter 2008 collections launch. Staged at Sydney's Royal Hall of Industries, the event saw the venue transformed into a makeshift Tokyo with cherry blossoms and faux snow adding to the sense of occasion. Pictured is DJs' Colette Garnsey and model Megan Gale.

Be my valentine 
Those folks behind Australian Fashion Week sure are a romantic bunch. IMG Fashion Asia Pacific, which co-ordinates both the spring/summer and transeasonal instalments, chose the international day of love to unveil its latest million dollar baby - the Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival. Australia's leading fashion designers, retailers and media gathered at the Queen Victoria Building for the lowdown of what Sydneysiders can expect when the event debuts in August. Pictured is Julie Otter, Simon Lock and Aja Bradley.