To kick of the official Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) program Pen To Paper Media was invited to attend the Collins Place Fashion Soirée High Tea in the stunning Sofi’s Lounge at the hotel Sofitel.

Hosted by former TV presenter (Good Morning Melbourne), Annette Allison, the afternoon showcased new season trends from favourite Collins Place retailers, which included Jacqui Fernandes, Digbys, Feathers, Cable and MJ Bale, as well as a collection of race-day hats from two of Melbourne’s top milliners – Melissa Jackson and Felicity Northeast, whose hand-made pieces were on display. We especially loved Felicity’s delicate and thoroughly iconic starburst designs.

Hair and make-up was crafted by the team at Rokk Ebony and Palladio and the runway looks were curated by leading stylist, Anika Walker. Cleverly separated into themes, each runway ‘show’ followed the genres of Romantic, Utilitarian, Bold and Spring Racing.

Stand outs included a black and white polka dot dress from Jacqui Fernandez, flowing graphic print dresses from Origen and suave linen suit tailoring from Gazman, MJ Bale and Oxford.

The super chic high tea featured monochromatic-themed culinary delights including, charcoal scones served with blackberry preserve and cream, a ‘black rose’ raspberry sponge with blueberry jelly and a black sesame cone with salted caramel, passionfruit gel and coconut chiboust filling – which was pure dessert heaven!

This was a wonderfully chic champagne-sipping foray into fashion week, with a nod to the upcoming spring racing season. It was also a keen reminder to shop local and support our Australian designers and retailers, whose sharp tailoring and eye for detail make it an easy feat.

Photography supplied by Cassette.