Launch Initiative Fashion

2010 year in review

2010-12-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

Cat Girl

The aviator jacket

Connect the dots

Modern mariners

The fire-red suit

The combat jacket

Our look back at the way we wore

When you take a look back at the year’s monumental moments in fashion, it’s clear there was no shortage of big ideas: whether channelling the 1950s, 70s or 80s, or whipping up clever minimalist and maximalist looks, designers delivered plenty of covetable and utterly wearable clothes.

Valentino for Gap capsule collection

2010-12-20T15:40:00.000-08:00

First look! SEE Valentino's first fashion collaboration with Gap

Carine Roitfeld to leave Paris Vogue

2010-12-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

Paris Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld has resigned after ten years of service. She will leave the magazine at the end of January.

"It is impossible to overstate Carine's powerful contribution to Vogue and to the fields of fashion and magazine publishing. Under her direction, Vogue Paris received record levels of circulation, advertising and editorial success," said Jonathan Newhouse, ceo of Condé Nast International. "Vogue Paris has established itself as one of the most iconic magazines in the world, with huge influence in the field of fashion and photography."

Roitfeld has decided to concentrate on personal projects.

"Carine herself has become widely known as a beacon of style, fulfilling the role with charm and graciousness. She has become a giant in her profession," Newhouse said. "Carine will be deeply missed. I am extremely grateful to her for what she has achieved."

Roitfeld's replacement will be announced in the coming weeks.

lock’s top gong

2010-12-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

Simon Lock receives 2010 Australian Laureate

Congratulations to Simon Lock who was announced as the 2010 Australian Fashion Laureate by Minister for Arts Virginia Judge at an intimate ceremony in Sydney.

As the founder of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, which this year celebrated its 15th anniversary, the prestigious accolade was a well deserved win for one of the industry’s most influential names.

Unable to accept the Jan Logan designed statue in person, Lock will be presented with the award in early 2011. He announced his gratitude for the prestigious title, which was voted by a panel of leading fashion identities including David Jones’ David Bush, designer Nicky Zimmermann and Vogue Australia’s editor in chief Kirstie Clements.

“I greatly appreciate the recognition of my industry colleagues and in turn pay homage to those that believed in my vision and helped me create an international landmark for all in the Australian fashion industry,” Lock said. “It’s an industry that I love and will continue to be of service to in the future.”

lauren bush to wed david lauren

2010-12-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

Fashion and political dynasties unite

Philanthropist, model and niece of former US President George W Bush - Lauren Bush has become engaged to iconic designer Ralph Lauren's son David. The couple met at US Vogue's Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art six years ago and David proposed this weekend at the same venue.

"David told Lauren that he was taking her to see an exhibit, then got down on one knee," a source told the New York Post. "He had a beautiful ring ready. It was a total surprise to her, and they are both so happy."

David is the executive vice president in charge of worldwide branding, communications and marketing at Polo Ralph Lauren, the world's largest designer brand with more than $10 billion in annual sales. Lauren has helped more than 60 million impoverished children through the sale of her Feed Projects bag collection. The former model, who appeared on the cover of the 2002 Pirelli calendar and Vogue Australia in 2005, also recently launched the Lauren Pierce clothing line.

oprah on the house

2010-12-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

Oprah Winfrey guests’ Kailis gift bags

Television talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has taken over Sydney with the filming of her show at the Sydney Opera House and 6,000 guests couldn’t be happier.

The overwhelmed audience received a specially designed Kailis ‘O’ medallion featuring an Australian South Sea Pearl on a 90cm sterling silver chain.

“We are thrilled to be a major part of the Australian shows with our bespoke design,” says Kailis Jewellery’s general manager Sonia Mackay-Coghill. “Kailis Jewellery has always believed in bringing joy to the wearer of Australian South Sea Pearl and to be able to share this with over 6,000 audience members is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

The extravagant offer was worth over $4 million. For a limited time The Kailis ‘O’ Pendant is available to purchase online through Kailisjewellery.com.au, and through Kailis Jewellery Australian stockists and retail boutiques for $450.

Best-Dressed Celebrities of 2010

2010-12-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

Alexa Chung

Carey Mulligan

Emma Roberts

Olivia Palermo

Rachel Bilson

Emma Watson

We've sifted through all of the year's fashion-forward outfits to determine the stars that deserve the highest honors.

Honeysuckle: 2011′s Color of the Year

2010-12-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, the Pantone Color Institute named the top colors for 2011, including colors like beeswax yellow, regatta blue and peapod green. But now, they’ve narrowed the list down to one, predicted to be the hottest hue next year—honeysuckle (mimosa and turquoise were previous number-one colors, in 2009 and 2010, respectively). “Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going—perfect to ward off the blues,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

sailing to byzantium

2010-12-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

Karl Lagerfeld takes us on an extravagant journey

Clémence Poesy, Gaia Repossi, Marianne Faithfull, Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson, Vanessa Paradis, Anna Mouglalis, Ines De La Fressange…it must be a Chanel show!

Karl Lagerfeld presented his Métiers D’Art Collection for the house in Paris, drawing a suitably stylish crowd to witness the collection dedicated to the city’s couture ateliers including costume jeweller, feather specialist, embroiderer, shoe-maker, milliner, goldsmith and floral accessory specialist.

The result was an opulent show, embellished in antique gold and encrusted with Byzantine-inspired jewels in reference to the second Chanel boutique opening in Istanbul, and Mademoiselle Chanel’s first costume jewellery line from the 1920s.

Models including Natasha Poly, Freja Beha Erichsen, Frida Gustavsson and our own Lauren Brown walked the sumptuously decorated couture salon at Chanel’s Rue Cambon store, hair piled in towering beehives each circled with a ring of gold.

Signature tweed wove its way through the collection alongside textures of leather, cashmere, chiffon, velvet and lace shimmering in a jewel toned mosaic of emerald, sapphire and violet. The verdict: delightfully decadent.

SALES AGENCY NOW CLOSED UNTIL 2011

2010-12-08T16:36:00.001-08:00

LAUNCH SALES AGENCY NOW CLOSED UNTIL 2011

Christmas with the VOGUE Team

2010-12-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

What the Vogue Team is wishing for this year

Christmas is a time to pamper those you love (while indulging yourself a bit too!). So, with marvellous gifts and extravagant surprises in mind, who better than Vogue's team of editors to pick out their ultimate presents for the season.

Vogue Australia's fashion features editors and assistants Natasha Inchley, Meg Gray, Sigourney Cantelo, Ilona Hamer, Naomi Smith and Megha Kapoor reveal what they would like to see beneath the tree on Christmas morning.

it's in the jeans

2010-12-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

Nicole Trunfio models sass & bide denim

It seems Australian model Nicole Trunfio is going from strength to strength with news she will fill in for Miranda Kerr as the face of David Jones for winter 2011. But that’s not the only campaign Trunfio will be appearing in for the coming season: sass & bide has recruited the New York-based beauty to don their latest denim collection.

To Sarah-Jane Clarke and design partner Heidi Middleton, Trunfio seemed the obvious choice to show off their new range: “she’s strong but beautiful and independent, free-spirited, fun, kind and generous. She’s just a really beautiful overall package - with a sensational body,” says Clarke.

sass & bide’s Papa Sucre collection arrives in stores in January.

stella’s new star

2010-12-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

Stella McCartney has a girl

Congratulations are in order for British designer and rock heiress Stella Mc Cartney. On November 23 McCartney welcomed her fourth child, daughter Reilly, weighing 3.63 kgs.
McCartney married Alasdhair Willis in 2003 and the couple are also parents to Miller Alasdhair James (5 1/2), daughter Bailey Linda Olwyn (4 next week) and Beckett Robert Lee (2 ½).

The new addition to the family caps off an eventful year for McCartney who produced a divinely divisive spring/summer 2011 collection and her second range for Australian retailer Target.

Street Style

2010-12-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

Street Fashion: 4 looks from one of our favourite blogs"Fashionising"

FASHION WEEK: Paris, Milan, London!

2010-12-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller

2010-12-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

Alexa Chung is Fashion's "It" Girl!

2010-11-29T19:17:00.000-08:00

We’ve been hyping Alexa Chung‘s ineffable coolness for months and now the New York Times agrees! The British model was profiled this weekend and declared fashion’s “latest ‘it’ girl.” Not only does Chung have a line of clothing at Madewell, but she’s also starring in a PBS reality show “Thrift America,” which will track her mining consignment shops for undiscovered gems. The show debuts next summer, but you don’t have to wait that long to pick up a few style tips from this trendsetter. We’ve rounded up her nine go-to wardrobe pieces so that you can snag her enviably cool vibe now. Click through the gallery below for all her style must-haves!

Midnight Express: Fashion is coming over all black and blue

2010-11-29T19:15:00.000-08:00

Move over black and white, there’s a new colour combination shifting into gear and it flies in the face of outdated advice ruling against it. Effortless, elegant, and totally in tune with fashion’s current mood of sophistication, black and navy is the new match made in heaven.

Lagerfeld suggests his successor at Chanel

2010-11-23T16:27:00.001-08:00

Creative director Karl Lagerfeld hasn’t made plans to farewell the Chanel fashion house just yet, but he has his eye on a successor when the time arises.

"I have a contract for life so it all depends on who I would like to hand it to," Lagerfeld told Numero magazine. "At the moment I'd say Haider Ackermann."

Ackermann, who was last year tipped as Martin Margiela's successor at the Maison, was invited to Chanel's latest show in Paris by Lagerfeld - and is understandably overwhelmed to be named as a possible Chanel helmer by Lagerfeld.

"What can one possibly say to such a phrase?!" Ackermann told WWD. "Such a compliment! Honoured I feel, how can one not be?! In all honesty tremendously, immensely touched especially coming from Monsieur Lagerfeld."

Olivia Palermo’s Awkward Mango Photoshoot

2010-11-16T18:28:00.000-08:00

Proving that the cancellation of The City won’t keep this socialite out of the limelight, Olivia Palermo has featured in the recent campaign for Mango with her man-friend Johannes Huebl and we can’t exactly say we’re in love with the results. Whilst its undeniable that Olivia is drop dead gorgeous in reality, she seems far too done up and artificial in this shoot to the point that we didn’t recognise her at first glance.

It’s interesting to point out that these two were undoubtably chosen to do this shoot together because being a couple there should be chemistry right? But there is an obvious lack of chemistry and an awkwardness that just doesn’t do anything for me. I think two complete strangers would have been able to convey more romance and sexual appeal than these two. Nevertheless, I still think Olivia has model quality (and it’s obvious that her love interest does as well) but this shoot doesn't convey that at all.

Trend Report: The Urban Turban, Tribal Prints, Leather Shorts, Maxi Dress

2010-11-16T18:20:00.000-08:00

Tom Ford New Collection Finally Leaked After 6 Years of Anticipation

2010-11-16T17:56:00.001-08:00

A preview of Tom Ford’s highly anticipated womenswear line has been unveiled on the internet, revealing a return to the decadence and luxury styling Mr Ford (as he prefers to be called) is known for.

Modeled by muses Karen Elson, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Caroyln Muphy, Stella Tennant, Amber Valletta, and more on September 12 in Paris, Ford’s new collection is reportedly “worth the six year wait”. However, he has deliberately kept the majority of his latest range firmly under wraps, telling us, “I do not understand everyone’s need to see everything online the day after a show. I don’t think it ultimately serves the customer, which is the whole point of my business – not to serve journalists or the fashion system. To put something out that’s going to be in a store in six months, and to see it on a starlet, ranked in US magazine next week? My customer doesn’t want to wear the same thing she saw on a starlet!”

With Ford confessing that he couldn’t bear the thought of driving past a store with his name on it and hating everything in it because he’d lost control, his reluctance to release the images from the collection may stem from the fact that “his greatest fear is having his own label”.

Getting Hotter: Vogue loves...

2010-11-16T17:43:00.000-08:00

Henry Holland teams up with LeSpecs

2010-11-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

Think of it as a fashion exchange program. Only months after LeSpecs sunglasses hit UK stores, with a capsule collection landing at Topshop, British designer Henry Holland is going to design a collection for the Australian label.

The range will not be available until next year but Holland will be in Sydney this week to gain inspiration for a series of meet and greets with local media.

Holland gained fame with his label House of Holland, producing eighties inspired T-shirts, and through his friendship with supermodel Agyness Deyn. The recent House of Holland collection demonstrated a shift toward floral prints, bold metallics and fringing.

Some of the best dressed women this week

2010-11-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Vogue Australia's editor picks the top trends of the season

2010-10-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

Sophisticated Bohemian
(Pucci)

Longer Length

(Lanvin)

Bright Colours
(Gucci)

Le Punk

(Burberry)

Lace
(Collette Danningham)

Alice McCall Opening In Sydney’s Darlinghurst

2010-10-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce that the latest Australian designer boutique to pop-up is by our very own homegrown stylist-turned-designer Alice McCall, who is poised to open her flagship boutique this November. The store is an Australian first for McCall, whose eponymous label is already stocked in over 160 stores worldwide. The impressive inspiration behind McCall’s namesake and brand is clearly a force that has seen the designer succeed in more than 20 countries worldwide – it’s nice to know she’s returning to her Aussie roots.

The shopping destination, opening in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, is going to marry style and art, with McCall’s signature coquettish, girly garments, complemented against a backdrop of custom works by photographer Emma Summerton and graphic designer Techa Noble.

A Further Look at Kate Moss's Collection for Topshop

2010-10-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is from one of our favourite blogs Fashionologie

3 Great Looks from Lookbook

2010-10-26T18:24:00.001-07:00

This is from one of our favourite blogs Lookbook

Our Favourite Looks from The Sartorialist

2010-10-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

These looks are from our favourite blog, The Sartorialist

Georgia May Jagger's denim designs for Hudson

2010-10-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Rising modelling star Georgia May Jagger will launch her first fashion collection via a new collaboration with denim label Hudson. Named Hudson by Georgia May Jagger, the new range will land in stores in spring 2011.

Having taken time out from modelling earlier this year to concentrate on her A Levels, Georgia made an exception to shoot the Hudson autumn/winter 2010 campaign in New York.

She still managed to get As and Bs in the exams - and now she's returned to New York to live with her elder sister Lizzy and take up courses in photography and art - with a little fashion design on the side. She will also be a guest of Myer when she travels to Melbourne for the Spring Carnival with her mother Jerry Hall, to promote Australian beauty brand Invisible Zinc.

THE NEXT BIG THING...

2010-09-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

2010-08-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Launch Initiative News! - http://eepurl.com/TaaH

KATE MOSS FOR VOGUE UK 2010

2010-08-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

PICS WE LOVE...

2010-07-19T23:44:00.001-07:00

(1) Gisele Bundchen

(2) Miranda Kerr

(3) Charlize Theron

(4) Lindsay Lohan

(5) Jessica Stam

OUTFIT LOVE...

2010-07-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

SOME OF THE COOLEST...

2010-07-11T22:33:00.001-07:00

(1) Lara Stone in the most amazing swimsuit - Does anybody know where this is from?

(2) Possibly the coolest pool in the history of swimming pools

(3) Kate Moss, Coffee & Cigarettes - Need we say any more?

(4) The hottest double denim i've seen this season!

(5) Models

HELP US PICK THE NAME FOR OUR LABEL!

2010-07-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Launch Initiative team will soon be 'launching' their own fashion label. Sitting in the mid to high end Sydney market, the label will be aimed at boutiques in Paddington, Newtown, Balmain, Mosman, Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach. Here's the top picks so far;

Broken Johnson

Mad Ass Canary

Broken Mafiosi

Sheriff Pepper

Zukovsky

The name that receives the highest votes will become the name of our new label so let us know your thoughts!

TOP 5...

2010-07-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

(1) Gisele Bundchen - Muse Magazine

(2) Givenchy Couture

(3) Furry Boots - Chanel

(4) Recipes and Styling - http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/

(5) Vivienne Westwood Armour Ring

TOP 5 LOOKS FROM LOOKBOOK.NU...

2010-07-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

Find look #4 @ http://www.watermeloncrush.com/

RETOUCHING... IS IT NECESSARY?

2010-07-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

TOP 5...

2010-06-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

(1) Ed Westwick - Just because he's in Sydney!

(2) Abby Lee

(3) Miranda Kerr

(4) Lily Cole, Lady Gaga and Andrew Garfield

(5) Georgia May Jagger - Those Shoes!

SNEAK PEEK...

2010-06-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

It's on it's way!

BEAUTIFUL THINGS...

2010-06-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

INCREDIBLE... HOTEL ATLANTIS DUBAI

2010-06-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

VOTE FOR LAUNCH...

2010-06-20T23:50:00.001-07:00

VOTE HERE FOR LAUNCH FOR THE CITY OF SYDNEY BUSINESS AWARDS!

or

SMS 'Launch' to 0447 447 070

TOP 5...

2010-06-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

GOSSIP GORGEOUS...

2010-06-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

FUN, FUNKY AND FREAKY...

2010-06-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-06-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

(1) Kylie Minogue for Blackbook

(2) Tyra Banks tribute to Alexander McQueen

(3) Neoprene by Lisa Marie Fernandez

(4) Twenty8Twelve Sienna Skinny

(5) Lady Gaga - Alejandro

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-06-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

DESIGN COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS!

2010-06-08T20:02:00.001-07:00

Fashion Design Competition For Students - http://eepurl.com/BQNL

DESIGN STUDIO NEWS

2010-06-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

Design Studio News - http://eepurl.com/BDiV

LOOKS WE LOVE...

2010-06-07T18:28:00.001-07:00

Send your look to info@launchin.net

CELEBS NOT LOOKING THEMSELVES

2010-06-06T20:01:00.001-07:00

(1) Christina Aguileria

(2) Megan Fox

(3) Kate Moss

(4) Lily Cole

(5) Miranda Kerr

LAUNCH 2.0 SEES BIG CHANGES FOR THE COMPANY!

2010-06-02T18:34:00.001-07:00

Launch 2.0 will be released this week and will see lots of little changes to the way the company runs.

Changes will include;

- No membership or submission fees
- Only finalists will be uploaded
- Relevant industry experience or study will be taken into regard
- Seasons will run across S/S and A/W with two injection seasons in between
- Launch collections will be produced along side the winning submissions
- Submissions will only require a Fashion Illustration and Trade Sketch

To get designing for the next design brief which log on to www.launchinfashion.com and submit your vote.

SO NEGLECTED! SO SORRY... TODAYS TOP 5 IS BACK

2010-05-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-04-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

BEHIND THE WINNING COLLECTION...

2010-04-07T19:17:00.001-07:00

Fashion is all about interpretation. Each fashionista re-imagines the current trends to suit their budget and body. Launch Initiative is taking advantage of this creative spirit by giving a design brief to emerging and established designers and letting their imagination run wild. Submissions are voted on by elite fashion media personalities and the public. The top 10 designs are then produced and marketed for sale.

The brief for a Spring/Summer 2010 collection was “Sex and Skin”. Taking their cues from the kings of couture to masters of streetwear, the winning collection shows influences of designers such as Alexander Wang, Chanel and Versace, who began the sex and skin trends.

Keen to show off the female figure, most of the winning designers chose a stretch jersey fabric, making their product versatile for all body-types. Soft and flattering, this fabric also lends itself to being able to be transformed from casual to dressy with a simple change of accessories.

With the brief being all about flaunting the body, the focus in the collection is on the legs, with the designers following the lead of Donatella Versace and making spring/summer all about the mini. Always one to be watched, relative newcomer Alexander Wang can see his cut-out and see-through mesh techniques sprinkled throughout the winning collection.

With risque hemlimes and revealing windows, the collection is balanced with a neutral colour pallete. Many designers used a two-tone effect to streamline the body, made famous by the house of Chanel. Cream, black and navy make these pieces perfect for mixing and matching together or with pieces you already have in your wardrobe.

With the industry and fashionistas everywhere keen to see how designers interpret the Autumn/Winter brief, “Layers”, a limited run of the Spring/Summer collection will be available in select boutiques around Australia.

MALDIVES...

2010-04-06T22:58:00.001-07:00

Today's Top 5...

2010-03-31T20:39:00.000-07:00

1: Romy Frydman for Vogue. Makes me want to tease my hair and look permanently grumpy

2: Karen from http://karen-wheredidugetthat.blogspot.com/. Who knew vintage dressing gowns could look so damn cool?

3: Tavi, http://www.thestylerookie.com/. Watch the catwalks for this girl, she won't always be blogging from the front row.

4: Stylist Jana Pokorny. Combines all the things I love but never wear. Calf-length shirts, miles of chiffon, long coats, effortlessness.

5: Jane, http://seaofshoes.typepad.com/. Hunting down these boots has become my sole mission in life.

A/W DESIGN BRIEF RELEASED...

2010-03-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

http://eepurl.com/m1JX

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-03-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

(1) Lara Stone - Doing Gaga!

(2) Rihanna - Looks so hot here!

(3) So pretty...

(4) Coco Rocha for Flare Magazine

(5) Cameron Richardson, Miche Comte photoshoot.

OUR FAVOURITE KATE MOSS SHOOT...

2010-03-24T15:57:00.001-07:00

What's yours?
xx

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-03-23T20:19:00.001-07:00

(1) I just love this girl - Lookbook.nu

(2) Natasha Poly - Vogue Paris

(3) Karen Walker eyewear

(4) Gerard Butler - Speed Trap shoot

(5) Jennifer Anniston - Speed Trap shoot

2010-03-22T20:21:00.001-07:00

http://eepurl.com/kMRB

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-03-22T15:52:00.001-07:00

(1) Printed Sweetheart Two Tone Mini Dress from American Apparel

(2) Sometimes I wish it was Winter already

(3) Megan Fox for Harpers Bazaar UK

(4) Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper for MAC

(5) Anja Rubik for Vogue Paris - That dress is popping up everywhere, I first saw it on Serena in Gossip Girl, Camilla & Marc does a similar one too.

OBEROI RESORTS...

2010-03-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

No matter where they are in the World, the Oberoi Resorts are incredible.

PERFECTION...

2010-03-16T20:24:00.001-07:00

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-03-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

(1) Clogs - I'm still undecided about this trend...

(2) Gaga - I think this is the most normal outfit we've seen her in!

(3) More fantastic style @ lookbook.nu

(4) Those tights!

(5) Shia Labeouf for GQ April

FOLLOW TO WIN...

2010-03-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

To celebrate it's first collection release, Launch Initiative will be giving one lucky follower the chance to win their choice of garment from the Summer 2010 collection. Recommend friends, Design, Tweet, Share or Facebook about Launch for your chance to be in the running!

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-03-14T16:24:00.001-07:00

(1) Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' aired on Thursday night and has had some 'interesting' responses. Raunchy, racy and very Lady Gaga-esque, the video certainly captures the divas individuality. But, as always, the fashion is just fantastic.

(2) Absolutely gorgeous @ lookbook.nu

(3) This little lady has worked the Alice in Wonderland look to a T!

(4) Another absolute hit flick from the incredible Tim Burton, turning over US$116 in it's opening weekend. The beautiful Mia Wasikowska is doing Australia very proud.

(5) The gorgeous Amanda Seyfried

DESIGN STUDIO OPENING

2010-03-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

On the 1^st April, Launch Initiative will be opening the doors to it's highly anticipated Design Studio, which has been brewing behind the scenes for the last six months. Now, the company has on board some of Sydneys best Patternmakers, Pattern Graders, Machinists and Production staff to kick start the companies fully serviced Design Studio.

However the companies studio doesn't only focus on the early stages of production. Instead, the concept behind the studio was to create a team entirely under one roof, that could take a design from a simple illustration to a garment hanging on a rack in store. The company has employed some of the best PR & Marketing experts in Sydney along with Fashion Photographers, Graphic Designers, Stylists and Business Mentors to create a one-stop-shop for established or aspiring designers to come to at any stage of the development process.

The companies internal Fashion Agent has expressed up most excitement to see all the stages of design, production, marketing, PR and brand development come together in front of her very eyes.

“As an Agent you don't really get involved in the design process from when the garment is just an idea in someone head. Instead your jumping in right at the end, when the Look Book and garments are ready to roll. Being here and watching it all piece together in front of me is very exciting. I'm seeing some very interesting labels come through here and I'm excited to meet with each of these Designers and discover more about their collections”

The office was established as a side project to the companies Fashion Design E-Business, after hearing about the continual struggle from students, existing labels and aspiring designers to source good and reliable production staff, that weren't a five hour drive between one another.

The Design Studio is located in Alexandria, one of Sydneys central fashion design and production hubs and is well worth checking out.

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-03-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

LADY GAGA-ESQUE FASHION

2010-03-08T21:14:00.001-08:00

Dice Kayek

DESIGN THE PERFECT LBD

2010-03-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

http://www.launchin.net/page/resources.html

Competition Closes 31/3/10

OUR FAVOURITE OSCAR GOWNS... (SO FAR!)

2010-03-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-03-03T15:40:00.000-08:00

(1) Lindsay Lohan for Purple Mag

(2) Those shoes!

(3) Tony Bianco Winter

(4) Our favourite chicky from lookbook.nu

(5) Gaga

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-03-02T15:47:00.001-08:00

I love love love the H&M Jeans in the first photo.

Post your favourite look!

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-02-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

Todays Top 5 are my 5 favourite blogs... What are yours?

1) http://www.theyenvy.us/ - Get Fashion, Spreads, News straight outta the US. There's some awesome people really worth meeting on this blog.

2) http://www.mamamia.com.au/ - Mia Freedman can really write, and she's got a very funny opinion on most current affairs across Fashion, Celebs and life. A really good read.

3) http://www.loftinsoho.com/ - Some absolutely beautiful Fashion collages

4) http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/ - Everyone knows it, and everyone loves it.

5) http://www.fashionising.com/ - Of course.

LOVE HER OR HATE HER...

2010-02-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

If I could get away with wearing a lobster as a hat, I would too...

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

2010-02-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Madeline Tait, Brittany Maree Fowler, Tegan Kennedy, Makenzie and Katsuii on winning a place in the FIRST Womenswear Summer Collection. These designs will make up the first collection that will be released in store for Summer 2010!

NEWS...

2010-02-25T17:09:00.000-08:00

The Winners of the first Spring Summer Womenswear collection will be announced on Monday! Production will start immediately and the Look Book will be completed within a month, so the team at Launch are going to be incredibly during in March.

We will be sure to post photos of the shoot, and keep you all up to date when we pop up in the Media!

The LBD Competition along with an all new Submission Kit, will be uploaded on the Website today. The new Submission Kit requires that each Designer submit a Spec Sheet with each of their designs. Please be sure to have a flick through all the new documents in the kit. Download it now @ http://www.launchin.net/page/resources.html

Happy Weekend everybody! x

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-02-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

(1) I wish my bathroom looked like this

(2) ... and I wish my bedroom looked like this

(3) Unsure who Designed this but I just adore the drape in this dress.

(4) Maurie & Eve on Mycatwalk.com

(5) Manning Cartell on Mycatwalk.com

MOROCCO...

2010-02-24T19:41:00.001-08:00

SNEAK PEEK...

2010-02-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek just for our bloggers to check out the theme of the next competition!

'Little Black Dress'

The competition will open on the 1st of March and close on the 31st of March.

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-02-24T13:37:00.001-08:00

(1) Claudia Schiffer

(2) Polaroid Scarfs

(3) Talulah!

(4) Anja Rubik Vogue Spain

(5) Jill Stuart Fall 2010

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR...

2010-02-23T16:47:00.001-08:00

The Ultimate Little Black Dress Competition

OPENING 01/03/2010

DESIGN WE ARE LOVING...

2010-02-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

If you love it too, get voting for it at www.launchinfashion.com

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-02-23T14:57:00.000-08:00

(1) Kristen, Kate, MK, Claire and Mia spotted @ Burberry Show

(2) Lady Gaga for Q Mag

(3) Victoria Beckham Fall/Winter

(4) Love love love this dress

(5) Abby Lee @ Diesel Black & Gold

DESIGN WE ARE LOVING...

2010-02-22T17:54:00.000-08:00

Check out all the designs for S/S 2010 here and cast your vote!

OH MEXICO...

2010-02-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-02-22T16:38:00.000-08:00

(1) Alexander McQueen F/W 2010.

(2) I love this concept -

Do you have an incredible idea for an American Apparel ad?

If your mind is brimming with creativity and you've created an ad using your own photo or something you've borrowed from us, we'd love to see it.
Please submit your original creation as JPEG or PDF (no Zip files or links please). If we choose to use your ad we'll pay you $200. Don't forget to include contact info.

adidea@americanapparel.net

(3) It's an oldie but it's a goodie, I absolutely love this campaign - Sienna Miller for Pepe Jeans, inspired by the 1966 movie 'Blow Up'.

(4) Browsing through lookbook.nu for a 'Look of the Week' each newsletter, I come across this gorgeous little face all the time. For 16, this girl has some absolutely incredible style.

(5) We want this dress.

INCOMPARABLE...

2010-02-22T16:32:00.000-08:00

Diane von Furstenberg: "Today designer Alexander McQueen passed away...His talent was immense and he will remain immortal in the history of Fashion."

Stella McCartney: "Lee was a fashion genius. I don’t say that lightly, and it is a total shock that I am referring to him in the past tense. He was a real friend. I will miss him as a mate, a peer, and as a true British talent, full of life and energy in everything he ever did.”

Karl Lagerfeld: "It’s a loss for the fashion industry. His story was one of success and talent, but that may not be enough to keep you alive.”

Donna Karan: "It’s shocking to think that something like this could happen to somebody of that ability, who has that creativity and expression and love inside of him. There are very few people you look at who are icons of creativity.”

Francois-Henri Pinault: "Alexander McQueen was one of the greatest fashion designers of his generation. His genius, sometimes provocative, admired and saluted by all, constantly opened new perspectives. Visionary and avant-garde, his creations took their inspiration from both tradition and timeless hyper-modernity."

TODAYS TOP 5...

2010-02-21T17:04:00.000-08:00

(1) Seventy Two Changes - http://www.seventytwochanges.com/

(2) Oyster Mag Issue 85

(3) Manning Cartell Ratler Jacket (available Pre-Order on Mycatwalk.com)

(4) CUE Winter 2010 Collection - http://cue.cc/

(5) Kristin Cavallari for ASOS Mag Feb 2010 in Camilla & Marc

OUR FIRST POST...

2010-02-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

This blog is here as a side project to the Launch Initiative E-Business. To promote the Designers we meet along the way, to filter our thoughts on trends and icons, to share our opinions and what we love, and to keep the world of fashion spinning away.

Send any contributions to assist@launchin.net

Launch Initiative Fashion

2010 year in review

Our look back at the way we wore

Valentino for Gap capsule collection

Carine Roitfeld to leave Paris Vogue

lock’s top gong

Simon Lock receives 2010 Australian Laureate

lauren bush to wed david lauren

Fashion and political dynasties unite

oprah on the house

Oprah Winfrey guests’ Kailis gift bags

Best-Dressed Celebrities of 2010

Honeysuckle: 2011′s Color of the Year

sailing to byzantium

SALES AGENCY NOW CLOSED UNTIL 2011

Christmas with the VOGUE Team

What the Vogue Team is wishing for this year

it's in the jeans

Nicole Trunfio models sass & bide denim

stella’s new star

Stella McCartney has a girl

Street Style

FASHION WEEK: Paris, Milan, London!

Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller

Alexa Chung is Fashion's "It" Girl!

Midnight Express: Fashion is coming over all black and blue

Lagerfeld suggests his successor at Chanel

Olivia Palermo’s Awkward Mango Photoshoot

Trend Report: The Urban Turban, Tribal Prints, Leather Shorts, Maxi Dress

Tom Ford New Collection Finally Leaked After 6 Years of Anticipation

Getting Hotter: Vogue loves...

Henry Holland teams up with LeSpecs

Some of the best dressed women this week

Vogue Australia's editor picks the top trends of the season

Alice McCall Opening In Sydney’s Darlinghurst

A Further Look at Kate Moss's Collection for Topshop

3 Great Looks from Lookbook

Our Favourite Looks from The Sartorialist

Georgia May Jagger's denim designs for Hudson

THE NEXT BIG THING...

NEWSLETTER

KATE MOSS FOR VOGUE UK 2010

PICS WE LOVE...

OUTFIT LOVE...

SOME OF THE COOLEST...

HELP US PICK THE NAME FOR OUR LABEL!

TOP 5...

TOP 5 LOOKS FROM LOOKBOOK.NU...

RETOUCHING... IS IT NECESSARY?

TOP 5...

SNEAK PEEK...

BEAUTIFUL THINGS...

INCREDIBLE... HOTEL ATLANTIS DUBAI

VOTE FOR LAUNCH...

TOP 5...

GOSSIP GORGEOUS...

FUN, FUNKY AND FREAKY...

TODAYS TOP 5...

TODAYS TOP 5...

DESIGN COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS!

DESIGN STUDIO NEWS

LOOKS WE LOVE...

CELEBS NOT LOOKING THEMSELVES

LAUNCH 2.0 SEES BIG CHANGES FOR THE COMPANY!

SO NEGLECTED! SO SORRY... TODAYS TOP 5 IS BACK

TODAYS TOP 5...

BEHIND THE WINNING COLLECTION...

MALDIVES...

Today's Top 5...

A/W DESIGN BRIEF RELEASED...

TODAYS TOP 5...

OUR FAVOURITE KATE MOSS SHOOT...

TODAYS TOP 5...

NEWSLETTER

TODAYS TOP 5...

OBEROI RESORTS...

PERFECTION...

TODAYS TOP 5...

FOLLOW TO WIN...

TODAYS TOP 5...