Organisers of this year’s L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) chose International Women’s Day (March 8th) to kick off a week of festivities in Australia’s fashion capital.
As some of Australia’s top designers and labels were preparing to send their collections down the runway at the LMFF Opening Event Runway show, guests were treated to complimentary French Martinis and Dark Knight cocktails from the Chambord® bar (see recipes below).
The LMFF Opening Event Runway presented by David Jones, featured collections from Collete Dinnigan, Alex Perry, camilia and marc, Alannah Hill, Josh Goot and many more. Walking the collections down the runway last night were top models Louise Van Der Vorst, Alice Burdeu and Samantha Harris.
The chic and fabulous who assembled at Central Pier, Docklands for the gala opening, were also treated to live performances from an Australian line up of musical talent, including Canyons and electropop duo Van She Tech.
Following on from last night’s gala opening, the L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival will run until 15th March with a program of events including beauty workshops, fashion shows and live entertainment, plus industry seminars and forums.
Among the festival’s most popular events is the L’Oŕeal Paris Runway shows featuring Australia’s prominent designers. This year Alex Perry, Aurelio and Costarella, camilia and marc, Rachel Gilbert, Collette Dinnigan, MATICEVSKI and SCANLAN & THEODORE will be showcasing the latest trends and looks for Autumn/Winter 2012.
Although I’m not a big fan of high end fashion (I can’t afford it and they don’t make it in my size), as one of the biggest events on Australia’s fashion calendar, I couldn’t let this festival slip by without mentioning it on AWO. I also think it’s important to support the fashion industry in Australia. It’s a vital contributor to our economy and our popular culture.
For more information about L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2012 visit the website: www.lmff.com.au
Photography by David Finnegan
French Martini
Ingredients
15ml Chambord®
45ml Finlandia Vodka®
30ml Pineapple Juice
Method
Shake with ice and strain into a Martini glass. Garnish with a pineapple leaf or orange peel
Dark Knight Cocktail
Ingredients
30ml Chambord®
30ml Gentleman Jack
60ml Apple Juice
15ml Honey
15ml Lemon Juice
1cm Slice of cucumber
Method
Muddle cucumber with honey and lemon. Add rest of ingredients, shake & strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of cucumber.