The launch of Emily Power and Antonia Acott’s new book
The latest go-to resource for boutique shopping in Melbourne was launched last night at the stunning Olsen Hotel on Chapel Street. Couturing was invited to celebrate in style, with champagne, canapés, and a spectacular runway show.
With Melbourne Spring Fashion Week drawing to a close last weekend and the racing season just around the corner, Melbourne’s shopaholics must be itching to swipe those credit cards and model the latest trends. There couldn’t be a better time to launch a brand new guide to the best retail therapy havens across the city.
Being the über chic, fashion-forward city that Melbourne is, its residents are no doubt familiar with most of the city’s retail hubs. From Chadstone to Chapel Street, Bridge Road to Brunswick Street, and in all the nooks and crannies of the CBD, very few places remain hidden from Melbourne’s streetwise style spies. But the ‘Fashionista’s Guide to Shopping in Melbourne’ promises to serve as a useful resource for even the more savvy retail junkies out there. And with Emily Power and Antonia Acott (nee Magee) as the editors, readers can be sure they are in trustworthy hands.
As the former Fashion Editor and Reporter for the Herald Sun, Emily is now a fashion presenter on Network Ten’s morning program, ‘The Circle’, and has recently co-authored a coffee table publication, ‘Fashion & Flemington’, commemorating 50 years of the class, style and creative fashion that Melburnians love about Spring Racing Carnival. Antonia is a well-known Melbourne-based journalist and holds the position of Deputy News Editor at Business Spectator.
Their guide provides shoppers, both male and female, with a practical directory of over 250 boutiques and stores, highlighting where shops are located and detailing their specialties. Retailers that made the Top 10 include unique, high-end haven Madam Virtue which is located in the CBD on Crossley Street, one Melbourne’s hidden laneways, South Yarra’s exclusive Le Louvre, the exquisite CBD-based accessories specialist Christine, Malvern Road’s Grace, Collins Street’s luxury men’s store, Harrolds, and the unique, by-appointment-only vintage clothing store ML Vintage.
The event, hosted by publishing house, The Slattery Media Group, and held at the prestigious five-star Olsen Hotel, was an intimate gathering and a tribute to all the luxuries and glamour that come with a lifestyle inspired by fashion. Mimicking the neon pink cover of the book, vibrant spring blossoms by Fitzroy’s Flowers Vasette created a beautiful floral backdrop for all the stylish outfits on show. Representatives from Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics also made an appearance, providing the ladies with hand massages and giveaways.
Guests enjoyed French champagne, courtesy of Laurent-Perrier, Skinny Girl Margaritas, and a selection of Tyrrell’s wines from the Hunter Valley. Trays of delicious canapés were passed around throughout the evening, although most of the guests had their eyes peeled on the stylish crowd and the runway, taking mental notes and adding to their wish lists, no doubt.
Emily and Antonia were glowing as they mingled with guests and signed copies of their book. Emily wore apricot silk pants by Arthur Galan and a semi-sheer fuchsia top by Maurie and Eve. Antonia, wearing a gorgeous black and red mini dress, spoke about their desire to make the Fashionista’s brand part of the Australian vernacular.
With twelve solid chapters lovingly devoted to the fashion houses of Melbourne, the Fashionista’s Guide aims to enrich the shopping experience of Melbournians andtravellers alike. Showcasing everything from tiny, tucked-away gems to old, treasured favourites, the guide celebrates the unique fusion of contemporary trends and timeless couture that makes Melbourne’s fashion culture so sophisticated.
Happy reading, fellow fashionistas.
For more details on the new book click here.
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