Fashionising.com > Fashion Weeks

Bringing Australian fashion to the Melbourne catwalks for the Autumn/Winter season, L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) is held in March each year. Below you'll find coverage of LMFF 2009 and past years such as LMFF 2008 and LMFF 2007.

LMFF 2009: Melbourne Street Style Photos

As you know, we were busily covering all of the runway shows at last week's L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF). But what about off the runway? Jamie Wdziekonski was our street style snapper on Wednesday night - taking a series of street style pictures of you, the well-dressed public, as well as some stunning off-duty models.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: Melbourne Street Style Photos' ]

LMFF 2009: Jennifer Hawkins at Myer Runway Deluxe

Given that they're behind some of Melbourne's worst proposed architecture it should come as no surprised that MYER were also behind the weakest parade at L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF), one that not even one-time Miss Universe winner Jennifer Hawkins could save.

Hawkins modelled designs from major international labels at Myer's Runway Deluxe event on Friday night.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: Jennifer Hawkins at Myer Runway Deluxe' ]

LMFF 2009: Metamorphosis student design showcase

It may not get the same mainstream media attention as the rest of L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF), but the student designer showcase is always one worth watching. As well as bringing to light new and innovative designs, those featured in this parade often go on to become big names in Australian fashion.

This year, the designers featured were Sonya Kraan, Sarah MacDonell, Joanna Ford, Harmony Lam, Nikolina Kucan, Alexis Belcher, Sarah Schofield and Michelle Czech.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: Metamorphosis student design showcase' ]

LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 6 show-coverage

If sex sells, the outfits in L'Oreal Paris Runway 6 will be out the door like hotcakes. Staged on the Thursday night of L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF), Runway 6 brought record-breakingly short minis and attitude-laden ripped denim to the runway.

Designers featured were Illionaire, Roy, White Suede, One Fell Swoop, Fairbanks, Jenny Bannister, Bettina Liano, and Wayne Cooper.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 6 show-coverage' ]

LMFF 2009: Trespassers In Blue denim parade

Featuring denim brands Lee, Mossimo, Superdry, Mooks, and Wrangler, there were plenty of hot looks to be found in Trespassers in Blue, a parade presented by the City of Stonnington at Malvern Town Hall. Look out in particular for some rock-chic takes on the ripped denim trend.

The Stonnington 'Collections' shows were part of the official L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) program.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: Trespassers In Blue denim parade' ]

LMFF 2009: Pop-up parade 3, State of Georgia

Where's Wally: unlikely style icon? Apparently not so unlikely, as State of Georgia at L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) would have us believe. State of Georgia featured in the third pop-up parade of the week - and if you have a look over the coverage of the parade, you'll notice a few Wally references.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: Pop-up parade 3, State of Georgia' ]

LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 5 show-coverage

L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) took a well deserved break from the frilly cocktail dresses, models trading their high heels for unlaced boots and their sexy struts for nonchalant swaggers, at Wednesday night's L'Oreal Paris Runway 5.

Fool opened the show with a brightly-coloured spectacle of novelty hats, pom-poms, soft toys and other miscellany, before wild-child model Jethro Cave emerged in Jack London's tight black leather pants, drawing excited cheers from the young female crowd.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 5 show-coverage' ]

LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 4 show-coverage

With swishing high ponytails and bright red lips, models walked the runway for yet another L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) show, L'Oreal Paris Runway 4.

Much of the clothing reflected the Autumn (Fall)/Winter 2009 trends from the International runways, from the bohemian, folk-inspired details at Nevenka and Obus, to the military trend at Lisa Ho.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 4 show-coverage' ]

LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 3 show-coverage

L'Oreal Paris Runway 3 brought another eight Australian labels to the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) runway, and - flowing on from Runway 2 before it - was again a foray into beautiful evening gowns and flirtatious cocktail dresses.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 3 show-coverage' ]

LMFF Street Style: Tania Through The Looking Glass

While we avidly follow street style pictures from all the international runway shows, it's pretty easy to forget those from the smaller, consumer focused shows. But the street style snappers are out and about all the same, including Through The Looking Glass at L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF). He snapped our own Tania Braukamper en route to last night's parade.

Picture courtesty Through The Looking Glass

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF Street Style: Tania Through The Looking Glass' ]

LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 2 show-coverage

If there was a running theme through both of last night's L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) shows, it was ruffles. Barely an outfit went by that didn't have flounces and frills, ruffles and tiers. To compliment, models in L'Oreal Paris Runway 2 sported soft, bouncy waves that flowed and moved with the garments.

Yeojin Bae opened the show with a flowery black and white take on the one-shoulder trend, before Vixen hit the runway in warm paisleys reminiscent of Gucci's Bohemian luxury.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 2 show-coverage' ]

LMFF 2009: Pop Up Catwalk 2 Pictures

Fashion stays in full swing in Melbourne thanks to the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) and in between events we're somehow finding the time to get pictures and video from the event online.

Now online are pictures from the second LMFF pop up show.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: Pop Up Catwalk 2 Pictures' ]

LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 1 show-coverage

L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) continued last night with the showing of L'Oreal Paris Runway 1, the first of seven main feature parades for the week. From the roughed-up rock chic of Ksubi to the sexy mini-dresses and sweeping sheer gowns of J'Aton, it was an eclectic grouping of designers that somehow worked.

Karen Walker, Tina Kalivas, Kirrily Johnston, Life with Bird, Sass & Bide, Romance was Born and Josh Goot were the rest of the designers who brought their individual styles to the runway. Look out for: Sass & Bide's sexy cut-away trend pieces, quirky layers at Romance Was Born, and the divine delicate detailing at J'Aton (including the pink fringed number pictured above).

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: L'Oreal Paris Runway 1 show-coverage' ]

Doutzen Kroes at the LMFF 2009 Opening Party

Looking no less gorgeous than she did last year (to every girl's dismay), Dutch model Doutzen Kroes attended the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) opening party in a sweeping emerald green gown.

[ Read the rest of 'Doutzen Kroes at the LMFF 2009 Opening Party' ]

LMFF 2009: Pop-up parade 1 show-coverage

It was the perfect start to L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF); a stunning presentation of Australian fashion through the ages, starting with the Victorian era and ending in modern-day futurism. The parade included 13 looks in total, each a modern representation of an era, and each designed by one of Australia's biggest fashion industry names.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009: Pop-up parade 1 show-coverage' ]

Last minute model casting for LMFF

Here's an 11th hour opportunity to get involved with L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF): models are needed for a catwalk on Saturday the 21st.

[ Read the rest of 'Last minute model casting for LMFF' ]

Pacific Brands cancels LMFF catwalks

The economic crisis isn't just affecting the fashion industry in direct ways; while Australian fashion manufacturer Pacific Brands, which owns the likes of Bonds and Holeproof, may be laying of 1,850 workers they've also had to cancel their L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week (LMFF) parades.

PACIFIC Brands has cancelled its shows at the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival amid howls of outrage over its huge job cuts.

Fashion week organisers announced last night the company had pulled its two free Pop-Up shows, which were to feature its landmark underwear brands.

Unionists had threatened to protest at the Pacific Brands shows dressed as rats...

Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Union national secretary Michele O’Neil said going ahead with the shows would have added insult to injury to workers facing job losses.

[ Read the rest of 'Pacific Brands cancels LMFF catwalks' ]

J Alexander aka 'Miss J' VIP guest at LMFF

L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) have announced their VIP guest for this year: model, television personality and runway coach J. Alexander.

You may know him better as "Miss J" from his role on America's Next Top Model.

Alexander's career started when he modelled on the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier in New York City, and since then he has evolved into an in-demand casting agent and runway coach.

This will be J. Alexander's first trip to Melbourne.

[ Read the rest of 'J Alexander aka 'Miss J' VIP guest at LMFF' ]

LMFF: 2009 Melbourne Fashion Festival Launch

The 2009 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) program was launched today; and it's definitely a program to look forward to. As well as the main evening parades, which showcase the best of Australian design talent each year, the festival will also bring a range of other events, exhibitions, and industry initiatives to Melbourne.

As well as announcing the exciting 2009 program, this morning's launch also gave us a sneak preview into some of the designs we'll be seeing on the runway during the festival. From Bettina Liano's oh-so-now fringed leather dress, to a gorgeous gown by Project Runway winner Juli Grbac, it was a taste that left everyone wanting to see more.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF: 2009 Melbourne Fashion Festival Launch' ]

LMFF: behind the scenes of the 2009 Creative

Hands up if you thought that this year's L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) campaign was simply some Photoshop brilliance? Not so it seems, as this behind the scenes video reveals.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF: behind the scenes of the 2009 Creative' ]

LMFF 2009 Business Seminar

Last time I was lucky enough to attend L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF)'s Business Seminar, I was blown away by amazing speakers like Jane Shepherdson, Jasper Conran and Jean-Jacques Picart. This year, the festival promises another fantastic program, headlined by Margareta van den Bosch; the Head of Design of H&M Worldwide.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF 2009 Business Seminar' ]

LMFF Show Coverage: L'Oreal Paris Runway 7

After seeing Friday night's L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) show, I felt a bit challenged on how to begin this article. Do I mention my delights, my disappointments, or perhaps common themes that I duly noted amongst the nine collections presented. With almost 100 exits to take into consideration, I thought, I should just be ruthlessly honest with myself and say what I feel is err... appropriate. For the most part I was indifferent; my expected disappointment was well matched (we're in Melbourne, not Paris), but I was also pleasantly surprised. I know I'm not as knowledgeable in women's fashion as some of you; hence the indifference. But luckily being a men's fashion Nazi does translate – we're saved! Anyway here are the verdicts:

Friedrich Gray - Photos by Wayne Wong

Friedrich Gray:
It was a precursor to the night's frequent return to the hippy chic, with models in sheer fabrics, long scarves and a surprising hybrid of the tuxedo legging pant. And of course black; lots of it.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF Show Coverage: L'Oreal Paris Runway 7' ]

LMFF Show Coverage: L'Oreal Paris Runway 4

A colourful mix that spanned from the ethereal to the practical to the downright sexy, the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) Runway 4 show certainly had plenty to offer.

Thurley took feminine pieces and dipped them in attitude, while Nevenka's collection shone through with ethnic and bohemian influences.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF Show Coverage: L'Oreal Paris Runway 4' ]

Levante's burlesque show at LMFF

More Chicago inspired, that true burlesque, Levante none the less chose the dance format as a way to promote Luscious Legs during L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF).

[ Read the rest of 'Levante's burlesque show at LMFF' ]

The latest LMFF catwalk photos

Not attending L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival? Don't despair, Fashionising.com has all the photos to get you amongst the glamour and the fashion.

Recent updates to picture coverage include;

• Arabella Ramsay
• Gail Sorronda (worth viewing for the first dress alone)
• Gorman
• Kate Sylvester
• Zimmermann
• Obus
• Little Joe
• Lisa Ho

Of course, LMFF wouldn't be complete without the pop-up shows. And we naturally have coverage of those too;

[ Read the rest of 'The latest LMFF catwalk photos' ]

LMFF Show Coverage: L'Oreal Paris Runway 2

From the vintage glamour of Megan Park through to the show-stopping sparkle of Martin Grant's closing gown, the second main parade of L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) was a visual feast.

Photos by Wayne Wong.

Yeojin Bae, winner of last year's Tiffany Designer Award, married structure with graceful femininity in a colour palette that spanned black, navy, purple and grey. View the full gallery of Yeojin Bae here.
Look out for: stunning winter-wear in the form of a long-sleeved navy blue dress with military-inspired piping.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF Show Coverage: L'Oreal Paris Runway 2' ]

Doutzen Kroes in a black bandage dress @ LMFF

Supermodel Doutzen Kroes looked amazing in a black Herve Leger bandage dress and tan clutch at last night's L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) show. The Dutch beauty (frequently seen on the major international runways, as well as totally stealing the spotlight in the Victoria's Secret catalogue I got in the mail last week) has been lured to Melbourne for the festival.

Doutzen posed for a few snaps for Allan, which can be found in the Fashion Diary.

[ Read the rest of 'Doutzen Kroes in a black bandage dress @ LMFF' ]

LMFF Show Coverage: L'Oreal Paris Runway 1

At a stuffy 32 degrees it didn't quite feel like Autumn/Winter weather. But that didn't stop the first main show of L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) from going off without a hitch last night.

The first of seven main parades to be held as part of the A/W 2008 retail festival, yesterday's show included designs from camilla & marc, Ginger & Smart, Jayson Brunsdon, Kirrily Jonhston, sass & bide, Leona Edmiston, and Marnie Skillings. Check out all of the runway photos in the Fashion Diary.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF Show Coverage: L'Oreal Paris Runway 1' ]

RAW luxury exhibition at LMFF

Last week was the launch party for RAW: an exhibition of luxury that will run in conjunction with L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF), 2008. You can visit the Fashion Diary for society photos from the launch. The event will showcase the best in all lifestyle categories including fashion, beauty, property, technology, art, automotive and travel.

2008 is tipped to be the most exciting year yet for RAW, with "a dazzling array of top luxury brands in dynamic exhibition spaces, including, for the first time, an exciting live program of theatre, visual excitement and luxury experience."

It's on Friday 7th & Saturday 8th March, Shed 4 Victoria Harbour, Melbourne Docklands. Entry is free but you must pre-register.

[ Read the rest of 'RAW luxury exhibition at LMFF' ]

LMFF: Hardy Brothers hint at what's to come

One of the things I'm really looking forward to for L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) this year is high tea at Hardy Brothers jewellery. I can give you a few reasons why - like the fact that they have a Royal Warrant (the only Australian company to have one); and the fact that I love high tea as much as the next girl. Mostly though, it's because their jewellery is just stunning.

On Valentine's Day Hardy Brothers celebrated their status as Platinum Partner of LMFF by hosting a luxurious cocktail party in Sydney. A promising hint of what's to come when the festival hits Melbourne.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF: Hardy Brothers hint at what's to come' ]

LMFF Runway Deluxe for charity

While the fashion industry often holds events which benefit charities, these are, for the most part, closed events. LMFF, L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival will, however, give Melbourne fashionisers the opportunity to get their dose of fashion all while helping the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. And there's an added bonus: international designers.

One of the most difficult aspects of fashion weeks across Australia is that they often feature only local designers. And while that still provides amazing clothes on the catwalk, there's more of a buzz to be felt in seeing new collections from bigger names. The 'Runway Deluxe' charity event will include the likes of DKNY, Donna Karan, Hugo Boss, and Moschino.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF Runway Deluxe for charity' ]

LMFF Program Launch Photos

The L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) is only a month away now and things are getting exciting.

Thursday Tania and I headed off to the program launch. While Tania was taking notes about exciting things to come, I took the opportunity to take some photos for all you fashionisers out there.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF Program Launch Photos' ]

Yeojin Bae Wins Tiffany Designer Award @ LMFF

Each year at L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival one upcoming designer is recognised and awarded for their work. The award was presented by Tiffany & Co again this year, with a $10,000 cheque and a commemorative Tiffany & Co. trophy going to the winner.

The finalists for this year were:

[ Read the rest of 'Yeojin Bae Wins Tiffany Designer Award @ LMFF' ]

QV Pop-Up Parade @ LMFF

There were a few beautiful Marilyn-esque moments on the LMFF L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival catwalk on Wednesday, and for any snapper quick enough to catch them they were there for the taking. But those moments were rare, and for the most part the models were battling it out against gale-force winds in what was not an easy task. Floaty dresses and free-flowing hair gave the wind ample of opportunity to cause mischief. For the most part the models managed to keep their cool and carry on.

Wayne Cooper, Christensen Copenhagen, Third Millennium, Dizingof and Cactus Jam were the stores whose wares were on parade.

See the full QV Popup photo show coverage in the Fashion Diary.

[ Read the rest of 'QV Pop-Up Parade @ LMFF' ]

LMFF Salon Show Pump Up The Volume

With a name like Pump Up The Volume you'd expect last night's Salon Show in Prahran to be one of the loudest of the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) - of course you'll be gravely mistaken. What can be said is that with labels such as Ed Hardy and Stevie we'll certainly see this as one of the loudest colour swatches of the night.

The runway belonged, for the most part, to fashion trends. After last years dismal sale performance for most of the fashion industry, more and more designers are sticking to the trends and often in the simplest of ways.

Over the past two days we've seen tartan creeping into shows, and Pump Up The Volume was no different. Also featured were threads following the mini-dress, and parka trends.

If it came down to audience participation, the night belonged to Stevie. Which is odd, because I can't image who'd wear it. Look to Nique and Jaakan to have some of the best selling ranges for Autumn/Winter 2007 from this catwalk.

[ Read the rest of 'LMFF Salon Show Pump Up The Volume' ]

Levante & Jonathan Aston @ LMFF

It was all about the legs when L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) kicked off this morning. Today's "pop-up" parade popped up in Melbourne's city square, and we were there bright and early to begin our coverage of the festival. Although the skies threatened to open up on the outdoor stage, the rain held off just long enough for the models to not have to use their umbrella props for any serious purpose.

Tights by Levante and Jonathan Aston were paired with some the biggest looks for winter - mini dresses, trench coats and over-sized roll neck knits. Tartan, houndstooth and leopard print tights in semi-opaque styles proved to be a compliment to plain coloured clothing, but still, are not for the fainthearted. More semi-opaques, this time in bold block hues of red, blue and yellow gave a feeling of 60s chic, while footless tights in grey, black and nude demonstrated the everyday, safer, hosiery trends for winter. Bright white opaques stood out against block reds, but do be warned - one must carry this trend off correctly to avoid disaster.

Stockings and tights will remain big for the coming colder season, with bold printed versions largely taking over from last year's more feminine lacy patterns. Stock up on tights in bold colours and patterns to balance out winter's basic collections; but stick to classic greys and nudes where lots of colours or patterns already exists in the outfit. Chunky knit socks didn't make an appearance at the show, but be on the lookout; they will be just as big as tights this winter.

[ Read the rest of 'Levante & Jonathan Aston @ LMFF' ]