Myer Autumn Fashion – What I Wore and What I Saw

Being a personal stylist certainly has it perks. Along with the opportunity to work with you lovely people, the other is being invited to exclusive fashion events.

…And when I do, I always post it here so you can enjoy the ride with me. (It would be selfish of me if I didn’t right?)

So today’s post covers a recent fashion lunch and runway I attended along with a little wardrobe drama of my own on the way.

Let’s rewind to last week where I had the pleasure of attending the Myer Autumn Fashion Lunch at Flemington – a prelude to the Super Saturday racing event.

For those of you suffering Spring Racing withdrawal with the thought of Melbourne Cup too far away to bear, you’ll be happy to know autumn racing is very happening this time of year.

So it was only on the morning of the event that I realised my schedule would actually allow for me to attend, so it was off to my own wardrobe to help me create a quick (yet stylish) look which found me in a favorite Life with Bird outfit and ankle boots.

I was ready and keen to make it to the lunch by midday for a pre-photo opportunity with gorgeous Myer ambassadors, Kris Smith and Lauren Phillips along with designers Arthur Galan and Johnny Schembri – just to name a few.

So during my commute (and a mountain of overthinking), I asked myself: “Cindy – are you not a fashion stylist? Is it not your job to showcase the latest trends? Shouldn’t you be wearing a current/new collection outfit?”

Well of course I should!

So it was a quick panicked detour to Cue at Chadstone where I exited wearing the White Splice Checked Dress – Lucky the ankle boots still worked as the fabric was winter weight and long sleeve!

Arriving fashionably late, I was warmly greeted and escorted to my table by the lovely Daniela from the Victoria Racing Club (VRC).

The lunch was hosted by Channel 7’s Rebecca Maddern who looked breathtaking in a stunning Alex Perry gown and a handsomely dressed Michael Felgate.

I was also very spoilt with my table neighbors who included Trish Oliver, wife of jockey Damien Oliver, Nina O’Brien, wife of Flemington trainer Danny O’Brien, Dagmar Yeam (VRC) and Tracey Windley from the Starlight Foundation.

From the table settings to the stage décor, everything was absolutely divine including the menu

By Unions Dining Executive Chef Nicky Riemer all paired with Wolf Blass wines – uh-mazing!

Yes yes, we’re getting to the fashion!

So the actual runway event showcased autumn/winter racewear including headwear by Australian Milliner Kim Fletcher.

Other Australian designers and milliners on the runway included Arthur Galan AG, L by Lisa Ho, Cue, Leona Edmiston, Morrison, Dom Bagnato, Jayson Brunsdon Black label, By Johnny, White Suede, M.J. Bale, YB J’aime, Alex Perry and Toni Maticevski.

Kim Fletcher also offered her fashion advice for the season: “The autumn is just as exciting as the spring for racewear fashion.  You get to wear more, layer up and wear heavier headwear including felt and look like a lady.”

Kim embarked on her career by completing a millinery course part time. She reminded us that autumn/winter fascinator’s and hats are generally smaller as they are heavier with thicker fabrics.  In her work she said that she tries to match the fabric to the weight of the outfit and follows designers for their trend direction, obviously a lot of black is used.

Now I got a little camera happy during the show but to narrow it down, I have to stay the highlight of the runway was by Johnny. Their sharp silhouettes, geometric prints and a white and gold number were simply stunning.

Not to be biased since I was wearing Cue, but they were also a stand out for both colour and shape along with styles that are perfect for autumn Winter –  Cue also have a very flattering 70’s theme happening across their new collection with bold prints and graphics.

Morrison worked black and white like nobody’s business and I also fell head over heels for the sexy take on the classics from White Suede, loving their use of cobalt blue.

YB J’aime’s featured florals and pink and black lace ensembles while Maticevski (as expected) a multitude of standout pieces. In particular, there was a stunning white dress (wow!) along with their usual voluminous and feminine pieces.

Alex Perry showcased stunning lime, fitted pink and yellow dresses, I found this range quite breathtaking, mainly due to the colors.

Then it was time for an inspiring fabric to runway story and I loved designer Johnny Schembris’ of by Johnny’s journey which was reminiscent of that of Peter Alexander.

Johnny began his fashion career selling dresses at Paddington market in Sydney. He sold his first dress (a sequined) number for $200. With the help of his mother and sister, he eventually found his way to the top as a designer for Myer and worked on his first Melbourne Cup last season.

Johnny stated that his latest AWI5 range features whites and splashes of color and then will use more color as the season goes on. He also said that he aims to design a dress for a woman to wear more than once, not just the races, so across different events. e.g. christening, birthdays etc.

So there you have it guys, I hope you’ve enjoyed this very extensive review, the pictures and as always, I wish I could have had you all physically there. Actually… what a fabulous lunch that would have been?!

But now it’s over to you; did anyone else go along to the lunch or attend Super Saturday? Or perhaps you’re planning to go along to another Autumn Racing event? Click here to see what’s on!

I would love to hear your plans and what you plan to wear! Chat to me in the comments below, I’ll be waiting.