We're all a bit over the 'Store Wars' moniker (gawd, it was coined way back in my old newspaper days) but it always raises its head around this time.
David Jones and then Myer unleash their latest designer collections with mega runway shows for the new season and it all turns into one mega fashion fiesta.
Why one fashion show, with 350 invite-only guests makes SO much news on the TV, in newspapers, on radio and online is about one thing only. Well three things, actually.
1/DJs have a big ad spend so the media love them and 2/outlets love a pic of a pretty frock to counterbalance other shit that happens and 3/retail has to fight, more than ever, for every bit of cash register business it can get . . .
Last nights show was a return to the glam, old school party days of the retailer, even though most were out the door before 9pm and home in time to watch for Packed to the Rafters.
After being greeted by new Djs boss Paul Zahra, we made our way up 7 sets of escalators for French 'poo (Veuve) and food from Guillaume Brahimi served to guests like Dannii Minogue, Lara Bingle, Djs face Megan Gale, Jodhi Meares, Justin Hemmes (admiring his latest gal-pal, the divine model Alexandra Agoston) and the svelte actress, Melissa George.
As usual, there was a huge contingent of lifestyle, fash-mag and gossipy media types including Fairfax and News daily paper editors who must as have been chomping at the bit, as while this was happening, some serious shit was happening in Canberra.
Designers like Lisa Ho, Collette Dinnigan, Alannah Hill, Scanlan & Theodore, Trelise Cooper and George Gross showed the gamut of the saleable and safe seasonal trends: camel, lace, leather and red, on a black perspex runway that snaked around the former "On 7" international designer precinct of the store.
Giving a fresher, younger vibe to the show (and to the Djs brand) were names like Dion Lee, Josh Goot, One Teaspoon, Thurley, Willow, Camilla & Marc, Bianca Spender and even Camilla Franks, who managed to move her signature kaftans (given a tick of approval by the Oprah Foundation) outta loud-color land and into a nice shade of autumnal brown.
Everything on the runway look polished and poised (the model's MAC make-up was incredibly strong and a tad heavy around the lip-line department) and there was very polite applause following the finale of 'red' creations from each of DJs featured designers.
The passive "I was just thinking about the chicken sausages I'm having when I get home,'' line from my front row buddy had me spluttering the sparkling eau, but then, for many, this is just another requirement of their job.
To see and to be seen. Then get home for that sausage.
All up, it was a clean-looking, sleek and commercially minded show . . . A strong 8/10 . .
THE BUZZ . . .
*It was matter of coming, seeing and leaving for News boss John Hartigan and Seven's James Warburton, who both where pretty much the first media heavies down the escalators and out straight after the frock show.
*Vivacious shoe designer and budding WAGS reality TV star Terry Biviano and fiance Anthony "Minni" Minicello were showing off one mighty fine David Nader-designed engagement ring. Marriage is on the cards for them "next year" but perhaps even sooner . . .
*A little bit of chat about a reality TV show starring the bolshie marie claire editor, Jackie Frank. With the unveiling of 'Park Street' on Foxtel in a few weeks (I've seen an ep and there are a few unexpected stand-out characters) it seems everyone is on the tele nowadays . . . .
*While the multi-million dollar sale of sass & bide was pretty much yesterday's news (such is the pace of the news cycle, including fashion) with most hounds still in awe of the staggering figure Myer paid for the brand. Imagine what Collette Dinnigan could get?
*Pia Miranda, Alyssa McLelland, Gracie Otto, Marcus Graham, Emma Lung were some of the cool thesps in the Djs crowd
*Other guests included Skye Leckie, Lyndey Milan, Julian Tobias, Lisa Keighery and Angela Bishop while doing a great job introducing the evening was fashion boss, David Bush.
*Wondered why the man who invented Australian Fashion Week and who is the recipient of this year's government-lauded Fashion Laureate award, Simon Lock was in Row B . . . and when there were only 2 rows, 'twas a bit rough . . . He really deserves much more than that . .
above runway pic courtesy of News Limited
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