Harare Mbama: Adios Spring Fashion Week!

It was a rather tame but still enjoyable Melbourne Spring Fashion Week this year. I carefully chose which events I would attend after years of going to nearly everything and then being exhausted for days from all the talking and schmoozing. I remember going to my first runway show and sitting front row purely by default. I remember exactly what I wore, how I sat with perfect poise and that moment where I felt like I was repping for my country and couldn't afford to zone out during the show. I remember several photographers coming up to me and asking who I was and the disappointment in their faces when I didn't have an Anna Wintour worthy answer. I'd shaved my head for that fresh-to-death factor, had perfectly manicured nails and dressed immaculately just in case I bumped into Kirstie Clements, former Vogue Australia Editor-In-Chief. I thought it was enough. Clearly, it wasn't. Years later, I still shave my head before a fashion week event so my baldie looks fresh-to-death, still have perfectly manicured nails but dress purely for me. The odd photographer comes up to me and when asked who I am, my answer is simple "I am Elliot and Eve's daughter and Nigel's sister."

Thought I'd share two looks from Christine, Melbourne's answer to Browns in London, that saw me ignore what my accountant said and pop into the boutique the very next day after the show. I do enjoy shows with what I call razzle-dazzle factor that leave Fashion Week attendees gasping but I love seeing models in wearable clothing. Christine delivered just that - highly wearable edgy garments with movement. I was sold the moment the third model walked out.

Etro (Christine)

Swash London (Christine)

If only you knew how I agonised over what to wear to the various fashion-related exhibitions, seminars and shows but when push came to shove wore whatever jumped out at me in my wardrobe. Gone are the days where I'd have my outfits planned days, if not weeks in advance, garments steamed to perfection and accessories laid out hours before an event. If it was an evening show I'd take the afternoon off to tidy whatever eyebrows I had left, go to my nail place for a quick colour change and nap before the festivities. There was no way I was going to turn up looking haggard. How things change.

Thought I'd share a few not-so-serious photos of myself and my blogger sister Miranda that bypassed my inspiration board and went straight to the fridge door. Thought I'd also share what I wore to an Australian retailer's show that has me looking at the brand in a new light.