Well, it’s a wrap for the first week of AFF – and WHAT A WEEK!

We’ve attended glamorous parties amidst the exotic zoo grounds, seen a slinky lingerie parade, witnessed the work of some fabulous upcoming designers and graduates, and had our very own fashion markets in the sunshine. Glorious!

It all began on Monday with the Opening Parade, held in the picturesque gardens of our city’s gorgeous zoo (one of my favourite places)!  But, although we all love Wang Wang and Funi, it wasn’t the pandas on show that night – it was fashion.

As the sun began to set on this chilly Monday night, the last of the warm rays sneaking through the windows of the Sanctuary function centre, we sipped champagne and munched on mini pumpkin tartlets (YUM!). The towering trees of the parklands began to cast shadows on the fresh spring grass outside, as pockets of fashionable folk made their way into the foyer. Soon enough, the street lights began to twinkle, and the festival was announced officially underway by the lovely Jane Riley. We got a taste to come with a mini fashion parade and chatted the night away.

The gorgeous set-up at the Sanctuary at the Zoo for the Opening.The lovely Porcelain boys Damian and Andy, and the Penny Anne team Danielle and Jacqui. Love these guys!! 

Wednesday brought us to the grand grounds of PAC for Finesse’s lingerie parade of the year. Front row, we watched as the stunning Finesse girls strutted their stuff down the shiny catwalk (as I imagined myself falling over if I even TRIED). We saw everything from big-bad wolf costumes, candy-shop style lingerie and black slinky classics. The after-party brought us to RedLove for delicious Chambord cocktails and canapes, and mingling with the models.

Yummy Chambord cocktails!!! (only official photos allowed at the parade)

The weekend kicked off with a bang, with the TAFE SA Alumni parade and party, also at PAC. It was a classy affair, with a string ensemble playing away in the courtyard, the historic PAC hall a backdrop. More champagne was sipped (so much champagne this week!), photos were snapped, and nibbles were scoffed (certainly not NIBBLED, there’s no time for that nonsense!) Then it was time for the show, and what a show! There was everything from bubble wrap creations and stunning wool gowns, to pretty 50’s inspired day-dresses and sleek skirts and shirts. I literally wanted it all. The TAFE SA Alumni sure are a clever bunch! We can’t wait to see their labels grow and achieve every success they deserve.

Saturday saw us at PAC again, but this time for the exciting millinery and racewear parades during the day, and the graduate parade by night. The TAFE SA students sure were a busy bunch this weekend.

Saturday night was all about the graduates – and congratulations are indeed in order. The culmination of hours upon hours of sketching, brain-storming, sewing, and more sewing, Saturday night showcased the final designs of these amazingly clever cookies. The show was incredible, and, yet again, I wanted everything on the catwalk to be in MY closet. Big hugs and congratulations to all the talented students. This blogger is super excited to see what the future holds for these up-and-coming designers.

Backstage before the show – all the fabulous designs waiting to be seen!!I caught up with Jess before the show, and she gave me a sneak peak at her wardrobe for the night… Makeup and hair wizz Dale Dorning and his TAFE SA team at work backstage.Dale works his magic before the show.

And here’s just a few snaps of the fabulous show!…..

To finish a fabulous weekend off, AFF headed to Norwood Parade for the Parades on Parade (I know, it’s quite the tongue-twister). We sat back in the sunshine with gelati (AMAZING!) to watch some glorious threads go by on the catwalk. Between shows, we peroused the fashion markets on the closed-off parade (that’s right folks, we had the Parade all to ourselves), featuring everything from vintage bags and home-made dresses to hand-cut jewellery. So many goodies, it was definitely my happy place. I hope you all got down to grab yourselves a bargain too and spend a lovely sunny afternoon watching the fashions go by – what could be better really?!?

 Gelati in the sun, just about to watch the show – bliss.

Mini-models strutting their stuff – well done to these gorgeous kids!!

Designer pressure test competition…ahhh.mazing!

Brilliant end to week one of the AFF, and for now, bring on week two! We’ve got the Paolo Sebastian show tomorrow night, sold out with 900 guests!! (so excited to see Paul’s new collection!).. and the Chambord SA Designers Fashion Showcase is the big FINALE Saturday night – have you got your tickets? I sure hope so! You know you want to.

I’ll see you there!

El. xx