A flirty 1970s vibe featured in two of the early shows on day one of Australian Fashion Week, which officially started yesterday in Sydney.

The industry-only event that showcases spring-summer 2011-12 fashion collections to buyers, media and a handful of celebrities opened with Zimmermann's runway presentation.

At the Classic Throttle Shop, Zimmermann presented soft, floaty looks in a muted, innocent palette mixed up with the occasional floral print or pop of colour. 

Silhouette s were loose and flowing and there were plenty of lace details and origami-style folded embellishments. Garments featured big flashes of leg and cleavage and a relaxed attitude. The 1970s references were apparent in the maxi dresses, bell sleeves, jumpsuits and unfussy, beach-ready hair.

Bec & Bridge's show continued the retro feel, with more florals, body conscious clinging fabrics and wrap dresses. Some models wore pastel gangster-style hats the result of a collaboration with Australian hat makers Akubra and there were also high-waisted shorts and the occasional burst of burnt orange. Like at Zimmermann, there was plenty of leg on display. 

Gold lame gear such as a pussy bow blouse and a one-shouldered frock looked just right for gyrating about in Studio 54. A scanty mesh top, skirt and frock revealed plenty of skin.

''We were definitely inspired by Bianca Jagger and Lauren Hutton in the late 1970s,'' designers Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston said. ''They epitomise sensuality, success and a nonchalant sex appeal that is key to our brand.''

Alex Perry added a good dose of Hollywood glamour with his collection, which featured floor-skimming, red carpet gowns plus ladylike cocktail frocks in vivid primary hues contrasted with floral-printed black.

Supermodel Yasmin Le Bon will walk the runway for Little Joe Woman today.

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Coty Inc., a leader in the global beauty industry, announced the signing of German supermodel and television presenter Heidi Klum as the new face and artistic advisor for the global beauty brand ASTOR. As part of the long term collaboration, Ms. Klum has partnered with ASTOR to help set artistic direction for a new generation of modern makeup collections and communicate her fashion-forward point of view to consumers, the press and beauty influencers.

An internationally successful model, Heidi Klum has also established herself as a multi-talented television host and producer, actress, fashion designer and astute business woman. She is known across the world not only for herfashion magazine covers but also as the award-winning host of 'Project Runway' and 'Germany's Next Top Model by Heidi Klum', for her numerous appearances in television shows and films.

Klum has created and designed several successful beauty and fashion collections for brands including Victoria's Secret Beauty, Destination Maternity and New Balance for Amazon. She is excited to bring her expertise and experience to this role. The new collaboration with ASTOR will capitalize upon Klum's unrivalled beauty, personality and talent to strengthen the success of this innovative high-quality cosmetics brand.

Read More about Heidi Klum as new face of beauty brand ASTOR @ Fibre2fashion

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One of the largest and longest lasting empires in history – the Ottoman Empire - has become the source of inspiration for Lamya Abedin’s latest Sultan Collection. In this collection Abedin presents 50 unique pieces that showcase the rich sartorial heritage of the Ottoman era.

“Cultures and countries have always been the catalyst to my creativity and the Ottoman Empire was an epitome of such inspiration for me with its ethnical diversities, confluence of the east and west and rich cultural vibrancy,” says Abedin, as she catches her breath during the photo shoot of her new Sultan Collection at Almaz by Momo at Mall of the Emirates.

The modern Maghrebin style restaurant becomes an apt backdrop to Abedin’s new collection, which is adequately kitschy as it is classical. Giorgio Armani contributed to the Arabesque look of the models and Jacques Dessanges of Paris did the hair styling.

Read More about Lamya Abedin launches Al Sultan Collection for Eid @ Fibre2fashion

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Gap announced it will open a new creative design office in Los Angeles – a first for Gap, introduce a new Fall collection of jeans ‘with attitude’ and launch an immersive digital hub on jeans curated by designers, fashion experts and musicians at www.Gap1969.com.

Since the collection’s debut last August, when Gap jeans were reinvented on every level including fit, fabric, wash and technical details – customers have delighted in the jeans which fit and feel like premium priced denim. Gap has since expanded the 1969 Premium Jeans collection to babyGap, GapKids and GapMaternity so that every Gap customer can enjoy styles like women’s Always Skinny, men’s Authentic or a kid’s Playdate Straight.

"Over the past year, it’s been exciting to see millions of customers try on and fall in love with our 1969 Premium Jeans,” said Marka Hansen, president of Gap, North America. “We know we have the best fitting premium jeans at an accessible price in the marketplace and we’ll continue to focus on this innovation especially as we bring our entire denim team to Los Angeles to live and work in the creative hub of the denim industry." 

Read More about Gap Fall Callecton & LA Design Office at Fibre2fashion

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Playboy Enterprises Inc announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Fashion UK to create a new collection of Playboy-branded men’s and women’s fashion apparel, which will be available in the UK and Ireland beginning in August 2010.

“We are excited to partner with Fashion UK, a well-established company that has specialized in licensed apparel, specifically fast-fashion, for many years,” said Adrianna Chinnici, vice president, licensing, Playboy Enterprises, Inc. “We look forward to revealing the new fashion-forward line of men’s and women’s apparel to consumers in the coming months.”

The Playboy-branded line will include vintage wash and jersey T-shirts – including music-inspired and embellished styles – as well as hoodies and joggers.

“Fashion UK is thrilled to collaborate with Playboy,” said Gurdev Mattu, managing director, Fashion UK, “The Playboy brand is both iconic and universally recognized, especially among our target audience that thrives on fun and fashionable products.”

Since 2001, Fashion UK has successfully specialised in Licensed Appareland leads the market in the terms of fashion and speed to market, thus creating an edge over its rivals whilst establishing a fresh concept at retail.

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