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If retro-futurist, industrial-cyborg Germanic glamour wasn’t a thing already, Yohei Ohno’s Fall collection made it one. Soundtracked by Klaus Nomi, the show was inspired by the 1920s Bauhaus movement, as well as iconic furniture design by Irish architect Eileen Grey.

Despite the historical references, Ohno’s debut Tokyo runway collection was confidently contemporary—and not because of the space-age feel it had. Seat-belt straps were fastened across tops like harnesses or dangled from the waist as belts, and funneled quilted gloves flanked the silhouette like airplane turbines. This vehicle theme permeated throughout and evoked a kind of mechanical sexuality—if J. G. Ballard’s Crash is ever given a remake, Ohno is the costume designer for the job. Subtle metallic copper boots peeked out from beneath gunmetal gray skirts and army green jackets, and aeronautical engineering plans were printed onto thick quilted dresses. Touches of femininity offset the industrial side of the lineup and came through in delicately ruffled bronze and slate camisoles and black and pink chiffon. Explaining the chunky metal cuffs that coiled around arms like car suspension parts, Ohno said, “I like the idea of a piece of metal that you’re not sure if it’s jewelry or machinery.” The clever playfulness paid off.Read more at:MarieAustralia formal dress shops | marieaustralia.com

Spring showers bring spring dresses! Spring is an amazing time of the year for many reasons. The flowers are in bloom, the weather isn’t usually a problem and everyone seems a little happier. This spark of happiness is a reaction to the clothing that comes back with the start of the warm weather. Who doesn’t love a dress especially when it is a bright and fun spring dress? This spring and summer, dresses are bigger and better than ever!

A dress is possibly the easiest and cutest outfit for someone to put together. This spring’s dress trend is being pushed onto street fashion. The trend is pairing a dress with sneakers or slips.

This look can also turn a night-out dress into a casual day dress that will still manage to catch anyone’s eye. When trying this trend stick with wearing a basic dress that doesn’t have much going on so that your shoes can have the spotlight.

Dresses that take on a more noticeable and wild look are better paired with basic sandals or even a solid colored platform sandal.

Dresses in need of these styled shoes include antique floral patterns, tropical or beach patterns and colors; ruffled and lacey looks. Styles like these would become lost when wearing sneakers or busy slips. It is much better to choose a basic and chic sandal with a neutral tone that maybe even ties up the leg or around the ankle.

Lace dresses are the hardest to pair shoes with because you don’t want the materials or colors to clash.

The most popular dress trends this spring season are seen mostly in blues, whites, pinks (mainly light, pastel pinks), sheer and stripes. Bold sleeves are making all the difference this season, so go wear a dress with bell sleeves, parachute sleeves or sleeves that tie off the shoulder or at the wrist.

Dresses that are off the shoulder are huge in fashion right now. They can be long sleeve or short sleeved. Either way the outfit is given a soft but sexy feel. This trend is being paired mostly with button down shirt dress, the jean look that is taking over, tied and bold sleeves, striped patterns and lace.

This spring there are so many dress styles available to try. Basic styles are mixed in with other looks and the opportunity to make something unique is encouraged.

Dress trends of spring 2017 vary from casual athletic to sheer and lacy, from tight fitting to ruffled and oversized. Because of this, anyone can find a dress that matches their own personal style whether that is going mini or maxi, overall dress or strapless, body-con or flowing and ruffled. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to show your true colors through your perfect spring dress!Read more at:marieaustralia | http://www.marieaustralia.com/short-formal-dresses

Actress-producer Dia Mirza, who will play the role of Sanjay Dutt’s wife Manyata in the actor’s biopic, says it’s wonderful to be part of the project.

She is glad the project is giving her a chance to work with one of her favourite filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani, who is directing the film.

“I am working on Sanjay Dutt’s biopic right now, and I am really excited about it. It’s wonderful film to be part of, and to be directed by my favourite filmmaker,” Dia told IANS on the sidelines of the fourth day of Amazon India Fashion Week (AIFW) Autumn/ Winter 2017 here.

How easy or difficult is it to portray a real-life character on the big screen?

“I think for an actor, the work is only as difficult as a written material. With the team so sound and with such a wonderful environment out there, you feel nothing but to put your best foot forward,” Dia said.

“I would like to believe that whether it is playing a real-life character or fictional character, the idea is to understand what you are doing and the purpose of your presence should matter.”

“What you need to do is to take the story forward… That should matter the most,” added the actress, who has worked with Sanjay in films like “Parineeta” and “Lage Raho Munna Bhai”

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal is playing the role of Sunil Dutt, while Sanjay’s part is being brought alive by Ranbir Kapoor in the biopic.

white cocktail dresses | plus size evening wear

The countdown to tomorrow night’s official opening of the iD Dunedin Fashion Week continued yesterday with seven models having their last run-through at the Dunedin Railway Station.

Darryl McNamara of Aart Model Management said about 60 male and female models would be used during the week, including about 15 new models, with the majority coming from Dunedin and some from Central Otago.

iD Dunedin Fashion Committee chairwoman Cherry Lucas said this year would be the first time a cruise ship had been in the city on the Friday night of the event.

That provided "major logistic issues" because Dunedin Railways was contracted to drop passengers at the station. The show was usually in "major set-up mode" on the day, which could have been problematic.

Instead, the catwalk would be built the day before so the runway could be used for the Emerging Designer Awards, and stay in place while the cruise ship passengers disembarked.

If the awards were being held at Dunedin Town Hall it would have been more expensive because of the need for more security staff hired for longer, and because there would have been "a crossover" of equipment that needed to be used at both venues.

With the awards at the railway station rather than the town hall, all spectators would be able to get close to the models and designer clothes.

"That’s going to be fantastic."

Ms Lucas said the event would suffer from singer Adele doing three shows in Auckland over the same weekend.

"Unfortunately we couldn’t do anything about it," she said.

"We’re obviously competing in the same market; people only have so much disposable income and it obviously has had an impact on our ticket sales."

The plus side was there were more flights into Dunedin, as more jets had been put on to cope with demand.

"We think there’s more out-of-towners, which is great for the city."

Event publicist Amie Richardson said an Emerson’s beer has been specially brewed for the occasion.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-2017 | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-sydney

As sunnier days arrive, a wardrobe update is inevitably in store to see in the new season. It’ll soon be time to pack away thick jackets and long coats, dark coloured pieces and heavy winter clothing to make way for light, breezy designs, colour and springlike motifs.

This year, spring will once again be rich in floral prints, in head-to-toe looks or in small touches, with mini or extra-large blooms and in multicoloured or monochrome shades.

Flowers, a symbol of renaissance and rejuvenation, are synonymous with springtime. Soon, roses, daisies, tulips, sunflowers and lilies of the valley will all be in bloom, brightening up our lives and our wardrobes. This season, the fashion world is also set to blossom, with dresses, blouses, jumpsuits, T-shirts and accessories covered in floral prints.

As ever, the floral trend started on the runway, back in September and October 2016, when lots of labels showed collections featuring colourful silhouettes splashed with flowers of all kinds. In Milan, in particular, flowers were everywhere, seen in retro, sportswear, ultra-feminine and casual looks.

The trend didn’t escape the labels showing collections in Paris either. Chloé notably showcased a floral wardrobe blooming from head to toe, with a romantic and retro vibe, mixing different prints.

Finally, Léonard Paris brought flowers to long dresses in almost abstract interpretations, as if inspired by paintings, in a poetic and highly feminine style.

From runway to wardrobe

Springtime colour and joyful flowers aren’t only the preserve of designer labels.

Comptoir des Cotonniers, for example, has a host of plant-themed prints, including a multitude of floral motifs.

Tommy Hilfiger has various long and short dresses with springtime prints (florals or marine inspirations) and Mango has worked flowers onto a pair of platform sandals, as well as into its seasonal ready-to-wear collection.

Eastpak, on the other hand, has opted for tropical flowers in its Paradise Garden collection.

Whatever the brand, style or the garment, this season’s wardrobes will inevitably blossom with uplifting blooms, showering fashion in flowers to celebrate the arrival of spring.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/bridesmaid-dresses | short cocktail dresses

Swedish fashion designer Paulo Melim Andersson – the creative force behind some of Europe’s biggest fashion houses – will show a retrospective collection at the iD Fashion Shows on Friday March 24 and Saturday March 25 at the Dunedin Railway Station.

“I’m very excited about coming to Dunedin for iD Fashion Week 2017,” says Andersson.

“It will be fantastic to share my retrospective collection with the audience at the iD Fashion Shows featuring garments from my years in fashion.”

Now an experienced professor of fashion at the IUAV University of Venice, who has led an MA course at UdK in Berlin, and has been a graduation judge at various high profile fashion schools. Andersson will also join the international judging panel for the 2017 iD International Emerging Designer Awards, alongside national guest Marc Moore (from Stolen Girlfriends Club), Australian fashion writer Georgina Safe, NOM*d’s Margi Robertson, and head judge Tanya Carlson.

Says Andersson: “The iD International Emerging Designer Awards have grown in reputation and I look forward to seeing the innovation and creativity on display from the world’s top emerging designers.”

Andersson joins iD’s hall of fashion luminaries showing at the event, including Zandra Rhodes, Stephen Jones, Akira Isogawa, Lutz Huelle, Martin Grant, Doris Raymond and last year’s special guest Emilia Wickstead – the go-to designer for Kate Middleton.

iD Dunedin Fashion Week chair, Cherry Lucas, is thrilled to be welcoming Andersson to this year’s iD, with the support of Air New Zealand and Dunedin Airport.

"As a committee, we had hoped to bring Paulo Melim Andersson to iD since we first discussed inviting an international guest designer so it’s very exciting to have him coming to Dunedin for 2017. Paulo’s dynamic career in fashion has put him at the head of some of the world’s great fashion houses and we’re thrilled to see his collection here at iD. We believe it will be a spectacular highlight for our iD audiences.”Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-sydney | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-brisbane

David Thete has the abundant good energy of a guy who doesn’t turn 19 until July 21. He has the buoyant good humor of a young man who “can get along with just about anyone … (it’s) one of his greatest strengths,” in the words of Mary King, in whose theology class he studied at Cheverus High School. And Thete has the creativity, intellect and personal drive to bring people together for a cause, as he did in founding Kesho Wazo just over a year ago.

In Swahili, Kesho Wazo means “tomorrow’s ideas.” In Portland, Kesho Wazo is “basically an arts collective,” explained Thete, whose role is creative director. “A positive group of superheroes (he prefers the term over the loaded “activists”) “who, if there’s something we see as a problem, we just go to help solve it, in whatever way we can help.”

The collective is a loose one with fluctuating membership not only local, but also extending to Europe and Asia, thanks to social media. In fall 2016, Kesho Wazo’s projects included “Bridging The Gap for Social Inclusion,” a collaboration with two University of New England students that culminated in an on-campus event featuring an art installation – a bridge built of research materials literally embodying the project’s findings.

Also, at the invitation of Space Gallery, in November Kesho Wazo teamed with Detroit-based artist Ray Spectrum on “House Whether,” a multidimensional, participatory exhibit focused on issues related to housing in Portland.

The nonprofit, visual-and-performing-arts Space Gallery on Congress Street is very much home to Kesho Wazo, for its meetings and workshops as well as performances. “We happily give them space whenever they need it, because we’re always encouraging young and emerging artists,” said Space interim director Gibson Fay-LeBlanc.

Space Gallery is where filmmaker Erin Murphy discovered Kesho Wazo and met Thete. Murphy is a Colby College adjunct professor and a specialist in documentaries who had a short in the Maine International Film Festival last summer. In December, she began filming a feature-length documentary on the group and its activities.

“I met David and we went for coffee and it was already like hanging out with a friend,” Murphy remembered. “He has a magnetic personality. I heard about his original idea for Kesho Wazo, and what it is evolving into, and they seemed such a fascinating group to film – they’re so energetic and excited – and see them try to bring their ideas to life.”

Murphy emphasized that the documentary is very much a collaborative effort. “‘Tomorrow’s Ideas’ is the title, and it will take about a year to finish,” Thete said. “When it’s completed, we would like to see it premiered at one of the big theaters. And then get it out to kids all over the world. To show them that they can do whatever they hope to accomplish, make their imaginations reality.”

Thete (pronounced, approximately, “thay-tay”) knows about making that kind of transition. At Cheverus he was an unhappy underachiever who thought that “there wasn’t really a system out there for me … Mary King (the teacher) helped changed my life, showed me that I can have influence on people. Do positive things and by example encourage others to do the same.

“I started to better myself, read more, you know what I mean? Make my own system, figure out a way to give back to the world. Create.”

Another potent influence on Thete, and an inspiring example as he strives to be, is his mom, Adele Masengo Ngoy, a fashion designer who also teaches women to become professional stitchers. Her designs will be featured at a Kesho Wazo “showcase” to be held at Space on Saturday, April 22. Performances will includes dance, a fashion show, music (Thete produces and records beats) and more.

More imminent Kesho Wazo productions include an early-June music release (on soundcloud) by Thete, with two short films by his friend Daniel Kayamba, whose longer film will also be premiering soon. Thete also envisions Kesho Wazo staging a festival on the Portland waterfront. And he is looking well beyond that.

“My goal for the group is locations in five places in the world. China, Africa, Maine, Europe, and Alaska.”Read more at:womens formal dresses | short formal dresses australia

The Borneo Indigenous Fashion (BIF) Week 2017 will be held on May 13-14, at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa to enable local designers to showcase their creativity – the combination of contemporary and ethnic in cultural art knowledge.

BIF Week also aims to create wearable fashion infused with ethnic motifs and elements aimed at promoting Sabah’s indigenous culture to the world.

“It is truly an honour to have all our major sponsor and supporters on board in this concerted effort to promote Sabah’s indigenous culture to the world through BIF Week 2017. The event is set to celebrate the individuality of each indigenous group during the two-day fashion showcase,” said BIF Week executive committee chairperson Elaina Sukaimi.

Through the event, the committee hopes to inspire not only local fashion designers to have a better appreciation of their cultural heritage, but also to have fashion-goers to learn about the kaleidoscope of ethnic and indigenous groups in Sabah.

According to Elaina, fashion buyers including five from MJ Department Stores Sdn Bhd (Metrojaya), namely East India Company, Somerset Bay, Passages, Emanuelle and Cape Cod as well as from small boutiques, will be attending the event, eyeing potential local designers whose designs can be incorporated into wearable fashion and featured in its outlets.

A model casting call for the event will be held on March 11 and 12 at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa Kota Kinabalu’s The Pavilion, expecting over 100 male and female models vying for placement in the BIF Week.

Only 40 best models will be selected to display the creations of participating designers.

To date, 15 fashion designers have confirmed their participation, which is still open until March 15.

The committee also disclosed that president of the World Indigenous Fashion Council, Arwin Sharma, who first appointed Elaina as a member of the council which consists of 14 members from seven continents – has extended an invitation to BIF Week to attend the World Indigenous Fashion Week in Seychelles Island in October, and display Sabah’s own fashion designers and handicraft makers in a special Borneo showcase.

The BIF Week will segment its fashion showcase in three themes, namely Traditional Ethnic; Casual Modern and Contemporary; and Modest Wear and Evening Wear.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/backless-formal-dresses

The 26-year-old model has a select colour palette for the clothes in her wardrobe, which include monochrome shades, pale peach hues and navy blue, because she believes everyone has to have "go-to" fashion choices.

Speaking about her style preferences to MarieClaire.co.uk, the brunette beauty said: "I feel like you just have to have your go-tos. You can't go wrong with a pair of skinny jeans, a great hoodie, a vest top, and a bomber jacket with a pair of heels. Or even sneakers.

"I'm always in black, grey, nudes, navy blue and white."

The catwalk icon believes the key to looking great in athleisure is to feel "comfortable and confident", which is why she relies on a mix of fabrics and styles.

She explained: "First, it has to suit you and make you feel comfortable and confident. I like rocking a good mix of fabrics and different styles, like a fleece, high waisted skirt and a pair of heels. I feel like it's all about that balance."

Meanwhile the fashion muse - who regularly graces the runway alongside Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Joan Smalls - has revealed her seven-year-old son, Riley, has met her celebrity friends and colleagues but "wasn't bothered" by their high status.

She explained: "No, not really. When he met Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner and all of that lot, he really wasn't bothered! But then again, I think he was only about five years old! He didn't care."

Although Riley isn't impressed by his mother's famous pals, he gets "really emotional" when Jourdan has to jet off for work and wished she could stay with him in London.

She explained: "He's [Riley] seven now and in school so my mum looks after him when I'm away. I want him to have a good routine and he's really good with it all but it sometimes does get to him because I'll be home for a few days and then I get scared of telling him that I'm going again because he gets really emotional and he's like 'Mummy why can't you be like other parents and stay and work in London? Why do you have to go to America?' But, then he gets over it when he realises 'Okay mummy, you're making money so I can get loads of toys right?' and I'm like 'Yeah exactly!' then he's over it."Read more at:white cocktail dresses | www.marieaustralia.com/red-carpet-celebrity-dresses

FUN AND FUNKY

Christin Weilbacher has worked in retail ever since she was old enough to earn a paycheck. From her first job at a Gap Kids as a sophomore in high school to starting a hip children’s clothing boutique with her mother and sister seven years ago, her success has been driven by a passion for creating a unique shopping experience for boys and girls in Baton Rouge. In 2010, Weilbacher and her sister Terryn Mann decided to put their extensive retail experience to work for themselves by opening B Kids in Baton Rouge. They found their niche offering cool and contemporary—yet conservative—styles for children, from newborns and toddlers all the way up to tweens and juniors. “There was really no ‘cool’ kids clothes in town,” Weilbacher says. “It was all very traditional in south Louisiana, so we saw an opportunity to be different.”

TREND SETTING

With the slogan “b. cool, b. different, b. you,” B Kids aims to build confidence and spark creativity in its customers. “We stick to that mantra everywhere we go,” Weilbacher says. “We want kids to come in and explore their own style and be confident in doing so.” Collecting clothing and accessories from places like New York City and Las Vegas, the sisters have had to learn the pace at which the hottest trends reach south Louisiana. “It takes two years for fashion forward things to trickle down,” Weilbacher says. “I can’t bring something too fashion forward right away. You have to get to know your customers and bring it down to their level.” As Weilbacher has found in stocking her stores, kids fashion follows adult fashion. Much like adults, most boys and girls have to see a new style modeled in their circle of influence before they’re ready to try it on their own.

STAYING COOL

From Driving her kids’ carpool to caring for her customers, Weilbacher says the most difficult part of being a business owner is juggling the responsibilities of both manager and mom. The retail industry also presents its own daily challenges like determining new strategies for customer relations and service. “It is constant little battles trying to decide how you are going to reach out to them next,” Weilbacher explains. “What you can offer that’s different, what can you offer to schools around town or charity associations that can build your business, but also help you stay in front of clients and make it a place they want to come back.” With a degree in public relations from LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication, Weilbacher relies heavily on social media and print advertising to promote B Kids. “I believe it is a great way to showcase different aspects of your store,” she says.

BRANCHING OUT

What really makes B Kids tick is family. Now owned by all three Weilbacher sisters—with the youngest, Lynda Hornsby, joining the business in 2014 after graduating college—they’ve managed to grow B Kids to four locations. Weilbacher began 2017 in a brand new space, moving B Kids’ flagship Baton Rouge store to Towne Center. “It is somewhere you kind of always aspire to be but don’t really know if you can handle it at first so it was a big step for us,” Weilbacher says. Similarly, Mann and Hornsby consolidated two New Orleans B Kids locations into one central space on Magazine Street. And in 2016, B Kids saw the opening of franchise locations in Birmingham, Alabama, and Fort Worth, Texas. “It was a scary experience, but we were confident that we could make something like B Kids happen anywhere,” Weilbacher says. As for future locations, Weilbacher says they are keeping an open mind for B Kids.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/bridesmaid-dresses