This years Cosmopolitan Runway Show took place at the Randolph Hotel Ballroom, where you will find the glamorous chandeliers (replicas of the ones on the Titanic) centered down the room mirroring the runway below. The perfect setting for a glam, bright and 70's inspired show.
I get a sneak peak behind the scenes arriving early with Gem Latimer (One of last years Creative Directors) coffee in hand to keep the Cosmopolitan Show (and PR Queen) Director Antonia Mackay going. Rehearsals are in full swing with the choreography being overseen by Oliver Callaghan and models practicing their poses on the runway. I can't help but smile as the music plays in the background (Hot Stuff) and we break out into a montage of dance moves! We collect ourselves and talk about Antonia's inspirations for the show. "this seasons cosmopolitan show was inspired by the SS catwalk from Burberry and Chanel where bold prints and seventies disco vibes reign! The show aimed to bring together independent and high street designers into one edgy, bright and vibrant collective", with a nod of agreement that the show sounds fabulous myself and Gem leave the busy backstage area and find ourselves a Cosmo over at the bar!
The atmosphere in the reception area is buzzing, a sold out show! All eager for the show to start we take our place with the Matthew Clulee hair team. The hair for this evening show is looking great, Kylie Davies and Amie Mechen senior stylists at Matthew Clulee created the look for tonight's show, a high knotted mohican similar to the one Rita Ora has been wearing on the Voice.
The lights come up and the music starts playing as the first look from Larissa Mode's collection came onto the runway. A collection bright and playful pieces, beautiful prints teamed with reds and greens. My favorite from her collection was a log red floaty dress with cut-work on the side and a splash of sparkle adding to that 70's glam vibe. De Mouilpied were next on the runway, a combination of bold prints and colour, edging towards a more streetwear look. I loved Be Unlimited's collection this year, their pieces styled perfectly. Silk scarfs draped around the neck and interchangeable pieces in poppy colours.
Beautifully but together LK Bennett represented the high street retailers, and they did it in style. The beautiful mid length dresses in yellows and blues, silk fabrics, floral prints all matched perfectly with shoes and a bag. It's sometimes hard to see the details in jewellery but Emma Gilligan's pieces stood out wonderfully against the simple black dresses, reds and blues and metallic, super fun pieces that would spice up any outfit. Another of my favorite pieces was designed by Georgina Dee, a perfectly cut jumpsuit, tailored to perfection it flattered the models figure and looked great on the catwalk. The dreamy colours and prints of Olivia may were followed by designer Bee Leach, a wonderful collection light tones, soft structuring and sumptuous fabrics made this my favorite collection of the night!
Rhona Anne knows how to cut a leather skirt! Powerful pieces empowering the models as they walked down the runway. I met Karen Gold the evening before at the bloggers preview launch and it was great to see her work come down the runway. Khloe Nova finished of the evening with some sparkle for us all getting us in the party mood!
What a great show!
