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What’s better than falling in love with an outfit you see on the runway? Learning that you can buy it then and there, and that it’s more affordable than you’d ever dared hope.
If that describes you to a tee, then we know how you feel. After all, it’s been part of our GRAZIA’s brand DNA for over half a century to pair luxury pieces with the best affordable fashion we can find.
That’s the modus operandi for all of our favourite fashion influencers too. From original GRAZIA It-girl (and by It, we mean both in the cool sense and Italian) Chiara Ferragni, to Australian stars Sarah Ellen, Mimi Elashiry, Pia Muehlenbeck and Nadia Fairfax, all are masters of mixing high fashion and high street to maximum effect.
How does all of this relate to GRAZIA presenting the closing runway show at the Virgin Australian Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) in March 2018? Each of the seven brands GRAZIA fashion director Aileen Marr will style into the catwalk event are both chic and totally cost friendly.
The hero image from the VAMFF 2018 campaign
BUY TICKETS TO THE VAMFF 2018 CLOSING SHOW PRESENTED BY GRAZIA HERE
Join us for the runway fun on March 10 and we guarantee you’ll be inspired. Meantime, here’s a little get-to-know-you kiki on our seven-strong runway show band of brands. We just happen to love them. We know you will too.
Consider this bohemian for polished urban girls. Bespoke baroque prints, rich brocades, sexy shapes and romantic chiffon are all common ingredients for this Sydney-based label founded in 2013 by former glossy magazine editor Lizzie Renkert and her designer sister Georgie. Effortless as it is, every piece feels deliciously indulgent.
EXPECT TO SEE: the sexiest romantic looks you’ll spy all season.
CHECK OUT: We Are Kindred’s Instagram.
Jennifer Hawkins wears a We Are Kindred cropped top and skirt set
Credit: Instagram @jenhawkins
This is one of the five brands that fall under much-loved Adelaide-based retail hub BNKR, which launched in 2011 and is now a global success story. (Other brands are C/MEO Collective, Keepsake, The Fifth and Jagger.)
Of all the BNKR label sisters, Finders is probably the most playful, covering everything from cute daywear to poppy evening pieces. Jessica Alba, Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner and FKA Twigs are all fans and big-name stores like Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Nordstrom, Shopbop and Myer have stocked its wares.
EXPECT TO SEE: chic pieces with a cute twist that are perfect for girls’ nights out.
CHECK OUT: Finders Keepers’ Instagram.
From left, style bloggers Matilda Djerf and Francis Lola with model Dominique Elissa and BEAR Originals founder Saasha Burns, all wearing Finders Keepers latest collection
Credit: Instagram @finderskeepersthelabel
3. ASILIO
A regular event go-to for Jodie Anasta, Jennifer Hawkins, Nadia Bartell and even Kourtney Kardashian, this Melbourne-based changed tack when it appointed Project Runway star and Woolmark Prize 2015 finalist Jamie Ashkar creative director in 2017.
Given Ashkar’s signature structured, geometric aesthetic was a departure from the filled, feminine looks of its past, this was a calculated risk – that worked. “My direction for the brand is all about encapsulating the femininity with a slight edge, the focus on strong silhouettes, key fabrications with an elevated perspective of what we all love about ASILIO,” Ashkar told GRAZIA at the time.
EXPECT TO SEE: your next Portsea Polo outfit here.
CHECK OUT: Asilio’s Instagram.
Elyse Knowles in an Asilio dress at a Mercedes launch event in Melbourne in December 2017
Credit: Instagram @elyseknowlzy
4. THIRD FORM
Minimalists rejoice: this brand’s just for you. For the days when feminine and floral just don’t float your boat, you have Third Form by designer Merryn Kelly.
Using a predominantly black, white and cream palette, which the occasional bold print like leopard or pop of earthy yellow to spice things up, this Sydney-based label embraces simplicity with things like cotton slip dresses, linen tees, silk trousers and tunic minis. Chances are you’ve spied Margaret Zhang or Nadia Fairfax wearing this label before.
EXPECT TO SEE: a lesson in modern minimalist cool.
CHECK OUT: Third Form’s Instagram.
Instagram bombshell and beauty muse Laura Jade Stone wearing a Third Form dress
Credit: Instagram @laurajadestone
5. TALULAH
Founded by celebrated Brisbane-born designer Kelli Wharton in 2005, this label is the longest-established one in our runway collection, but as bold and fresh as ever.
“The Talulah woman is dynamic – she is bold, she is sexy and she has something to say. Her wardrobe is only the start of the conversation,” says Wharton (who’s now based in Byron Bay) on the brand’s website. It has an appropriate celebrity following given its own It-brand status: Tash Oakley, Jodi Gordon, Kate Waterhouse, Clementine McVeigh and Jennifer Hawkins are amongst the many devotees.
EXPECT TO SEE: a dress or jumpsuit for every occasion.
CHECK OUT: Talulah’s Instagram.
Former Miss World Australia Erin Holland wearing a Talulah mini dress on New Year’s Eve 2017
Credit: Instagram @erinvholland
6. ELLIATT
This Sydney-based brand has built a reputation as an affordable event outfit go-to since head designer Katie Pratt launched it in 2011. Her focus back then was on dressing Sydney and Melbourne women for the social scene, and while the brand has certainly expanded since then, her ability to supply effortless, feminine pieces often embellished with lace or embroidery hasn’t waned.
EXPECT TO SEE: luxe jumpsuits, lady-like tops and jackets that will take you from work office to wine bar.
CHECK OUT: Elliatt’s Instagram.
Melbourne-based Swedish blogger Fredrika Akander wearing Elliatt top and pants
Credit: Instagram @fakander
7. KEEPSAKE
Just like its BNKR sister label Finders Keepers, Keepsake is perfect for girls who like to bask in the spotlight. But unlike the flirty former label, this one is softer, more sophisticated and a total romantic at heart. She also focuses firmly on pretty eveningwear. If you’re a fan of floaty ruffles, frills, floral and lace detailing, then this one is for you.
EXPECT TO SEE: your next wedding invite outfit dilemma sorted.
CHECK OUT: Keepsake’s Instagram.
Model and presenter Natalie Roser wearing Keepsake at the 2017 Portsea Polo
Credit: Instagram @natalieroser
SEATS ARE LIMITED!
BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE VAMFF 2018 CLOSING SHOW PRESENTED BY GRAZIA HERE
WHEN: 10 March 2018
WHERE: Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton VIC 3053
TIME: Starts 9pm (doors open 8.30pm). Show runs 30 minutes
TICKETS: Cost start at $59 (plus handling fee) through Ticketek
VIP TICKETS: front-row seats and lounge access $199 through Ticketek
