Hot Spots: three steps to fashionable music success

Monday 6 September 2010, 4:31 PM
By The Team | Posted in Events

What’s that weird look on your face? We saw it. You were squinting! Without getting ahead of ourselves, it seems safe to suggest that spring is actually here. And we have exactly two things on our minds right now.

First, the memory of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week  still looms large in our wardrobes. Second, we’re rather excited about today’s launch of the first ever Melbourne Music program. We’ve decided to combine these obsessions to bring you a fashion-focused guide to the Melbourne Music program.

The Bedroom Philosopher: dressing for the 86 tram.

Having just finished his Songs From The 86 Tram national album tour, Justin Heazlewood (aka the Bedroom Philosopher) is getting ready to play some sets on ‘actual trams’ during Melbourne Music as part of the Live On The Tracks series. How should you dress for the shows?

Based on the YouTube hit ‘Northcote (So Hungover)’, filmed on the 86 (Bourke Street) tram, we guess he’d tell you to wear something that’s ‘all about anger and fashion.’ Be careful in those skinny pants, though. Justin had to go to hospital the other day.

‘It’s these new jeans man. I just couldn’t get my wallet out.’

Fashion forward buskers 

Working in Melbourne’s great outdoors adds a degree of difficulty to any task - especially when it comes to your outfit. How do buskers decide what wear? How do they choose between a plastic poncho or head-to-toe silver paint?

Melbourne’s buskers will come together during Melbourne Music to battle it out for the title of Best Busker in the Street Change concert at City Square. For once they’ll have a covered stage, so they can leave the poncho at home. 

We’re not sure who will be entering this event, but, just in case, we would like to nominate  jazz busker group Milestones for the ‘Melbourne’s Best Reservoir Dogs Look-Alike’ Street Change award.

Serge Gainsbourg style tips

Screening at ACMI for Melbourne Music, Je t’aime: The Filmic Lives of Gainsbourg and Birkin is a series of films celebrating the work of French music icon Serge Gainsbourg – and his famous love. The late Frenchman was a brooding pin-up for classic elegance in men’s fashion, and the tailored leather jacket was one of his wardrobe staples.

For the Gainsbourg look, we recommend a visit to Swedish fashion house and creative collective Acne, based in Melbourne’s GPO. 

Visit www.melbmusic.com to view the full Melbourne Music program.

Melbourne Insider: Lucy McIntosh

Thursday 2 September 2010, 8:03 AM
By The Team | Posted in Events

Melbourne model Lucy McIntosh – and the face of this year’s Melbourne Spring Fashion Week – spilled some city secrets in today’s  City Weekly ‘Melbourne Insider’ column. Between parades and other fashion engagements, Lucy also found time to answer our questions on a subject she knows well: style.

Here’s what she told us.

Define Melbourne’s style. 

Melbourne’s style is unparalleled by any other city in the world. Its unique culture clash of urban chic, eclectic vintage and corporate couture is always bound to impress.

Who is the most stylish Melburnian you know?

Style comes in many different shapes and forms. The great thing about Melbourne is that it’s a place that allows you to express yourself!

If I had to nominate anyone, it would be my friend Bree, she has a natural sense if style with retro pieces and experiments with new styles all the time.

If I had to nominate anyone famous, I’d actually say Ruby Rose! She is this year’s ambassador to MSFW so I think everyone thinks the same thing. She is cool!

Favourite spot in the city to people watch?

I love Madame Brussels! Love the garden inspired ‘tea party’ set up and they have an amazing terrace overlooking the city. Beautiful!

Must have for spring in the city?

Always dress in a gorgeous flowing spring dress, comfortable clogs and sunglasses. Then you’re always prepared for a sunny afternoon reading a great book (Eat, Pray, Love is one of my faves at the moment) in one of Melbourne’s beautiful parks.

Best way to spend a spring evening in town?

Lounging on a rooftop bar, watching a movie and hanging with friends.

Favourite place in the city to shop?

The city! It has everything from high end designer labels to the funky little boutiques…I love mixing  eclectic and vintage styles with a more structured, high-end piece! 

 Most suave live music venue in the city?

In spring, I love live music festivals in the warm outdoors.

What is Melbourne’s best-kept style secret?

Melbournians are great at having such a cool style. So many people here have their own individual fashion styles – but pull it all together with ease.

 What would you pack in your handbag to prepare for a night out in the city?

The essentials – wallet, phone, house keys and lip gloss.

Five words to describe Melbourne?Stylish, trendy, chic, cultural and alternative!

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week finishes this Sunday 5 September. Lucy appears in each nightly Designer Series show. Some tickets still available – but be quick.

Kate Gaskin interview

Friday 25 September 2009, 11:04 AM
By The Team | Posted in People

Teeny tiny dresses, skinny ties and vibrant colours: it was acceptable in the 80s and now again in the spring of 2009. MSFW stylist, Kate Gaskin, talks spring fashion trends and what you must have in your wardrobe.

Read the interview