JC Lloyd-Southwell d’Anvers and Dean Hewitt from Madam Virtue & Co. showing off their wonderful collection.
Circa played host this week to a fabulous luncheon featuring Melbourne’s own exclusive couturiers, Madam Virtue & Co. who put on a showcase in benefit for the Prahran Mission. The decadent setting and avant-garde show was a perfect compliment to the divine dining that was offered and off course, to the cause itself.
Hosted by celebrity-stylist Philip Boon, the luncheon and show was specially dedicated to the late ex-Vogue Italia editor Anna Piaggi, with none other than renowned designer Jenny Bannister creating her own Anna Piaggi inspired look for the event. Fabulous entertainment did include a runway show (more on that later) as well as an open discussion with JC Lloyd-Southwell d’Anvers, half of Madam Virtue & Co., and Erica Myers-Davis from Prahran Mission.
Such a fabulous cause, Prahran Mission is not a band aid solution in resolving issues, however is more interested in rehabilitation and helping those come from a place of negativity and turning it around for a more positive and self sustained future. Erica, who cousin to the worlds most famous man Usain Bolt, also had a few choice words about his career and mentioned her excitement in watching him race.
Amongst the gorgeous BBQ Snapper, fennel and parsley salad and hibiscus ice cream, which was served up over the course of the luncheon, the true star of the show had to be the unique Madam Virtue & Co. showcase. Featuring unique couture items such as a specially designed Prada Couture dress and a plethora of Chanel accessories, these pieces glittered alongside Melbourne designed Madam Virtue & Co. pieces.
The Madam Virtue designs were the highlight of the runway show, with the standout pieces being a stunning couture gown hand embroidered with 3 kilos of actual pearls, a gown made entirely of python skin and a stunning couture piece, embellished with safety pins dipped in gold bath and hand placed to form a beautiful architectural pattern.
What a fabulous luncheon and thank you very much to Madam Virtue & Co. and Prahran Mission for hosting me. You can find out more information on either by clicking the follow through links.
Photos courtesy of APL photography.
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