Ever wondered what industry buyers really think of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW)? Roslyn Wright, head buyer for online boutique Frockaholics, offers her thoughts on day three of RAFW 2011. Stay tuned for more...
9:00am: What better way to start the day than with a buying appointment at the ever-fabulous Camilla with her always fabulous girls. The fact that the label is one size fits all means the hardest part of doing the buy is deciding what not to take as there really is something for everyone. The styles in high demand every summer (drawstring dress, lace-up kaftan and long round neck kaftan) we of course picked up in the new season prints. For those who love bold Camilla styles we have picked up the new double layer tank top, jumpsuits, playsuits, harem pants, Grecian style draped dresses, a cape and a mesmerizing gown made with 28 metres of gathered silk!
10:00am: After the buy we race to the Overseas Passenger Terminal to get to the Talulah show just in time. The leather accented maxis and woven suede detail dresses are sure to be a hit come summer. On-trend colours coral and blue feature heavily in the summer ready styles.
11:00am: Neon colours and pleating... we couldn't love it more. Magdalena Velevska's show floors us with its sheer brilliance. The pleated and uneven hemlines on dresses and skirts will work incredibly well on a variety of body shapes and we can't wait to get them in-store. The neon pink and tangerine will complement an array of skin tones and will be a highlight in any wardrobe.
12:00pm: Shakuhachi is sure to be a huge hit with their loyal fans. The relaxed styles in soft sheers and chiffons with pops of colour are sure to be a festival favourite this summer.
1:00pm: On the opposite side of Circular Quay Fernando Frisoni shows his sharp collection at the foot of the Opera House. As a possible Frockaholics label in the future we love the classic yet edgy tailoring that customers are always looking for.
2:30pm: After a quick bite to eat we head back to the RAFW venue to see Michael Lo Sordo's show. The ethereal collection of dresses and separates will be a refreshing look for women this coming season.
3:00pm: Next we head over to the Westin hotel for the Talulah buy. After the parade we know exactly what pieces our Frockaholics customers will love.
3:30pm: We quickly make our way over to Crown Street, Surry Hills where we are thrilled to meet Therese Rawsthorne, the charming and talented designer behind her eponymous label and diffusion line TR. Still full of energy after her off-site parade earlier in the week she explains this season's look as "20th century prairie with 1980s Buffalo skirts". The TR range is a wonderful addition to Frockaholics.com for the summer. We particularly love her signature styles in soft ruched pastels, washed navy and moss prints.
4:00pm: Designed by Irene Nicholas from Green with Envy womenswear boutiques in Melbourne, Nicholas is a label designed to fit in with existing designer labels while still being fashion forward. The collection has an emphasis on separates in very minimalist and clean cuts. We especially love the bright tangerine and cobalt blue.
4:30pm: Lilya is a label going from strength to strength. At the buy for this season we are met with a collection inspired by '70s folk festivals. The bold prints and relaxed styles are sure to be a summer hit.
5:00pm: Antipodium's spring/summer collection, inspired by photographers Guy Bourdin and Helmut Newton, stays true to the designer's aesthetic. Called 'Goodbye Horses Road Trip' it includes exclusive prints by Karl Mayer (such as an eye-catching lobster print) that are bold but very chic and wearable. We know the cute little linen dresses will be popular with our Frockaholics customers.
5:30pm: After the afternoon of appointments we head back to the shows where we see Dhini, a label to keep watching. The butterfly inspired collection is very feminine with pieces suitable for day and night.
6:30pm: Bigeni basics will be joining Frockaholics this coming season so we are delighted to attend the Gary Bigeni show. We are very impressed by the bright colours and easy to wear draped pieces which have been filtered nicely into the basics range of dresses and separates.
8:30pm: We finish our day with a long time Frockaholics favourite, Camilla & Marc. The absolutely divine collection has a clear European influence with the neon highlight colours and tactile fabrication. We know a variety of the cocktail dresses and jackets will be a must with Frockaholics!