Fashion police
Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday June 11, 2009
News, trends and hot spots from the frontline. Label Alert: MucciaThe latest local label to spawn a successful diffusion line is Melanie Cutfield. In fact, so successful has Muccia by Melanie Cutfield proved, the designer has decided to drop her main line and devote her energy to this more affordable spin-off. "When we launched Muccia last year we quickly realised this was where the money is and where people are spending," says New Zealand-born, Sydney-based Cutfield. "So we decided to reposition ourselves in the middle market and offer a designer product at a more affordable price." Muccia (sound familiar?) was named after the town in Italy, with which Cutfield fell in love. "I love Italy, my son is called Luca and I'm really inspired by [the country]," Cutfield says. She describes Muccia as more quirky and colourful than her original line. "Melanie Cutfield had a more sombre New Zealand edge this is much brighter and cheerful," she says. It also means you can now pick up a dress for $250 rather than $800. Muccia spring/summer '09 will hit stores from next month. Phone 9698 5845.Frugal feverLast week we wrote of this new phenomenon triggered by the GFC and causing us all to develop a healthy appetite for slash-and-burn bargains. In case you haven't noticed, practically every retailer from high-end designers like Paddington's Zimmerman (pictured here) through to chain stores is in the midst of their mid-season sale blitz. They're clearing out their winter stock to make way for the first summer stock next month (yes, it's mad, we know). Just remember, the new way to shop is to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your wardrobe, so only invest in classic styles that update your current clothes and will last beyond this season. Otherwise it's not really a bargain, is it?Hot clickAccessories are the best way to indulge in an instant and affordable style update. And FP has found a cool assortment of treasure that can be snapped up from the comfort of your desk. Stocking pieces from the likes of House of Harlow 1960 (Nicole Richie's jewellery collection) and Jezebel by Jade Jagger, trilbyphoenix.com.au has all bases covered. The brainchild of accessories addict Holly Baxter, the aim is to pluck highly coveted "on trend" pieces from around the globe. Baxter says: "My dream is to bring celebrity must-have and cult new designer pieces from around the world exclusively to Australia in a retail environment that fills the gap between mass-produced chain stores and household designer names." Pieces can also be made to order and if online is not your thing you can make an appointment to pop into the showroom in Paddington.On trendDenim's always hot but it's particularly hot this season, thanks to our renewed love of the flash, trash '80s (tight denim jackets and acid wash jeans are where it's at). It's also proving recession-proof. Word from the International Fashion Group, the Australian distributor for cult US denim brands True Religion, 7 For All Mankind and Paige, is that they've experienced 20 per cent growth already this year. What's behind the spike? According to retail feedback, premium US brands rank highly in the hunt for the perfect pair of denims. Our hit pick? These Zoe "Billy" slim-fits by True Religion, featuring gold sequin detailing on the back pocket, ($475, 8987 3400). It's hard to deny fit is everything when it comes to jeans but it must also be said that VPL (visible panty lines) will completely blow your cover. So naturally FP loves the new Jeanious, a skimpy new brief by Berlei, ($29.95, 1800 645 045) featuring dip front and back created to wear with jeans sans bumcrack. Genius.The new UGGNot that FP is all about advocating American. Given that UGG Australia is now owned by a US company, why not rug up this winter in EMU instead? Entirely Australian owned and made and every bit as fab as the Ugg boot, FP predicts this sheepskin-lined camel pair ($129.95) will become the boot of the season. Well, indoors anyway risk a Kath And Kim Fountaingate outdoor faux pas at your peril. See emuaustralia.net or phone (03) 5224 2399.SAVE splurgeA blingtastic statement shoe is considered hot property right now.Balmain $1995 (03) 9654 7730 Zu, Studley $159 zushoe.com.
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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