Metropolis: TAFE graduate parade 2012

(EDIT: There has been some really interesting discussion on unconventional models and what that entails for fashion as rebellion on the Not So Naked facebook page, sparked by my comments here. I will always encourage diversity of opinions and I think it's great that we can have these conversations.)

I'll admit when a drag queen opened the largest Adelaide Fashion Festival show of the year, I was a little concerned that show theatrics would overshadow the wonderful talent of our local designers. But more memorable than the opening act were the real design highlights this year. And one designer was clearly head and shoulders above the rest: Emma Cherry.

If the graduate parade is a make-or-break chance to show the local industry what you've got, Emma will be the name on everyone's lips in years to come. Her tight collection of well-cut leather work, plastics and prints struck the perfect balance between originality and commercial appeal. Victoria Scarce, whom I've featured here when she designed womenswear, also hit the right note with her swim collection and seems to have a good dose of potential.

Judge for yourself with the full gallery on facebook.

Scott Fauler | Kate Backshall

Ashlee Graham | Carly Morrison

Daniella Schild | Cathy Bui

Emma Cherry | Jade Tropea

Tegan Murray | Frances Toll

Rola Andary | Rosie Mellor

Souky Phommachak | Colleen Stewart

Ellen Harkin | Johanna McGovern

Iliana Salagara | Jen Veale

Kate Ruggiero | Victoria Scarce


Anastasie Kayembe | Rani Sutton

Chanelle

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What we wrote: Attitude magazine spring 2012

A night on the town with friends old and new was immortalised in Attitude's spring 2012 edition. I conducted interviews and assisted my good friend Nick, who took photos, while Selena and the Attitude team came along for the ride. There's nothing quite like seeing your words in print. Click through to read the rest of the issue! It's also free at most boutiques in Adelaide.

Chanelle

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Top 5 beauty buys

You've got time to kill in Sephora, and you can only buy five things. Quick, make a decision! What to get?!

If, perchance, you ever find yourself in such a bizarre situation, you'll know to refer back here, to the five things I love the most out of my beauty bag.

1. Urban Decay Super Saturated Lip Pencils

As far as I know, these aren't available in Australia, but with a little parcel forwarding you can score them online. They're the best and brightest of colour pops, wear nicely, and as you can see, I couldn't help but buy half the range.

2. MAC Penultimate Eye Liner

I use liquid eye liner nearly every day, and I have yet to find anything that's easier to use than this. The only gripe I have with it is that there isn't a lot in the pen, so buy a couple if you use it as much as I do.

3. Illamasqua nail varnish in Rare

This shade is a true matte neon, and is everything you could want in a nail polish. Dries quickly (unlike the dozens that claim to), lasts days, and doesn't require too many coats. It rips the buzz brands like OPI to shreds, and if I had it my way, I'd only buy Illamasqua from here on.

4. Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Sparkling Satins

I know, I know, it's $95 at David Jones. And when you're 16, $95 is a lot of money. (Don't make my mistake; buy online or overseas.) That's right, I've had this eye shadow since I was 16, and it applies like I bought it yesterday. I've used it at least weekly (probably more) for five years and it's not showing any sign of running out soon. Nowadays, it's the only eye shadow I travel with. When you think about how long it's going to last you, $95 isn't so bad.

5. Nars blush duo in Orgasm/Laguna

If you know anything about makeup, you know Nars Orgasm has dominated the market since its release. Heck, even I know that, and I don't consider myself a makeup fiend by anybody's standards. I gave it a go on a whim because I needed a good contouring shade and this was the first thing I picked up in Sephora in February. I sure am glad I did.

Agree/disagree? What are your makeup must-haves?

Chanelle

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Friends of mine

Jess Tran surprises me more every time I talk to her. | Jasmin Howell is a gregarious doll who could put anyone at ease.

Margaret Zhang is a picture of drive and talent, but most importantly, friendship. | Maggie Cameron has bravery in her.

 

Ben McPherson takes photographs that find the loneliness that lurks in everyone. | Chloe Sargeant is a young model with an old soul.

I'm always taking photos of my friends, so I might as well share some of the fashion-focused images with you. Their skin could be spotted with measles, and they might smell their worst, and I'd still think they were the most gorgeous things to grace this earth. That's the problem with me, I just think all my friends are more attractive than they probably are. It's like being drunk all the time, drunk with affection. 

These people are beautiful to me. If you're lucky enough to get the chance, get to know them. I think you'll find them beautiful too. 

Chanelle

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What we wore: Variety on King William

ASOS dress | Vintage watch | Sportsgirl bag
Photo by Chloë Sargeant

This dress actually has a huge wing that has been dubbed 'that flicky thing', which makes me feel like a bit of a wizard. It's the second time I've worn it to a fashion festival, this time to the first annual Variety on King William event, which saw 200 metres of Hyde Park's main street closed off for fresh fashion, food and wine.

Having talked to the parade's stylist about the key trends that would be showing, it was a nice experience to see it all come together on the catwalk. The parade went for about an hour, so props to Lucy Rose and the crew for some crazy organisation!

Chanelle

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Adelaide Fashion Festival opening party | Street style

Emma Smithson, writer (The Urban Silhouette) | Sia Duff, photographer

Georgia Smith, blogger (Girl About Town)

Georgie Merrill (Finesse Models) | Chloe Sargeant, model/blogger (Swim with the Current)

The next two weeks will be a frenzy of activity for those in the fashion industry in Adelaide as Adelaide Fashion Festival kicks off the season. It all started with an opening ceremony at Government House this week, where the beauties came out in force. To keep tabs on the shows, follow me on instagram @thisischanelle.

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Stylist Lucy Rose spills on how to wear neon, pastel and kaftans

I hit the studio last week to take a peek at what will be on offer at tomorrow's Variety on King William parade, and got some quick fashion tips from stylist Lucy Rose to share with you.

If the fine wining, dining and fashion on King William sounds like something up your alley, tickets are available at the parade, where a small part of King William Road, Hyde Park will be closed off for the event. Lunch begins at noon and will feature the delicious fares of the local eateries. More information here.

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Blonde hair, pink roots

Vintage bag, belt and skirt | Top from Stephie's Shop (gift) | Daniel Wellington classic warwick watch (gift)

A fit of caprice resulted in me mixing some hot pink and turquoise dyes I had sitting in my bathroom and painting them on my roots. Be warned, if your hair is bleached this light, the dye will stick extremely quickly! So don't splotch it on like I did, and actually try to make it even. Not that I don't love having pink hair (again), though.

Chanelle

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