We came, we Frocked, we raised $3500! An Evening Frocktacular indeed!

Oh Frockettes and Frockafellas, what a night we had!  To give you a small window behinds the scenes at Frocktober Canberra, this event was the one that we were most worried about.  Not because we doubted the depth of talent in the Canberra fashion community or the support of the people of Canberra but simply because we'd never done this before! It's that feeling you get when you're throwing a party which is completely illogical that absolutely no one is coming!  Boy, were we wrong about that!

With the help of some amazing people, the evening came together and was just brilliant!  The Black Opal Room at Thoroughbred Park looked great, decorated with frocks froms the 50's and 60's as well as some great photo banners from the Australian Museum of Racing.  Frockettes and Frockafellas started pouring in to receive their free champagne and gift bags filled with goodies from  Bliss Key Communication, Hilary Wardhaugh Photography, Carmen Steffens, Brazilian Butterfly, Anton's Hair Studio and many others!  Shortly after 6.00pm,160 people were chatting and sipping their bubbly, the dulcet tones provided by DJ Marky B set a great background, highlighting that smooth, swinging vibe of the 60's and 70's.  All through the evening people dug deep and donated generously while enjoying fashion and fun.

Natalie Tsirimokos, Editor of Out in Canberra, wearing her MC hat for the night (it went beautifully with her black frock, fab fascinator and cute shoes), welcomed the crowd  to the Black Opal Room on behalf of Frocktober Canberra and introduced Diana Ryan of Bliss Key Communication, one of our gold sponsors who had made the whole thing possible. After a short stirring speech from Diana, Natalie took to the mic once more to welcome the girls of the Canberra Roller Derby League!

To cheers and wolf whistles, the CRDL girls were the perfect picture of Frocktober, healthy diverse women in fabulous frocks (on loan from the collection of Katherine Horak).  The girls rocked, rolled and flirted with the crowd, putting on a fabulous show to open the parade sections of the evening.

After a brief interval to announce round one of the lucky door prizes, we got to the meat of the evening the accessories and racewear parades.  As the models walked the deconstructed run way, interacting with the crowd, the stunning accessories from Carmen Steffens and millinery by Angela Menz, Hats by Trish and Christine Waring were shown to perfection. 

After a quick change, our models strutted their stuff in the latest racewear designs from some of Canberra's hottest designers and boutiques such as Momento, Soho and Sybil's Closet.  Designs by Laura McCormack, Jash by Jacquelyn Haverson, Liebe Bluhm by Megan Cook, Tahlia, a n d i e by Andie Meredith and sofia polak design by Sofia Polak highlighted some of the top trends of the Canberra spring season.  Strong blues and yellows, gorgeous florals and prints and effortless, floating whites were strong trends.  The crowd applauded and cheered, celebrating the fabulous combinations of top class millinery, frocks and accessories worn by gorgeous women including local Frockette, Rhonda Martindale who won best Frock at the Frocktober Canberra Launch Party.





Left Frock by a n d i e, Right Frock by Laura McCormack

  

After the parade came to a triumphant conclusion with Sofia Polak's gorgeous bridal gown, it was time to get down to the last round of lucky door prizes and the awarding of the evening's crown of best frock, won by a lovely frockette in a stunning purple ensemble. 

Our thanks go to simply everyone who came along, donated prizes, equipment or assisted in any other way to make the evening the success it was.

With your assistance in supporting Frocktober, we successfully raised $3500 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. 

Our only challenge is now how do we top it next year!!!

All Images courtesy of Out In Canberra

Frock Spot on: Laura McCormack

Continuing our series, we chat to Laura McCormack whose designs will also be featured tonight in our racewear section at An Evening Frocktacular (Tickets $30 at the door, cash sales only)

What is your favourite thing about fashion in Canberra?

That there is plenty of opportunity for more innovative design.

Do you have a favorite frock?  Why is it your favourite?

In a previous collection I had a dress that was a cross between a tutu and a figure hugging little black dress. It would make any dance lover feel like an elegant ballerina.

What made you become a designer?

Passion and it was a way of combining my creative flair with my love for fashion.

What is your main message to women for this season?

Be feminine with full skirts, longer hem lines and romantic floral prints.

Photo credits
Photographer: Bada Song
Model: Veena@EMG Models
Makeup artist: Maria Bravo
Hair stylist: Emily Tjong

An Evening Frocktacular races in style tomorrow night!

Here at Frocktober Canberra, we've finished recovering from the fun of the launch at King O'Malleys on Friday night and all our energy is now being focused towards "An Evening Frocktacular" at Thoroughbred Park tomorrow night.

Partnering with Canberra's Spring Racing Carnival, Frocktober Canberra is throwing a parade which really highlights the best of Canberra's designers, love for vintage fashion and the fit, fabulous ladies of the Canberra Roller Derby League.

Enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival, canapes as well as an exclusive gift bag, attendees will be able to gain tips for Fashions on the Field while checking out the latest styles in accessories from Carmen Steffens, Angela Menz and Hats by Trish, all in the lush surroundings of the Black Opal Room.

So come on Canberra, join us between 6-8pm tomorrow night and spend a couple of hours getting your frock on the OCRF and our frockin' good cause!

Tickets are $28 + booking fee from the Frock Fringe or $30 at the door.

Frock Spot on: Liebe Bluhm by Megan Cook

The Frock Spots turn this morning to the lovely Megan Cook.  Graduting in 2005, Megan is a woman who is passionate about vintage and the story it tells.

What is your favourite thing about fashion in Canberra?

I love that living in Canberra we get to experience all seasons. We can have fun in the heat with gorgeous summer frocks and wear a vintage fur coat in winter to keep warm. I like how people in Canberra are starting to take risks with fashion and developing their individual style without fear of what others will think.

Do you have a favourite frock? Why is it your favourite?

So hard to pick just one… But one of my favourites is a gorgeous 50s frock I bought from a vintage fair in Sydney. It has layered tulle and a floral beaded bodice. I love this frock because it is just so beautiful to look at and every time I put it on it makes me feel special.

What made you become a designer?

In 2005 I completed a Bachelor of Design, Fashion Design at the Canberra Institute of Technology. Since then I decided to focus on my main passion, vintage. So I created my vintage clothing and accessories label Liebe Bluhm, which is stocked at itrip iskip in Braddon.
I have always loved vintage clothing, accessories and furniture. I love that each piece has a history, has been loved by someone and that love is then passed on to the next person.

What is your main message to women for this season?

My message has always being no matter what the season, I believe that every day should be treated like a special occasion... Use the nice teacups, wear the pretty dress and surround yourself with people and special pieces that bring your life joy.

 

Doesn't she sound delightful?  Take the opportunity to see her great designs tomorrow night at "An Evening Frocktacular" (tickets $28 + booking fee, limited tickets available at the door).

Photographer: Kate Luke
Model: Anne Louise Clare Hackett

Frock Spot on: Sofia Polak Design by Sofia Polak

Continuing our spotlight on designers who are showing at "An Evening Frocktacular", we sat down for a chat with the lovely Sofia Polak, previously one half of Rubio & Rundle, now showcasing her own designs with Sofia Polak Design.  Check out her facebook page here.

What is your favourite thing about fashion in Canberra?

I am constantly seeing so many talented designers that are out there doing their own thing and showing the rest of the country that Canberrans are fashionable.


Do you have a favourite frock?  Why is it your favourite?

I have so many favourites in my wardrobe but my ultimate is a perfect fitting frock.

What made you become a designer?

I love fashion and I am passionate about designing dresses that compliment the individual and make a girl feel fabulous.

What is your main message to women for this season?

Always choose to flaunt your own personal style over choosing the latest fad.

Check out a wider range of fabulous frocks by Sofia at "An Evening Frocktacular", tickets only $28 plus booking.  Available from the Frock Fringe.

Images Courtesy of Sofia Polak Design