Wearing it Wild at Worn Wild

Yesterday saw the inauguration of the alternative fashion event Worn Wild, and wild it was! My intention was to bring you a single review of the day, but after meeting with so many creative designers in one day, I have so many gems that one post would not be enough to do them justice. So I'll bring you a series of interviews with my favorite designers and a look at their wares over the course of the next two weeks.

Me - Super Kawaii Mama dressed by Minikem

The event was held at La Di Da in Little Bourke street, the perfect venue with its retro chinoiserie decorations and well stocked bar. The brain child of Melissa Clare from Geomythik, this was the first fashion event I've seen in Australia with such a diverse collection of local, alternative fashion. In my usual manner I wanted to know as much as possible about this event from the inside, and so was kindly dressed by one of the designers for the day. Minikem outfitted me in a rather Gothic Lolita styled number, complete with tutu and corset. Although her designs range from the corporate to the extreme, I couldn't possibly tone it down for such an event. I know some of you were also planning to attend, but there is a strong chance you wouldn't have recognised me in this number.

One of the things that surprised me most about the day was the diversity of the crowd and the lack of attitude and angst. There is much more attitude to be encountered at the mainstream shows of Fashion Week, so in contrast Worn Wild was like being at one fabulously dressed party.

Samantha

Celeste, Brett and Sif the Ferret

Pink haired beauty

Rachelle and the darling Ruby




Kitty Elixir, Natalie, Samantha Doll, Howsie



Michael



Tall, dark and striking




Super Kawaii Mama, Miss Nic and her lovely assistant

Even if hard core alternative is not your thing, you couldn't help but be inspired by the colours, (yes, there were some amidst the sea of black) textures and craftsmanship of the garments. Each of the designers I spoke with had such a strong passion for their art which was clearly seen in the detail of each piece. There was whimsy and fantasy, the sharp and the strong, the dark and the dirty. My tip on the trend to watch is what I'm terming Erotic Baroque, strong silhouettes in luxe fabrics, worked in soft and gilded colours. Think Miss Haversham (Dickens) meets Marie Antionette - as played by Helena Bonhman Carter. I even saw a few little bird headdresses that Susie Bubble would have been proud of.

For a complete list of the days exhibitors visit the Worn Wild official site and be tempted by some spanking style.