Interview with a Sydney Fashionista: Top tips for the Spring/Winter trends
Julia Gralberg
With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia just around the corner (14-19 May) we’re busy skilling-up on all things fashion. (link to the initial Fashion Week editorial).
To get to the bottom of A-lines, bishop-sleeves, hems, lace and tatting we caught up with fashion journalist and model Milly Stilinovic, who basically eats, breathes and sleeps fashion, to chat about the new trends for the upcoming season.
Where do you shop in Sydney? Are there any hidden gems when it comes to snapping up some awesome designer clothes?
I find myself drawn to Paddington, where there is a myriad of boutiques with Australian designers. I also love a bit of a browse through Westfields Sydney.
The best way to nab a bargain is to build relationships with the boutique owners, managers, designers and their outlet stores. They’re the ones that will tell you when those thigh high boots you’ve been keeping an eye on are half-price. The outlet store team could even be kind enough to tell you when a new shipment has come in.
Autumn and winter is just around the corner (brrr), what are you top tips when it comes to fashion for the cooler months?
I always say – if you’re going to spend big on an item, spend up on a statement jacket and a great pair of boots.
When shopping big, select items that will withstand the test of time. So, while a pink fitted coat, with a faux fur trim, might be all the rage now, it’s going to be at the back of your closet come next Autumn.
Add a few staple pieces that will keep you on trend, and also warm during the cooler months. A crushed-velvet hoodie, or thigh highs.
Men could opt to play with accessories, such as pocket squares, shawls etc.
Are there any key trends you’ve seen for this winter?
We’re up for a really interesting season ahead, with texture, colour and comfort coming to the fore.
Our casual fling with the eighties is becoming a relationship. The thing to remember the most with the eighties dressing — apart from structure and colour choices — is confidence. It’s your best accessory.
Another long-term trend has been sports luxe which will remain in our sights throughout the cooler months. In particular? Hoodies and puffer jackets are so on point right now.
We’re still into oversized, with pants — not flares — wide-legged enough to sway in the breeze. Your thighs and hips that have long been tortured by the constraints of stove pipe jeans will thank you.
If you’re keen, go for a little texture. Develop a crush for velvet (‘schuss the pun).
What are the clothes we can rid our wardrobes of that are considered very ‘last season’?
If I see one more bell sleeve, I think I’ll faint. It’s done and it’s time to move on.
Also, chokers of any kind. I know the Kardashians have been wearing them to death but it’s something that should have stayed back in the nineties, with your poster Rob Zombie and Keanu Reeves.
Speaking of which, the nineties have grown up and we’re ruffling and tailoring a lot more this season, so the distressed jumpers, the slip dresses, the platform sneakers, should be banned.
Guys, it’s time to find socks again
Will you be attending Fashion Week Australia and what are you most excited about?
.
Indeed! What I’m most excited about is being witness to the development of Australia as a formidable fashion arena. Last year’s challenge was to add relevance to our fashion event, which was made possible through the change of dates and a focus on resort wear. That, and seeing a few big names, such as Oscar de la Renta and Tome, making an appearance.
This year, I’d like to see how the local fashion arena will deal with the increasing transeasonality of fashion. Due to the web breaking down established borders created by seasons and time zones, it can offer a great opportunity for Aussie designers to really make a mark on the world’s fashion circuit.
Follow Milly on Instagram @style_child
Get the ultimate runway experience by securing an exclusive Front Row seat at Weekend Edition http://mbfashionweekended.com.au/tickets
Julia Gralberg is a freelance travel writer, editor of Hotel & Resort Guide, Lux Nomade and founder of Boutique Communications Consultancy, Lux Collective. When she isn’t busy jumping in hotel beds and eating her way through breakfast buffets you’ll find her on her yoga mat.