The collection was designed and manufactured right here in Australia and features a gorgeous array of monos, metallics and stripe prints.

Standout pieces include the wave skirt, hoodie, vests and foil top.

Here are my picks >

Creative Direction & Styling: Karolina Karolinka

Hair & Makeup: Chisato Chris Arai & Fred Shahed

Model: Alys @ Chic Management

View more of the collection online at www.nicolafinetti.com

Enjoy, melbgirl x

He is one of the savviest designers of our generation, and has won the hearts of fashion enthused people around the globe.

Recently he adds being the newly appointed creative direction of Balenciaga to his already impressive resume, appointing him as the demise of fashion. This 28 year old American will be hitting this beautiful Parisian streets joining the likes of Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Narciso Rodriguez who all went to pursue Paris in the late 1990s.

Wang put a whole new meaning on the concept of a basic tee, creating contemporary T-shirts, sweatshirts and shorts that look remarkably like high fashion. He has the ability to create a buzz with everything he does, and I’m sure it is for these same reasons that his appointment at Balenciaga comes as a sweet sound to the ears of fashion pursuits.

I can’t wait to see how this wunderkind of the fashion world – Alexander Wang will revolutionise Balenciaga already priceless heritage.

* Feature photo from citizenchic.blogspot.com.au

The collection is an obvious infusion of bohemian chic and effortless glamour – perfect designs for the ‘fashion forward woman’.

Timeless, chic and elegant pieces in gunmetal silvers, antique bronze, pink jades and rose gold’s. Every ring, cuff, and necklace can almost represent and symbolise a page in Chrissy’s travel diary this year.

‘Romancing The Stone’ is the perfect addition to pop your outfit this season.

This week, we chat to Lauren about all things fashion and how fabulous the fashion scene is for Melbourne designers >

> Tell us about you journey into fashion design?

Sewing is a love that runs in the blood of my family. My grandma was a talented dressmaker and my mother followed the same passion. She promptly taught me the art of sewing from a young age. For years I made my own clothes for my friends and myself and began attending local designer markets. Suddenly my hobby had become a full time job and so HerPony was born.

> How has Melbourne shaped how you design your garments? 

The vintage scene in Melbourne has always been a major influence in my designing. I particularly love a Melbourne Summer of picnics, markets and festivals and mostly design garments that I want to wear for myself!

> What’s the hottest trend for summer 2013?

I am loving the all white trend and muted pastel tones.

> Anything exciting happening next year for HerPony? 

We are beginning to produce more and limited seasonal collections and one off garments and we are also so excited to be producing a small line of vintage style swimwear.

Some exciting news… We are giving away a gorgeous HerPony Flora Dress to one lucky Melbourne Girl instagram fan! To enter, simply post the photo below to your instagram feed, tag #melbgirlxHerPony and follow @melbgirl & @herponythelabel — it’s that easy easy!

Comp is open to Australian residents only & closes 28/11/12.
Winner will be announced in the comments below on 29/11/12.

Good Luck!

And a big thanks to Lauren for her exclusive interview

melbgirl x

Target have just announced its first ever kids’ designer collaboration with Australian luxury street wear brand ksubi.

One of Australia’s most culturally relevant and iconic brands, ksubi has built a significant presence and international cult following over the years. With existing extensive kids’ fashion focus and proven adult apparel success within the Designers for Target program, Target is fast setting a new standard in designer collaborations.

Brought together by ksubi’s ‘band of misfits’ in collaboration with the Target’s kidswear and designer teams, ksubi Kid for Target is an expression of ksubi’s strength in denim design, bold graphics and fashion forward silhouettes, and provides a unique option for Target customers to dress their kids’ in designer clothing at an affordable price.

Breathing ksubi’s punk aesthetic and carefree attitude into the Target brand, the range includes signature denim jeans, jacket, shorts and tees for boys and girls. ksubi Kid for Target launches nationally in selected Target stores and online at target.com.au on 28 November 2012.

Enjoy, melbgirl x

The BIG announcement by Qantas CEO, Alan Joyce was that the very talented Melbourne born and Paris based Australian designer Martin Grant has been chosen to design the new Qantas staff uniform. “Martin Grant will use his creative vision and 30 years experience to develop concepts for the new uniform for cabin crew and uniformed employees,” Mr Joyce said.

Martin Grant said it was a true honour to be selected as the new Qantas uniform designer. “As an Australian, I’m proud to be working with such an iconic Australian brand. It will be wonderful to see the Qantas teams wearing my design across Australia and in cities all over the world,”€ Mr Grant said.

Alan Joyce announces Martin Grant as the new Qantas uniform designer.

Martin Grant with models wearing past Qantas Uniform designs.

I am so excited for Martin, who will take his next big fashion design step and represent the Melbourne fashion community on the global stage. Cementing his imprint in Australia’s fashion history, Martin joins the impressive list of past Qantas uniform designers including Peter Morrissey (the new uniform design will replace the existing design by Peter, which was introduced in 2003), Emilio Pucci, Yves Saint Laurent and George Gross and Harry Who to name a few.

The Qantas uniform has been re-designed nine times since 1959 and I would highly recommend you take a browse through their online Historic Image Gallery. The gallery features a pictorial journey of the Qantas uniform, an eclectic mix of bright and muted colours, long and short skirts, super cute hats and an array of sharply cut jackets/suits with button detailing. Each of the designs are a representation of their chapter in time and they spark memories from my uni days when I studied art history during my Bachelor of Arts degree (focusing on all things fashion of course when it came to selecting a major assignment topic). Here are a couple of my favourite images from the gallery:

Born in Melbourne, Martin Grant launched his first ready‐to‐wear line in 1982 at his studio located at Stalbridge Chambers, 435-443 Little Collins Street (this Building has since become legendary for it’s creative history). His talent was quickly recognised by the Australian fashion industry and since then, Martin has received numerous accolades and fashion awards for his designs.

Martin is currently based in Paris and is internationally recognised for his bespoke tailoring, simplicity of lines and timeless silhouettes. His collections are sold across the world in Australia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and the United States. His catwalk shows have been avidly watched on youtube by us Australian fashionistas who have not been lucky enough to witness them in real life in Paris. One of my favorite shows, his SS12 collection was a vibrant display of orange and yellow statement pieces, tailored skirt suits, elegant dresses and amazing wavy colette pants, in both solid colourways and printed designs. Watch the show below:

Here are some of my favourite designs from Martin’s AW12/13 collection:

The next stage in the design process will see Martin engaging with the Qantas uniform panel (which consists of a dedicated team of uniformed employees representing their colleagues across the business, to provide feedback on elements such as design, wear and comfort) and collaborating with Qantas employees to evolve concepts and designs.

The once-in-a-decade redesign of the Qantas uniform is the perfect moment for Qantas to also offer a professional fashion blogger and their audience the opportunity to be a part of something that has never been offered before. This role has aptly been titled as the Qantas Fashion Correspondent (QFC) – and I am VERY excited to let you all know that I will most definitely be putting my hand up in application to being selected as the QFC. The appointed blogger will be provided with access to Martin Grant at various times over the next 12 months, to report on the fashion milestones of the uniform designs.

The opportunity to keep track of Martin’s design planning would be a huge honour and I’m sure I can speak for all Melbourne Girl readers that we would indeed LOVE to report/read on the progress in the usual melbgirl manner… in informative and professional, but most importantly personal posts that focus on the style, design and fashion we aspire too. Melbourne Girl love sharing thoughts, tips, trends and ideas with our readers that they won’t find anywhere else and know that the Qantas, Martin Grant and Me (Emily Collie aka Melbourne Girl) would be a perfect fit for this journey.

I wish to extend my thanks in closing to the Qantas team for the exciting opportunity to be considered as the QFC. I’m sure whoever is successful in this feat will cherish the moments working with Martin to share the milestones and honour the title as it so deserves!

Enjoy, melbgirl x

Discover Young Republic’s incredible emerging designers with an exclusive shopping event. Staged at the stunning Baraki Bar on Thursday 8September at 5pm, the night encapsulates the creativity, community and jazzy spirit Melbourne has to offer.

Help raise the profile of independent and eco-design among Australians while admiring and purchasing the latest must-have collections from Young Republic’s standout sellers.

Come and support Young Republic by celebrating the official welcoming of Vinyl Cuts, Marho, Bird of Play, Things by Bean, My Secret Agent Lover Man, Fiel Sol, Double Dutch Design and Melanie Rice to the MSFW City Series.

Young Republic’s online community has recently expanded to the United States, South America and the United Kingdom. Championing local talent on the global stage, Young Republic is currently taking designer registrations and expressions of interest.

Enjoy drinks, music and shopping courtesy of Australia’s first interactive marketplace for stylish, sophisticated and eco-conscious design. Receive a gift bag upon arrival while sipping complimentary lattes and espresso courtesy of Morning Glory in the Vittoria Coffee Lounge.

Contact RSVP@youngrepublic.com.au to register your attendance.

Enjoy, melbgirl x

Intertwining sophisticated romance with contemporary practicality, the talented young designer, known for her intricate detailing and soft, feminine gowns, produces yet another show-stopping collection designed to astonish and amaze. The new collection encompasses bright injections of colour; including vibrant coral,turquoise and neon, as well the usual pastel tones, nudes and muted hues.

I’m totally in love with the above the knee, shell coloured ‘Mischa Flower Dress’ (pictured above, left).

The new Anna Campbell boutique is located at 238 Sydney Rd, Brunswick and houses the full Bridal, Bridesmaid and SS11 collections. Opening hours:
Wednesdays 10am – 5pm
Thursdays and Fridays 1pm – 7pm
Saturdays 11am – 3pm

Enjoy, melbgirl x