The international fashion community has gradually come to realise the potential of the Indian luxury market, following the lead of some of the world's biggest fashion houses that have settled into the region effortlessly. But is India's popularised "potential" harboured from within the intricate economic and social fabric of contemporary India, or has it arisen from the Western money machine?
While there are plenty of fish in the sea, stingrays might be able to offer you something others can't when it comes to bio-customised shoes. But is genetically modifying an animal for its leather taking personalised style too far?
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but when it comes to contemporary jewellery, there likely isn't a jewel in sight. The London Design Museum's latest exhibit, Unexpected Pleasures, narrates how contemporary artisans have redefined traditional ideas of adornment.
Australian label Romance Was Born's comic book-inspired S/S 2012 collection surprises Louise Willis in its refinement and tailoring. Oh, and the explosion of eccentric clashes of colours, patterns and fabrics. BLAM! BOK! RWB! Romance Was Born emerged as the shining, multi-coloured star of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.
The Australian fashion retail sector is batting down the hatches. As e-tail booms and fast fashion rumours fly, Australian fashion veterans are devising strategies to stay afloat.
Relative enigmas to the world runway, Australia's Indigenous designers are coming together for the inaugural Australian Indigenous Fashion Week in just under a year's time. In light of recent ventures and controversies, Louise Willis unearths what to expect from Australia's native flare.
Dolce & Gabbana's spring 2013 collection has thrown the industry into a racial time warp. When it comes to creative license, does the fashion industry act exempt from racial sensitivity?
Australia's blossoming fashion industry is not the only export to grace the international runway. An old Aussie favourite is re-emerging from Australia's agricultural heartland: merino wool. Louise Willis explores Australia's booming merino industry and its resurgence in the international fashion market.
Once a year, Australians young and old stop to celebrate the beloved "race that stops a nation" - the Melbourne Cup. But more often than not, the event is less about horse racing than it is about the exquisite fashion on the sidelines. For 50 years, Fashions on the Field has been the Cup's attire competition. Having grown into a respected and esteemed tradition, Louise Willis explores this nationally treasured contest.
