Justify my love

The week's Melbourne Fashion Festival has been somewhat of a disappointment. Failed by Melbourne's interpretation of what should be Spring whether, chilly breezes with warm sun filled landscapes, we were instead presented with pouring rain. Dozens of industry women dressed in their Lisa Ho outfits, frocked up in Alannah Hill, were all expecting warm weather to render their need for jackets useless. Instead of looking the part of Australia's high fashion, they ended up huddled under umbrellas trying to find out where, what one passing woman described as, 'Michael Angel's Fucking Flowerhouse' was located. 'The Flowerhouse' was the venue for all four of last week's major fashion shows. Hidden behind Federation Square, above the car park (above the car park? what the hell?), there was no way anyone could escape the rain. Girls were cold, acting like princesses, boys were wet, acting like queens.

There was high expectation of the show to come, and justifiably so. The show's title was 'Price On Application', exhibiting a more sophisticated attitude to fashion design. Displaying Australian labels such as Nicola Finetti, Lisa Ho, Herringbone, Roy, Mad Cortes, AG, Ty + Melita and Alannah Hill, stylist Michael Angel had taken it upon himself to arrange the show in such a way that reflected the 'glamour of the Australian fashion industry'.

Seeing a show styled by Michael Angel is usually something unforgettable, with so many bells and whistles that it makes people wonder what the actual subject of the show is. Is it the stage? The models? The fashion? 'Price On Application' was really forgettable. The show was slow, dull, and subdued. Everyone was waiting for the dancing models, the rock music and the incredible lighting. The dozens of women mentioned before would've been left wondering why they bothered. Though props need to be given to Lisa Ho and Nicola Finetti, having presented an awesome Spring/Summer 2004/2005 range that will be a hit at the Spring Racing Carnival. Alannah Hill, as always, displayed a sensual and floral season. Arthur Galan's AG connected with the men, showing the relevance of European fashion over Australian climates whilst also introducing the 'hot new thing' - sky blue cotton pants. Thankfully, Roy Christou managed to string together a number of winning outfits, finally steering away from denim, and putting some of the females in dresses for a change. After a tragic Autumn/Winter 2004, let's hope this season he finally gets it right. Back to the days of Pacific Roy. ;-)

P.S. Roy, breast showing halter tops are sooo last season. Put it away please. lol.