The fashion set had been eagerly anticipating this moment for weeks. The 2008 L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival launched the first of its seven official runway parades with seven prominent designer names featuring in Runway 1, presented by Harper’s Bazaar.

To begin their section, Sass and Bide included elements of their previous carnival-inspired range. Either it was all in the styling, or the new pieces were toned down during the winter collection to make a more refined and wearable silhouette. A monotone print mini-dress with butterfly sleeves at the shoulders had frills trailing down the back in an impressive piece. Another item that stood out was a caplet that was cut well to sit elegantly across the shoulders in an inky tone. The clownish stars made another spangly appearance on loose tank tops and were also picked up in other designer collections across the week.
 
Marnie Skillings lolly-coloured items will hopefully provide a tropical feel to the winter wardrobe. Electric orange and pink were the glaringly bright palette used but it was the old-fashioned ballerina print that showed up on her dresses and skirts that was unique. The whole collection was highly playful and girlish – a silky off-the-shoulder top with flared sleeves played up the feminine aspects in magenta.  
 
Any of the pieces in Jayson Brunsdon’s elegant collection could be that last minute, lifesaving, little dress that you were looking for. Select the pine-lime dress with silky bodice and soft knee-length skirt for a sunset champagne soiree (it would have been perfect to board the L’Oreal Paris VIP boat at LMFF in – you probably wouldn’t even require an invitation). Or choose the peach dress with contrasting cream straps and slimline tasselled belt for that first time “meeting the parents”. Jayson’s collection was entirely polished and primed for any event – you’d freeze in winter wearing any of it but at least you’d look entirely stylish.

Kirrily Johnston finally got the parade into the spirit of the upcoming season by including items you could wear out in the darker, gloomy months and not get frostbite. The palette of brown and black in relaxed oversized knit dresses and cardigans was in line with the season. An item that stood out was a cream mini in textured suede and leather patches paired with a blouse with a ruffled bib. It provided the antidote to the designer’s other darker, shroud-like pieces.  

Leona Edmiston went a little fussy on us with some floaty, voluminous dresses in busy red floral prints, and another frilly dress in baby pink. On the other hand, there was a streamlined, little black number with cut-outs at the shoulders that created a sleek silhouette.
 
The rainbow-sequined mini is Camilla and Marc’s most recognisable item for the upcoming season – sure to make any wearer the centre of attention. Paired with their more sombre trench coats and tailored jackets you could just about pull it off for winter – opaque stockings mandatory. A tiny white dress also stood out with its constricting bodice opposing its voluminous skirt, which made an impact out of not that much material.
 
Ginger and Smart’s inspiration was eclectic in the right sense of the word. Was their graphic print Grecian, Aztec or abstract? Either way it was unique. I’m not entirely convinced that their Jedi cloak – in a loose brown oversized knit – could be worked into the everyday wardrobe.

Harper’s Bazaar concluded their own show with a range of gowns by Aussie designers, splattered with the faces of prominent Australian women who have graced the cover of the publication over its 10 years in print, including the iconic Nicole, Cate and Elle. It was all in celebration of the magazine’s milestone, and various collaborations with local talent from the design and acting worlds over the years.

PHOTO GALLERY: L'Oreal Paris Runway 1

L'Oreal Paris Runway 2
L'Oreal Paris Runway 3
L'Oreal Paris Runway 4
L'Oreal Paris Runway 5
L'Oreal Paris Runway 7

Target Rocks Red Market 1
Target Rocks Red Market 1: Zac Posen