MAJESTIC IN MILAN

It is my first overseas trip in over 7 years and boy am I doing it in style. The reason for the trip? Besides escaping the office and deserving a good holiday, research! Melbourne is ranked number 28 and Sydney 34 as fashion capitals of the world and it was time to step out the boarders of Australia and see how the Europeans do fashion week. Hello fashion week Milan and Paris.

The woman collection fashion shows are the most awaited moment of the international fashion system. The "Big 4" Milan, Paris, New York and London. They are the leaders in clothing and design for both men and women. First stop Milan. Milano Moda Donna has two annual editions: September/October (spring/summer collection) and February-March (fall/winter collection)which is the one I am attending. So far it has been absolutely amazing to be a part of the action:. 

Coming from an Australian summer to the cold of a European winter had it's challenges when it came to packing but I thought I’d give you a glimpse of what’s in my suitcase to wet your appetite. Luckily there are some amazing bespoke menswear companies in Australia that bring some serious flavour to menswear and landed in my suitcase. I was lucky enough to pack some splendid winter pieces in my case to visit Duomo Di Milano and flounce past window displays that caused me to foam at the mouth at Piazza del Duomo.

I will cover off on the mind blowing experience of Milan Fashion Week in a later post(stay tuned) but for now, onto one of my favourite pieces in my case.  

I first saw this blazer on the FASHFEST runway in 2017, a bewitching purple velvet suit strutted down the catwalk and I was captivated by it. The designers are the team at Braddon Tailors BT It is super luxurious and is one of those iconic pieces that just screams style with its charismatic features. It is classic, a little sexy, opulent and completely fresh in this shade of majestic purple. This was the blazer I knew I would wear to an exclusive fashion party on the other side of the Duomo Di Milano from my hotel. I knew skipping across the pigeon flocked square would be something right out of an Italian cinematic movie. And it was. 

Every inch of this city is totally Instagram worthy.  All I can think about is photoshoots and how I would capture it if I was filming. It is somewhere between Hollywood's heyday of shooting in Italy and feeling like I you are constantly in a vogue shoot. But you cannot feel either way without having the right clothes to accompany such a magnetic backdrop. 

My love affair with double breasted has been a rocky road to say the least. Most ready-to-wear double-breasted blazers are less flattering as they are made for mass production and to fit an “ordinary” body. This is why it is the perfect excuse to shop smarter and having one made bespoke, and if you do there is no reason it shouldn’t be very flattering. Building a wardrobe that brings you confidence means saving dollars on current trends and investing in pieces that will stick by you for seasons to come. It has taken a little bit of experience with double breasted to embrace the style fully but one thing I have learnt is once you go bespoke, you wont go back!

So far I have observed that Italians wear everything from bold statement pieces to minimal silhouettes in punchy colours, and have such a unique take on personal style. It truly is inspiring and I feel energised by being surrounded by this constant smorgasbord feast for the eyes. I am so relieved to see maximalism has returned.Both men and women just throw out the rule book and have fun with clothes and how they are wearing them. Which is really the Italian culture is it not? 

Bravo Bravo

Photography by Tania Volobueva
http://fotoCALL.me/ 

LE INTRO: AN AUSSIE IN EUROPE

Being from the fashion capital of Australia, Melbourne, I have a lot of expectations when it comes to fashion events. Melbourne is known as the “fashion capital” and we expect a lot from runway line ups, style and lifestyle. But what will Milan and Paris be like?

The womans fashion shows are the most awaited moment of the international fashion system. In Milan I will be attending one of the most important prêt-à-porter trade shows The One Milano as well as numerous shows and party's. I am looking forward to seeing what is forcasted and will eventually land on Aussie shores in four or five seasons. 

The invites from wonderful brands and organisers have rolled in and my itinerary is looking very solid for Paris as well. Fashion is the love of my life and I am very much looking forward to sharing all this wonderful content with you all via Instagram and Facebook. 

Over the past 12 months I have spent a considerable amount of time attending fashion events across the land down under. Hordes of bloggers, influencers and wannabes present their best offerings in the hope of striking fame whilst attending these shows with no real interest in the fashion. Of course these events are made to showcase the designers talent and for the dedicated fashion addicts and junkies like myself who want to be inspired and fall in love with the creativity and beauty of creative clothing.

In one short week I will board the plane and venture to Milan and Paris for the first time for fashion week. I am beyond thrilled to see the difference between Australian street style and what appears to be effortless European chic, let alone the talent of the runways and at the trade shows. At present there is snow on the streets of Paris and Milan appears to be gearing up for a week of fabulous fashion. 

As an Aussie that has never been to Milan or Paris, I think my heart is going to melt at all the wonderful chic people and it will be an experience like no other. After all both cities are in the “Big 4”, the 4 biggest cities for fashion is the world. 

I have always wanted to visit Paris since I was a young boy and now this Aussie will finally be able to stand in front of the Eiffel tower and let out a tear of joy right in the middle of fashion week. I wonder how many Instagram posts will follow?

Most of the fashion shows in Australia tend to produce safe versions of well groomed and pruned ensembles ready for the everyday consumer offering not much inspiration. The flare for dramatics or igniting a point of difference is what I am looking forward to and the use of colour, prints, fabric, materials and silhouettes. And the people!

I always have an appreciation for the talent of up and coming designers as well as established brands and am I am super excited to visit a number of stores I have been referred to for shopping.  

I feel so inspired at a fashion show, from seeing someone’s creativity come to life, if it be hair and make-up, styling, modelling and or of course the clothes. The runway is electric with energy, the synergy of all the creative teams coming together in such a dynamic way, and I binge feed on it as it ignites desires and lust for what I see on the runway.

I fear that I will not want to return after gorging on all the wonderful activity. Can you imagine the shopping!

Better make some room in my suitcases.