The humble black dress is something that has saved many of us in a time of need. It is often our ‘go to’ outfit on those days when not even a smile is a good enough accessory. It rarely fails to make us a look slimmer or taller and is our rock in amongst an overflowing wardrobe of sequins, stripes and all those fashionable bright pieces that lasted all of five minutes in one season. In celebration of the black dress as a wardrobe staple, a group of independent professionals in the Melbourne fashion industry created The Spirit of the Black Dress.
Heading into its fourth year in 2012, the Sprit of the Black Dress is an annual fashion/photography exhibition that also extends to a runway show and fashion film, showcasing ten of Australia’s most innovative, emerging designers. Committed to raising the profile of emerging fashion and increasing international appreciation for Australia design, the Spirit of the Black Dress also aimsto promote sustainability and innovative fashion design. Billed as the number one fashion event on the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, it serves as a celebration of excellence and a calendar event for sustainability conscious members of the industry.
Each year, ten emerging designers from various design backgrounds present their unique take on a garment representing the beloved black dress. As a result they are given the opportunity to network with industry leaders as their design is thrust into the spotlight, edging them one step closer to the kind of recognition that often takes years to build upon.
Recently the ten most innovative designers were carefully selected from a panel of industry stalwarts including, fashion designer Jenny Bannister, celebrity stylist Philip Boon, Sarah Gale of the Fashionista Business Consultancy Group, Kyra Prybus of Prybus PR and Phoebes Garland owner of Garland and Garland Fashion.
The winning designers were each chosen for their ability to showcase sustainable practices within the creativity of their pieces, with the focus on both form and texture ever-present thanks to the lack of any real colour.
Their entry pieces are said to be visual masterpieces, which will impress and excite their audience at the upcoming runway for The Spirit of the Black Dress as part of the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2012.
The Top 10 Designers for the 2012 Spirit of the Black Dress are;
1) Christina Exie (VIC)
2) Gabriella Ferrante (VIC)
3) Emmarose Kinsman (VIC)
4) Lisa Taranto (VIC)
5) Bhalo (VIC)
6) Berri Drum (VIC)
7) Sonya Kraan (VIC)
8) Bento (VIC)
9) Jessica Roberston (NSW)
10) Kate Aikins (SA)
Be sure to catch each of the amazing designs at the 2012 The Spirit of the Black Dress Runway as part of L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.
