Gladraggers

Alex Perry (TP)
Once again proving his loyalty to a certain corporate sponsor, Alex Perry set nerves awry after announcing he intended staging his autumn/winter 2009 collection at the Electrolux showroom in Sydney's Mascot. Despite the steer away from the traditional fashion pack haunts, guests - among them jewellery designer Samantha Wills - soon put their concerns after realising all the usual Perry princess treats were still on offer.

Little Leona (TP)
Sydney designer Leona Edmiston threw caution to the wind when entertaining both children and animals at the season launch of her childrenswear line Little Leona recently. Celebrity guests and their offspring were entertained by a host of animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, al paca and chicks. Pictured enjoying the action is Torstar founder Tory Archbold with her daughter Isabella while at (right, left, above, below) is host Leona Edmiston.

Peek a boo! 
Footwear brand Peep Toe Shoes proved the spring racing season wasn't all about frocks, frills and fascinators. The Sydney-headquartered label hosted a boisterous spring carnival launch at nightspot De Nom, showcasing its latest range of block coloured stilettos and platforms. Guests were entertained with a saucy cabaret performance, champagne, canapes and a rather "strong" assortment of cocktails. 

On yer bike
Sydney's fashion set donned on their best leather jackets for the launch of Deus Ex Machina's first concept store on Oxford Street, Sydney. Developed by founder of iconic brand Mambo, the brand builds everything from motorcycles to clothing and accessories with a biker chic aesthetic. Guests downed beers and meat pies while discussing the latest range over a large wooden display bench, which ran the length of the store.

Game on!
Sportsgirl kicked off its much talked-about flagship store in Bourke Street Mall with a night of food, drink, music and fashion on September 10. Guests arrived to a red carpet welcome and an atmosphere of high anticipation as they waited for the doors to open while sipping chilled summer wine. From then on in the atmosphere was "kids in a candy store" all the way.

Decjuba delight
Recent weeks have seen womenswear brand Decjuba launch its High Street Armadale store, luring Melbourne's social butterflies out in force to prepare for summer with launch party and sneak preview of the latest range. Guests enjoyed cocktails from Capi, the new all Australian drink for summer, and a selection from catering specialist Bay Leaf's spring racing menu.

Saying "YEP!" to future talent
RMIT University's School of Fashion & Textiles rewarded emerging Victorian talent last month with the 2008 YEP (Young Essentials Project) Awards. The YEP project required students to design and market a range for high recall fashion brands, with this year's complement including Target, Country Road and Sportsgirl. The night, held in Docklands sumptuous surrounds, included a showcase of students' work and an awards ceremony.

Paris in Spring time
The 'Collins Street Fashion Right on Track Show' was held within the iconic 101 Collins Street foyer - located at "the Paris end" of the street - in early September as part of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. Participants included Bettina Liano, Harrolds, Henry Bucks, Husk, Arthur Galan AG Women's, Cose Ipanema, La Perla, Keon Couture Design, Linda Gorringe Couture, Marea Bright, Loula Australia, Evelyn Miles and the Ken Gray Alister Reid Gallery.

Getting High
As a key event during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week's schedule last month, guests at the 'High Fashion High Tea' extravaganza indulged in a fine afternoon tea before being treated to a sumptuous display of spring/summer's key looks. Participating labels included Alexi Freeman, Antonia Paris, Gary Bigeni, Joolz, Thurley, Pleasure State and Lyndel Yeo.