Last Week, I popped down to Sydney for Fashion Exposed. Australasia’s premier trade fashion event, FASHION EXPOSED celebrated 20 seasons of FASHION in Feb at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

There were over 1500+ new ranges in womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, streetwear and so much more. 

For the first time in Sydney, FASHION EXPOSED & preview joined forces with the Australian Shoe Fair and the Bags and Accessories Fair, which made it the most comprehensive fashion event on the buying calendar.

A quick snapshot of some of my favourite discoveries…

Made Right Here – a brand new concept-making baby and kids clothes right here in Australia. As they say “ Living proof that it is possible to make high quality, reasonably priced beautiful childrens clothing right here in Australia for our most precious asset…. Australian kids”. Yep that pretty much sums it up. I can’t wait to have munchkins to dress them in it!!! Maderighthere.com.au for more info!

Wrapture – a Byron Bay ingenious concept of Sustainable textiles handcrafted with integrity. They are the most beautiful naturally dyed products I have ever seen. The silk used was truly magnificent as was the age old techniques of gathering leaves and flowers from their local environment either placing them in pots or scattering them lovingly on silk or fine wool with the foliage giving hues and depths that mirror seasons. Maxi Dresses, short and long caftans, scarves and even artwork. If you are in Byron, you must go check out their studio, their pieces are truly unique and so so beautiful. For contact details, please email me.

Bodypeace – also from our beloved Byron bay is Bamboo bodywear Its awesome, great for basic wear, resort wear or to exercise / travel in. It truly was so luxurious without the hefty price tag!!! Bodypeace is the baby of Anna Walsh whom after over a decade in retail decided she wanted to design fashion that looked great and also helped the planet. It was then she discovered that you could make clothes out of bamboo! Dare I say it’s a Bamboo version of Mela Purdie, so clearly those who know what I think of Mela Purdie will know that this range definitely caught my eye!! You can view the range at bodypeacebyron.com or give Anna a call. She is just lovely.

Spare Soles – Stylish comfort for your feet. Spare Footwear for your feet, when your feet have had enough but you haven’t. They are compact, hygienic and will fit in your handbag so there is no more barefoot walking after you’ve had enough of those heels!!! They come in a great range of colours and with different soles depending on what surface you require to wear them on. To check them out log onto sparesoles.com.au.

Eternal Safari and Sebastians sister – definitely a stand out when it comes to fashion that is stylish and has a point of difference. These guys get draping and how to use material. Whilst I didn’t get a chance to chat to them, because it was hard to get close with all the people around, I loved what I saw and will definitely be following up with them!!! Myspace.com/sebastians.eternalsafari

Conform and Comply – from our little friends across the Pacific Ocean in NZ, this was the best range of objects to hold things!!! Truly luxurious and unique. Soft Marino felt in weekend bags, day bags, and laptop bags. If you want to stand out and care about how you carry your beloved possessions, seriously you need to be decked out in everything they have!!! I’m hooked, now I just have to find out where to purchase in OZ!!!

If you are a retailer and wanting to add some accessories to your store, check out Majique (www.majique.com.au). They supply only to those in the trade but have some seriously cool and individual accessories that would compliment any outfit. Pearls, eclectic leather pieces with zips/ studs, costume jewlrey, Hmm I might even sell them myself!!!

And last but by definitely no means least…

Heel Candy– I always love knickknacks and accessories. Although I’m not always a heel person, I must say for those that love their heals, you need to get these!!! Heel Candy are Heel covers that prolong the life of your favourite heels, and stop that sinking into the ground feeling… hello?? Sheer brilliance if you ask me!! They are perfect for weddings, the races, polo, garden parties pretty much any outdoor event!!! For retailers, grab a carton and pop it on your counter as an add on because these little beauties will be in demand!!! The official launch party is late march. For more info visit www.heelcandy.com.au

Well don’t know about you but i am exhausted, even though I had so much fun, it was one massive trade show with many more wonderful brands that if only I could mention them all. For more info on Fashion Exposed. Check out Fashionexposed.com.au. Next trade show is August 29,30 and 31 in Melbourne.