Leiden Girls
Getting dressed is more than just putting clothes on your back or striving to look ‘on trend’. It’s about expressing your personality and feeling great. Team Leiden likes to get dressed up and we want to tell you all about what we wore to night one of Fashfest and why.
Emma Batchelor
Founder and Editor of Leiden
Coat – This is a special vintage coat I bought at the Old Bus Depot markets. It’s from the 1950s. Because it is so voluminous, it’s the perfect coat for wearing over equally voluminous pieces. Plus it makes a great statement.
Dress – I was lucky enough to borrow this dress by the incredibly talented designer Melanie Child. It is made from upcycled denim and was very heavy (but in a reassuringly good way!) to wear. I love the pleats and the touch-me texture of the piece.
Shoes – I had a lot of difficulty choosing shoes to wear with this dress. I had initially wanted to wear flats but every single pair I tried made my legs look so short and stubby I had to go for heels. After trying on every non-black pair I owned I settled on these vintage YSL grosgrain pumps.
Bag – I love cat things and I loved this Miu Miu print. I really really wanted the coat but of course couldn’t afford it so my lovely Mumma bought me the bag instead. The blue colour in the print matches the denim dress perfectly.
Hair – My hair was styled by the best hair stylist around (I swear I’m not biased) Sheree Yap at Kundalini. I love it. I generally wear my hair in waves but Sheree took it to another level giving me a deep side part and slicking back one side.
Lexi Keelan
Artist and Leiden Contributor
Dress – This is my first time wearing Chanel and it won’t be the last! As soon as I slipped into the dress I felt elegant. The long, flowy fabric and fitted torso are very flattering.
Shoes – These were from Mimco. I felt 10ft tall and loved it! The platform toe and wide heel make them very comfy for being such a tall shoe.
Accessories – The gold YSL ring worked really well with the gold details on the dress and added that little something extra to complete the outfit.
Bag – A little Mulberry satchel complimented the other gold detailing and brought a touch of colour with the oxblood red.
Makeup – Emma did a lovely job on my makeup using purples and browns on the eyes and a flush of Charlotte Tilbury’s blush on the cheeks. Lips colour was inspired by the Burberry bag and was a deep red.
Hair – Styled in a textured wave to add some edge to the overall look.
Miriam Walsh
Marketing Manager and Leiden Contributor
Dress – I was lucky enough to be dressed by Zilpah Tart for the first night of Fashfest. I love the colour and print of this dress because I feel it’s such a good representation of Canberra winter. The print of the trees almost makes me feel like I’m in a forest when I wear it.
Jacket – I love this sneaky find from Target! I’ve always wanted to invest in a good leather jacket, but never had the money to. This faux leather cropped jacket is the perfect find that keeps both my closet and bank account happy. Win win!
Shoes – These suede ankle boots from Sandler are my go-to shoes for the cooler months. They’ve got the perfect sized heel for a tall girl like me and are so comfy!
Ring – I bought this beautiful ring 4 years ago in Santorini in Greece when I was travelling through Europe. I’m not a big jewellery person, but I absolutely love this ring and have not taken it off since purchasing it. It’s become a part of who I am and I genuinely feel off balance if I have to take it off.
Clutch – I borrowed this Chanel purse from Emma. It’s such a fun colour and a great contrast to the dark dress and jacket. The perfect Fashfest accessory.
Jesse Petrie
Copy Editor and Photographer
Shoes – I bought these online from the wonderful farfetch.com. They were the very first piece of Kenzo i ever bought, sparking a lifelong love of the brand. I don’t wear them as much as I ought, but when I do, I make it count.
Socks – I don’t remember where I got these or if someone gave them to me but they are one of my favourite pairs. Where better to wear your best socks than to your fashfest debut?
Pants – These come from country Road. The only remarkable thing about them is that they are men’s pants that actually fit me.
Shirt – This is from Topshop. I have always liked a flower print and this one is my favourite.
Jacket – This is a new purchase from MJ Bale. I just got it back from my tailor and am pleased to be wearing it after what feels like an eternity of waiting.
Watch – This watch is a Seagull. It’s a re-issue of their first watch back from when they were making watches for Chinese fighter pilots. I’m really into the Communist iconography and the fact that it is a wind up. It has the irresistible charm of the old world.
Ring – Another Topshop find. It’s nothing special really but it sure looks cool.
Glasses – I found these in Specsavers as I was passing by one day. Honestly I am not a fan of how plastic and cheap they feel but they are the only pair in a bold style that has ever suited my face.
Honourary Team Members Wendy Batchelor and Marica Jagarinec
Marica (left) wears:
Cape and leather/ponti skirt – Meri by Design
Mesh top – TS
Shoes – Joanne Mercer
Rings – Devine Godess
Bag – Mimco
Wendy Batchelor, (Leiden Mother)
Dress – Building Block Envelope Dress by Kowtow, a New Zealand label. Wendy says: ‘I liked that it can be worn different ways. It’s also 100 % Certified organic cotton fair trade clothing that is ethically and sustainably made from seed to garment. Sizing goes up to an XL so fits the curvy girl.’
Shoes – Alpha60
Bag – Mulberry bag
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