LMFF 2012: PENTHOUSE MOUSE 2012 RUNWAY

The Penthouse Mouse 2012 series opened last Friday with a spectacular opening party (if you didn’t see it you can check it out here) and closed last Friday with an even more spectacular closing party and runway. If you don’t know, PHM12 has been the place to catch the current independent fashion scene hit the runway. Labels such as Livia Arena (who also showed at LMFF Independent Runway), Trimapee and Alistair Trung debuted their current collections on sale now. With a fantastic show styled by super-stylist Connel Chiang and produced by Moth Design, guest enjoyed music and the Sapporo at the bar all night long.

Now – For our favorites!

There were some spectacular collections at the PHM12 runway but a few stood out in particular. Firstly, lets get into Neo Dia. Gavin and Becky from Neo Dia have been so clever with this label since launching their first collection, Lucid Construct, at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week in 2010. They have since had some great collaborations with milliner Richard Nylon as well as dressing Sophie Van-Der Akker for the opening of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2011. This latest collection is no exception to their great range. Interesting use of panel construct and materials set this range apart. So often designers are going on the safe side, however now is the time to be brave and set yourself apart and Gavin and Becky are definately doing so. Check out some of the range from Stoic Stratum here.

Another Couturing favorite just has to be the guys at Kings of Carnaby. Michael and Nick have enjoyed such well deserved success since opening their Greville St store in South Yarra. Now they have a store on the main strip of Chapel St and inside of Melbourne Central, two of Melbourne’s premiere shopping destinations. Their range is inspired by the King of Carnaby himself, Mr John Stephen who is said to have inspired the 1960’s peacock revolution. Their clothes are mod and preppy, with a very eclectic edge. The use of patterns and materials is fantastic with interesting shapes and textures. A must see.

The last collection I would really like to talk about is Di$count. These guys have popped up out of nowhere and have presented a colllection that everyone is raving about. Put simply, this is what Ksubi should be doing right now instead of playing it so safe as well as being a reminder of their earlier collections. Their collection is pop, edgy, loud and unapologetic and reminiscent of Jeremy Scott who does similar loud prints and shapes. The use of studs, embellishments and confidence in the use of colours has really set this label apart. As this is their first collection I really cannot wait to see what else these guys come up with. A must watch.