Monday is the start of Australian Fashion Week (May 13 to 17). To celebrate, we wanted to look at what is happening in Lismore, find out the latest trends in the world of high fashion, and examine our creative self-expression and what we are wearing on the streets of Lismore.

High Fashion

The boutique, Paris in the Strand, is the place to go for all things glamorous and formal, Julia Taranto, is the proprietress. Julia carries a wide range of outfits for “Galas, balls, business awards - any formal occasion.”  

Julia talks about what is popular right now, “So we've got some beautiful styles coming in, and they tend to arrive around Australian Fashion Week. 

“Some of the new styles that are coming in are lace overlays with sparkle fabric underneath tulle layers. We've got crossover bodices and lots of lace-up backs. Some of the dresses that are coming through have boned bodices with that sheer look.”

The younger generation often dictates what is popular, “For school formals, they are selecting the fuller styles for the girls that want that Princess look, and then some of them want the long sexy slim look.”

While speaking to Julia, she decides to offer 20% off her Australian Fashion Collection in celebration, this week! So go down and ask about what is on offer. Something for the Winter Ball later this month, perhaps?

“We carry two Australian designers. The label Jadore Nicoletta, and we've also got Tania Olson, who's a Brisbane designer to keep those Australian labels strong.”

Julia ponders how fashion week may affect us here, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have people, for Australian Fashion Week walking through the streets of Lismore - everyone just getting dolled up in beautiful frocks? Making Lismore shine!”

Fashions on the Street

Rural living gives us a unique position in fashion. Generally we tend toward either classic or traditional styles to those that are more organic or earthy in nature. This is where self expression takes on greater depth. 

Bridy

Bridy, a writer, wearing a deep tangerine silk dress from Italy paired with a classic cardigan, see-through brolly, matching shoes and handbag and interesting jewellery.

“The dress is from a boutique in Ballina, and the cardi is from Myer,” Bridy says. Her shoes, cardi and handbag were a warm beige that toned with her dress. Beige is a classic colour that always looks stylish, but it is having a special moment. Beige was the most worn colour at the Met Gala last week.

“I have one bad habit and that's an addiction to shopping from boutiques, little cute boutiques. I just love it completely healthy every other way.” Bridy says with a smile.

Bridy had lost a diamond earring, so had paired it with a beautiful opal earring she had been given by her Aunt. 

Speaking of her necklace, “This is my standard gold chain. I remember I had a gorgeous neighbour.. She was a nurse and she just had this beautiful, beautiful gold necklace that she always wore. I thought, "I want one too,” so I went shopping for myself.”

Katie and Lisa

Katie and Lisa were seated, having lunch at a cafe, but their style sprung from where they were sitting. Sisters, they were having a long-awaited catch-up and were happy to share their more practical reasons for their fashion choices.

Speaking to Katie, who is wearing a crisp white linen top with classic spots on her pants, she explains, “After moving up here from Newcastle about 8 years ago, I had to change my wardrobe because of the climate. I’ve gone to wearing a lot of linen and bamboo now.”

Katie has enjoyed the process, “I love all the little boutiques and look for pieces that are a little bit different for the top, and wear them with dark bottoms.”

Where Katie’s attire was office-suited, Lisa wore a fun blend of colours and textures. Lisa works for the Sprung Dance Theatre company, so she needs to wear something comfortable so she can move in easily. “I'm wearing overalls, a Byron Bay label, Afends.. I work in the arts and with a lot of things and costumes so I need lots of pockets. And I’m wearing Merry boots - I can't wear anything else!”

Lisa also explains, “I am wearing layers because I'm in perimenopause so I can cool off if I need to. And you never know what the humidity will be like at the moment!”

Katie says she is coming out of perimenopause, but agrees, “Lismore’s weather isn’t kind to peri women!”

Cameron

The men of Lismore tend to be very officious in suit pants and white shirts, or very casual. Cameron struck a great balance with a dressy casual style walking up the path on Lismore’s streets, so I stopped him to chat. He was on a lunch break and was happy to take a moment to share.

In regards to selecting clothes, he is an advocate of local and easy, and makes it look good. Cameron said, “I like Gooleys, just down the road.” From the vest jacket to the leather boots, and umbrella necessary in the weather, Cameron’s look could have stepped from a meeting to dinner or drinks after work.

Randy and Donna

Randy and Donna have been friends since they were nine years old. Sixty years on, they are having a well-needed catch-up. Randy has moved to Goonellabah from Murwillimbah in the last few months, and Donna is visiting from Sydney. The vibrancy and structure of their outfits struck me.

“We are both discovering Lismore as I am still finding new things here. It’s vibrant and amazing,” says Randy, “I love it, it has bounced back so well after the floods two years ago.. After the devastation, it's incredible how it has bounced back.”

Turning to discussing their outfits, Donna refers to her luxurious scarf and says, “I got this from lifeline. And I got my dress from a woman at the markets in Paddington who makes them.” Donna's glasses are from her local optometrist, “Nothing special except they are amazing,” she says with a smile.

Randy had some great history in her outfit, “I got this scarf in Luxor, made from Egyptian cotton. I love it!”

The vibrant velvet jacket Randy was wearing was from a friend from Tumbulgum, “Eileen Collins was a dear dear friend who passed away a couple of years ago. She was one of a handful of wedding celebrants, 45 years ago when they first started marrying people outside churches. She came to my singing group in the Tumbulgum hall for 15 years.”

Then Randy casually mentioned with a smile,, “Donna is an award winning storyteller!”

Nikita and Tulsi

Right around the corner were Nikita and Tulsi. Also celebrating friendship, they went to school together in Lismore. Tulsi is still in Lismore, but Nikita now lives in Brunswick, and, “We barely get time to see each other anymore, so we are making time and making a day of it.”

The ladies are very pleased to discuss their fashion choices, and Tulsi tells, “So today, Nikita is dressed in my clothes,” and they both laugh. To the question of where they like to shop, they say in tandem “Op shops”. 

All the clothing items except one were from an op shop, and Tulsi’s handbag, along with the sweet cherry charm attached, was also a op shop find. 

“I definitely prefer to buy sustainably from op shops,” said Tulsi followed by agreement from Nikita. They said the best place to go is Queensland. “But you don’t want to go to major centres, little towns are best that not many people go to. Here in Lismore, the Salvation Army is the place to go.”

Nikita spoke about one of her rings with a beautiful pearl inset that was made by a local designer she knows but, unfortunately, is no longer making them.

Fashion in Lismore is a testament to the creative expression of this city. This week is an opportunity to indulge in your wardrobe and express yourself through fashion.