I LOVE FASHION ILLUSTRATION

This year’s five-piece Spring Racing Carnival Capsule Collection was illustrated by Melwitz Folino. Melwitz compiled observation drawings over a series of soirees held at the NGV for Degas: A New Vision. At the first soiree, Melwitz captured female guests from Melbourne’s professional law community enjoying Yering wine and a conversation before and after a whistle-stop tour through six moments in the exhibition that inspire me. At the second soiree, Melwitz captured the collection pieces that I wore while I shared my renewed respect for Degas’ life work with a sparky mix of bankers, industry body leaders and entrepreneurs. 

This Spring Racing Carnival Capsule Collection features a slip, bodice and skirt figured in a gorgeous and much favoured, bouncy matt heavy silk crepe with waist-accentuating seams in ivory silk satin weighted with a ball chain. These are pieces that I have tested on the road of my business travels (prior to reworking them for this release) where I like to pack light in order to be prepared for any eventuality:  meetings, dinners, parties. 

I have top-coated this collection with a whimsical digital print trench coat with trompe l'oeil hand woven, punched and stitched detail on a wind-breaking sheath of Japanese polyester that you don’t want to be without  when trackside and the sun goes down and can also pack into your hand or bag in between. 

And the final touches include adding drawstring clutches and berets, which are hand crafted in heavy double-faced satin, featherweight leather and suede. The berets can be folded into your trench pocket and will also look chic, any other day striding up Collins Street. By patron demand, the somewhat misleadingly named clutches have straps long enough to drape across your body so you can remain hands-free at a marquee, opening, or party, all the while keeping your essentials in close reach. 

These pieces have been carefully considered and designed to take you from the boardroom table to trackside and to your Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties, all  without ever having a moment of regret about your investment that will spend more time on your back than in the wardrobe.

It has been delightful to reconnect with my love of fashion illustration via artist Melwitz Folino whose Facebook page is a source of welcome beauty. The illustrations were launched in a private networking event presented to a group of Melbourne’s leading business women and professionals who were assembled by Priscilla Curtis of gcr3 before being presented to the public for Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out. 

PRIVATELY VIEW 
The Spring Racing Carnival Capsule Collection by appointment sales@materialbyproduct.com

SHOWROOM VISIT
On show Spring Racing Carnival Capsule Collection and illustrations by Melwitz Folino. Tuesday to Thursday, 12noon–6pm.

SINCERELY 
Susan Dimasi
Creative Director 
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