Last week Chadstone held its A/W 2014 runway show along with the Australian launch of Coach’s Ready to Wear line and it was nothing short of spectacular. Canapés were dished out as the Melbourne’s fashion elite gathered and the conversations flowed along with the glasses of Champagne, it was an event like nothing I’d ever attended before, it was a runway show, yes, but it wasn’t showcasing a particular label or designer. Instead, it was showcasing Chadstone Shopping Centre. If you live in Melbourne you’ll know that Chadstone is no ordinary shopping centre. It’s “the fashion capital” and boasts stores such as Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo in its luxury precinct as well as a number of Australian labels; Thurley, Sass & Bide, Zimmerman. From high street to high end, Chadstone has arguably one of the best selections of stores and brands for a shopping centre in Australia.
“Life with Style” was a showcase of the offerings of Chadstone and the democratic nature of the stores which Chadstone carries. It was interesting that democracy was mentioned as it truly is a reflection of the fashion industry as of current and the way in which Chadstone embraces just that. The runway show wasn’t presented by designer or label but by trend. The trends were as follows: Blue Daze, Sports Luxe, Printed Matter, Gentleman’s Club, Wine Down, Sugar Coated and Sheer Beauty. A personal favourite was the Gentleman’s Club which consisted of sleek lines, the battle between tailored and oversized, hats and even more hats. It’s one of those looks which, for me, exude confidence in a woman. A woman who isn’t afraid, and honestly it’s very very close to my personal style.
Last year I bumped into a friend while I was wearing a black and white outfit; fitted trousers, blazer and white t-shirt, she asked me whether I was going for a job (I was mortified) although just to clarify I wasn’t going to a job interview, I was on my way to have lunch with a friend, but, that’s beside the point. And while a few of those trends, I also picked out from the a/w season this year, I was most surprised by Chadstone’s decision to include Sports Luxe. I think Sports Luxe first surfaced in the mainstream fashion scene around 2012-2013-ish but it’s always been associated with Summer. It’s associated first and foremost with mesh, white and black mostly right? At least that’s what comes to mind when someone says “Sports Luxe” so when Chadstone presented it as a trend for a/w it was interesting, to say the least.
I remember Chadstone presented a Spring/Summer show last year, Icons with Style I think it was and it was on a much smaller scale. I think this year, as Chadstone grew, the runway show did and so did the guest list. I love a runway show as much as the next person and Chadstone certainly delivered (on the show and the goody bags too!)
Also a big thank you to Haystac for inviting me and a friend to attend.
