Mercedes Benz Brisbane Fashion festival kicks off on Saturday and its choco-o-block full of shows, cocktail events, talks and even an international gallery launch. If you’re a keen fashion enthusiast with both money and time on our hands then you may choose to attend the full schedule. If not, here are my suggestions for the events to grace with your presence with.
Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future
7 August – 14 November. Gallery of Modern Art, Tickets $20
The launch of the Valentino exhibition at GOMA coincides with MBFF rather conveniently. Originally Valentino himself was confirmed by Premier Anna Bligh to be attending the opening. This, as sadly expected, is no longer the case. One can only assume at the time he agreed he was probably under the impression that Brisbane was a quaint villa somewhere near Portofino, or perhaps a charming little winery in the south of France. Maybe he was tripping out on some strong fake tan fumes, I don't know. Needless to say his orange face and collection of pug dogs will be missed at the event, but it will still be worth witnessing. The exhibition is the same one that featured in the Valentino: The Last Emporer movie and includes garments worn by stars such as Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and more.
Mercedes-Benz Group Show 3
9.00pm, 8 August. Cultural Forecourt, South Bank, Tickets $46
The festival will officially kick off with well established designer labels such as Akira and Easton Pearson, but if you’re keen to witness some rising stars be sure to check out the Group 3 show. George Wu will present his latest Bespoke collection 'Inked' alongside Dogstar and New Zealand label’s Zambesi and Kate Sylvester as stocked at Lylah Boutique. Also, keep an eye out also for local designer duos Francis Leon and Nelson Molloy.
Mercedes-Benz Group Show 7
6.00pm, Monday 9th. Cultural Forecourt, South Bank, Tickets $46.00
Be sure to check out Brisbane designer to watch Amelia Duncomb’s label Neon Heartache as well as Melbourne local and Project Runway contestant Lady Petrova as part of Group Show 7. The event will also showcase labels available at online retailer Beginning Boutique including One Teaspoon, Sumakhi, Seventh Wonderland, Miss Unkon, Bec & Bridge, Urban Originals, Lilya, Neon Heartache, Daniel Alexander Couture, and Blanc + Delta.
Nando's Australian Fashion Graduate of the Year Award
6.00pm, Tuesday 10th. Cultural Forecourt - South Bank, Tickets $33
Not sure why Nando’s got on board to sponsor this year’s Australian Fashion Graduate of the Year Award, but hey who am I to judge them and their link between fashion and delicious Peri Peri chips. This show is always worth attending, purely just to see creativity at its rawest. Previous winners include Dion Lee and Soeli Pedroza to give you an idea of the strandard that is usually on offer. The parade will highlight this year's most promising graduate designs from Australia's top fashion colleges along with the announcement of the winner.
QUT "Fashion After Hours" in partnership with State Library
8.30-10.00pm Tuesday 10th. State Library of Queensland, Tickets $30
Join the discussion and hear from industry leaders on the current state of contemporary Australian fashion. Panellists include Mitchell Oakley Smith, Associate Editor, GQ and author of FASHION: Australian and New Zealand Designers, Katie Somerville, Curator Australian Fashion and Textiles National Gallery of Victoria, Susien Chong and Nic Briand of Australian label LOVER and Kay McMahon, Fashion Business Advisor, QUT Creative Enterprise Centre.