Vintage Spring Racing

The Spring Racing Carnival is already underway for 2010, and what better way to celebrate than looking back through the 1960s, 70s and 80s at some of the amazing outfits worn by fashionistas who have attended the racing events? Of course, the most famous dress was Jean Shrimpton’s risqué mini at the Melbourne Cup in 1965, however there are many interesting, beautiful, and daring creations to remember. (most images courtesy of Fairfax images)

Sophisticated Sunday

This Jacques Fath image from 1955, shot in Paris, is the perfect inspiration for what to wear on a lovely Sunday afternoon drive. Have a relaxing Sunday x

Happy Saturday

Why not spoil yourself this Saturday - gather some girlfriends, dress up, and have a fabulous night out on the town! Have a great Saturday x

This Week We Covet Maggie Gyllenhaal's Wardrobe

Maggie Gyllenhaal is almost as well known for her fashion choices as she is for her acting roles. The actress has an edgy, quirky style that is still wearable and feminine at the same time as being daring. A fan of designers such as Dries Van Noten, Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as a face of Miu Miu, Gyllenhaal is always prepared to take risks with the shapes and fabrics she wears. Not afraid of colours or prints, she is a fashion chameleon who will try anything once.

Iconic Dress: Marlene Dietrich in 'Shanghai Express'

This amazing dress was created by costume designer Travis Banton, for Marlene Dietrich’s role in the 1932 film Shanghai Express. The costumes for the movie were specially created to diffuse light, as it was a breakthrough film using tungsten lighting techniques. The feathers draw the attention to Dietrich’s facial features so there is a lot of contrast and she appears very dramatic.

Runway to Red Carpet: Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale wore this white Versace mini dress from their 2011 Resort Collection to the recent LA premiere of the film Going the Distance. Kate styled the dress quite simply with minimal accessories including black Salvatore Ferragamo pumps and a black clutch to pick up on the spot detailing on the dress, and a sleek, shiny beehive up-do to complement the mod look of the outfit. This is in clear contrast to the way the dress was styled for the runway, with intricate gladiator heels and lilac lipstick giving it an edgier feel.

Sunday Best

The 1950s silhouette is set to be huge this season, with most designers swapping the 90s body-con look for flattering tea dresses in gorgeous floral fabrics. So put on your Sunday best, gloves and parasol included, and be transported back in time! Have a great Sunday x

Happy Saturday

We love the beautiful combination of art and fashion in this 1951 Vogue image with background artwork by Pollock. Hope you have a fantastic Saturday x

This Week We Covet Bee Shaffer's Wardrobe

Bee Shaffer is the stylish daughter of Anna Wintour, the rather intimidating editor of American Vogue and one of the most powerful figures in the fashion world. A front-row regular at top runway shows as well as a guest at many exclusive events, Shaffer is also cementing her place among the fashion set, and following in her mother’s footsteps with some work in fashion journalism. She chooses to wear pieces from a range of her favourite designers, including Chanel, Rochas, Zac Posen, Derek Lam and Proenza Schouler, and does so quite naturally, always looking comfortable in dresses which tend to be classic shapes but in interesting colours or fabrics.

Iconic Dress: Audrey Hepburn in 'Two For The Road'

Audrey Hepburn stunned audiences in the 1967 film Two for the Road, as it was the first time she modelled both a short hairstyle and a particularly short dress. Designed by Paco Rabanne, this dress signified the beginning of the mini as it did not cover the knee and was considered very daring. The silver metal sequins also gave it a futuristic look, making it an incredibly modern dress for its time.

Designer Showcase: Chloe

1970s Chloe ad

Kate Bosworth in Chloe

Chloe Spring Summer ad

Chloe Spring 2010

Founded by Gaby Aghion in 1952, Chloe was the first luxury ready-to-wear fashion house, as all the established fashion houses of the time were based around Haute Couture. Chloe closed a gap in the market for those who wanted to wear high quality designer garments but could not afford made-to-measure, and caused the couture houses to react immediately by producing their own ready-to-wear ranges. Over the years Chloe has been headed by a number of influential designers including Karl Lagerfeld during the 70s and Stella McCartney in the late 90s, and has been worn by many famous faces including Jackie Kennedy, Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly. The garments are soft, feminine and flattering with a bohemian feel, while the accessory lines of shoes and bags have been extremely popular due to their wearability and versatility.

Vintage Styling

Carmen Kass starred in this fantastic shoot in Harper's Bazaar earlier this year, modelling beautiful new pieces for Spring from the top international designers. We love that this photoshoot was styled with a very vintage feel, and borrows ideas from various eras, including 1940s ruffles, a 1950s silhouette and 1980s glitter and glam.

Stylish Sunday

As Melbourne Spring Fashion Week comes to a close and our own Australian designers breathe a sigh of relief after successful catwalk shows, we thought this picture, from a Valentino runway show, would be the perfect way to finish the weekend. We love the luxurious surroundings in this image, as well as the model's beautiful peach and pale pink gown, as always a stunning Valentino creation.

Happy Saturday

This gorgeous Vogue image from the 1940s makes getting dressed up for a Saturday night look very glamourous! We love the model's beautiful polka-dot gown, especially since spots are going to be a very popular trend this coming season. Have a great Saturday night x

Friday Night Fashion

Every time Friday night rolls around, most of us are throwing clothes everywhere trying to find something to wear for a night out on the town. Wouldn't it be great if we all had personal stylists at these times?! Whether you are spending your night having drinks with the girls at an edgy inner-city bar or going all out for an event, take some inspiration from this gorgeous photoshoot of Sarah Jessica Parker for American Vogue, shot by Mario Testino. We especially love the pink and purple Dior couture gown, which is simply stunning. If only we all had such an array of beautiful outfits to choose from! Enjoy your Friday night x

Wardrobe to Covet: Audrey Tautou

Audrey Tautou is somewhat of a modern Audrey Hepburn, with her elfin looks, petite frame and versatile style. True to her French background Tautou is always polished, and is able to carry off both feminine and more boyish looks with ease. She generally favours a simple of palette of black, cream or grey mixed with an occasional print, but also plays with bold colours and unusual shapes for events and premieres. As the current face of Chanel she generally chooses to wear the brand to all major occasions, and also plays the character of Coco Chanel in the new film Coco Avant Chanel.

Designer Showcase: Cacharel

Jean Bousquet with a model wearing his early designs

Cacharel Ad Campaign Spring 2008

Lily Cole modelling for Cacharel

Cacharel Spring Ready to Wear 2010

The French fashion brand of Cacharel was founded in 1962 by Jean Bousquet, who, as the son of a sewing machine salesman, was involved in the world of fashion from an early age and was inspired to create Cacharel after training as a tailor. The brand first received international attention after an Elle cover and the launch of their seersucker blouse style in 1963. Cacharel is recognised for its young, bright, colourful collections comprising of light, feminine styles, and has also had great success with their fragrances (such as 'Anais Anais') which have been represented by famous faces including Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen.

New Website Launched!

CLOSET Melbourne is very excited to announce the launch of our beautiful new website www.closetmelbourne.com including our online store! Featuring gorgeous garments and accessories, and specialising in both vintage and modern designer fashion, our website will be consistently updated with new products sourced from around the globe including amazing items from luxury labels such as Dior, Givenchy, Chanel and more. We will also be keeping you in the know about any upcoming events, including our exciting 'Fashion Through The Decades' celebration in November (please see the website for further details). Please visit us soon! x

Runway to Red Carpet: Blake Lively in Chanel

Recently the girls from Gossip Girl are continuously featuring on the best dressed lists as they are consistently polished both on set and on the red carpet. Blake Lively looks lovely in this Chanel Resort 2011 dress with sheer detailing around the waist. The colour suits her tanned complexion and blonde hair perfectly, and she has let the dress shine by styling it with nude pumps and a relaxed up-do, rather than with the sparkly accessories seen on the runway.