Chadstone truly fulfilled its promises to their ‘citizen’s' with the best fashion Melbourne has to offer. The parade, held as part of L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week, featured prominent designers like Alannah Hill, Bettina Liano and Calvin Klein (or Klien as it said in the booklet!). With shoes supplied by Midas, Mollini, Shoo Biz and Aquila, and accessories by Mocha and Tilkah, the audience knew they were in for a real treat!

As sponsors and Chadstone VIP’s sipped their Skyy Vodka and La Lolla water, Hugo Boss opened the show with their winter collection. Prominent themes throughout were tartan and checks, as well as neutral colors. Not much neon here which certainly would have been in the next show featuring Supre!

DECJUBA was next on the runway, and they certainly cemented this season’s trends. Leather jackets are a must-have for the season, as are textured tights (not just opaque this season, Alannah Hill had some great ones on parade that are worth checking out) and the pussy bow top or dress, for a feminine touch. DECJUBA was very whimsical with the fashion, perfect for the romantics out there. Berets are going to be massive this season. A favorite of the collection for both my friend and I was the most STUNNING purple satin trench coat. I think I may just have to save my hard earned dollars for that one.

Alannah Hill was also on show, and as usual, left the audience’s imagination overflowing. Melbournians could soon be hailing the return of the power suit if Hill’s fashions are anything to go by, but if that’s not really your style how about one of many mini paneled skirts, or perhaps a divine cream leather jacket? Black mesh dresses will also be a hit for the party circuit this season, adorned with sliver and sequins for sophistication!

Another massive trend, which was evident in all LMFF shows were the resurgence of the ‘shooboot’, as it is affectionately known. The shoe seems to work with everything from wide leg pants, to a high waisted skirt, or a super short leather dress. Mollini have some great ones in store at the moment.

The main colors of the night were orange (seen everywhere from Portmans to Lounge), purple (especially OJAY) and grey (everyone). Jersey dresses were very ‘in’ with Calvin Klein and Morrison, as was silk for anything from wide leg pants or long, bejeweled dresses.

Bracewell provided one of the funnier moments of the night when one model was wearing a very, short dress black mini, which for the front row spectators certainly, did not leave much to the imagination!

My favorite designer on the night was the show closer, Lisa Ho. Her magnificent floor length designs were glorious, layered with chiffon and all different patterns and color like cream and pink together, or midnight blue. The most amazing dress was a maxi deep purple design, with chain links under the bust, to create the most amazing décolletage and silhouette on a woman. Purple was big for Lisa Ho, Winter ’08. To keep those shoulders a bit warm, Ho accessorized with divine capulets.

The best part of the Chadstone show? After you had finished admiring everything on the catwalk, you could find the shop and buy it then and there!