It was all about the legs when L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival kicked off this morning. Today's "pop-up" parade popped up in Melbourne's city square, and though 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.

View the full photo gallery of show-coverage at Fashionising's Fashion Diary.

Post Last Updated:05.03.2007 at 15.09

Great photos tun :)

The swinging 60s were the inspiration behind the first of the L'Oreal Paris runway shows - with six collections each stepping out to a different Beatles song.

Camilla & Marc - Mini dresses with black opaque tights were the general order of the day, with a few swing and military style short coats added into the mix. As a collection, Camilla & Marc manage to take the same classic winter trends we've been seeing all over, but with enough added detail to make the pieces stand out, without being over the top.



See the full Camilla & Marc photo show coverage in the Fashion Diary.

Post Last Updated:05.03.2007 at 15.06

Tina Kalivas â With each mode's head circled with clear red plastic, Kalivas' parade was another step in the direction of the swinging 60s. The collection brought together soft, dusty pinks with rich reds and heather greys. Pretty dresses were turned into warm winter staples, layered atop knit roll-necks and thick tights. Floating dresses with sparkling galaxies of stars were a highlight to this collection.



See the full Tina Kalivas photo show coverage in the Fashion Diary.

Post Last Updated:05.03.2007 at 15.08

Toni Maticevski â In true Maticevski style, laces, pleats, silks and soft colours made an appearance on the runway. In contrast to the many mod-minis and short smocks that have been well and truly taking over, Maticevski stuck to longer hemlines, classic feminine shapes and trademark delicate details.



See the full Toni Maticevski photo show coverage in the Fashion Diary.

Post Last Updated:05.03.2007 at 15.18

Alice McCall - The styles that hit the runway for Alice McCall's show ranged from bold stripes to tailored jeans to silky smocks. The colour palette included striking yellow along with greys and creams. Wardrobe basics like a grey belted knit dress were contrasted by pieces of more decorative detailing in what was overall a very wearable collection.



See the full Alice McCall photo show coverage in the Fashion Diary.

Marnie Skillings - Marnie Skillings presented an eclectic collection that incorporated super-high waists, white opaque tights, and oddly-matched colours. Sophie Ward stepped out in an emerald green satin slip dress worn somewhat awkwardly over a white rollneck. Not the most flattering of outfits in this parade, however certain pieces that graced the catwalk would definitely work well individually.




See the full Marnie Skillings photo show coverage in the Fashion Diary.

Kirrily Johnson - Bright colours, cosy knits and oversized cameo pendants. Kirrily Johnson presented a collection that was both striking and wearable (for the most part - one certainly doesnât expect that skivvies worn up over the ears will take off anytime soon.) A belted mini-dress in metallic satin would work well as night time wear, while Johnson's super-long cardigans and jackets looked stylish and warm.



See the full Kirrily Johnson photo show coverage in the Fashion Diary.

Wow, unusual but I like ! Fashion seems to be taking a futuristic turn

Funnily enough it's just a revisioning of the 60s view of the future, not really futuristic at all.