Let me be honest here. One of the best perks of my job is that I get to go to events, take photos, talk to people, and write about the experience in my own personal voice – and get paid for it! It’s always different and always interesting.
However, not all of them are fancy and glamourous. I do go to lots of simple and not-so-interesting events too.
So when a brand holds a special event – where you can see the effort and special consideration that went into all the details from table styling, to flower styling, fragrant styling, food styling and fashion styling… I definitely sit up and take notice!
Matches Fashion came to town, inviting a whole bunch of digital influencers, editors, stylists and fashion journalists for a lovely champagne breakfast, to showcase their latest collection and to launch their VIP Online Service.
The event was held at a super posh riverside restaurant, Mosmans Restaurant, which has one of the most stunning inner-city views of Perth. The big, glass windows opened us up to the river and glorious natural light streamed into the venue. It was a gorgeous day for a fashion event!
We were treated to a 3-course breakfast (so much delicious food and not enough tummy space!) and very pretty table styling (I sooo wanted to nab a candle or two!).
I sat on a table full of ladies – all whom I didn’t know – and we all talked freely and happily about travelling, food, weddings, textiles, art, fashion and most of all… online shopping.
I also sat next to the new business and event director, Catherine West, and was able to ask her lots of questions and get all the hot goss!
(A bit more about that later.)
The thing that I enjoyed the most was the fashion show. I was struck by the very cool styling!
The use of pattern mixing and accessories to brighten the whole outfit is not a new concept. But these guys did it exceptionally well.
The fun, printed skirts were my favourite!
Stella Jean Pony Print Skirt (view)
MSGM Orange and Black Skirt (view)
A hint of oriental and ethnic prints, but with a modern twist.
Stella McCartney pleated dress (view)
Dolce and Gabbana printed top and skirt (view)
Bright, bold, high-contrast stripes never go out of fashion!
Stella McCartney blue and green dress (view)
Sarah’s Bag, VROOM Clutch (view)
Tibi black and what top and skirt (view)
DVF Fox Fur bag (view)
Vertical stripes, a-line cuts, and bright colours were definitely eye catching.
Roksanda purple dress (view)
Fendi Fur Bag (view)
Peter Pilotto green and patterned dress (view)
Pierre Hardy eye clutch (view)
There was so much fashion inspiration!
Going back to the table conversations over salmon and poached eggs…
I was very frank with Catherine. I told her I didn’t know much about Matches Fashion. I’ve heard of their name, I’ve been to the website, but I’ve never bought anything from them.
She told me that Matches Fashion first began as a boutique in London about 25 years ago. It now has four stores in London, but predominately it is an online store, stocking over 400 designers, and delivering to over 190 countries.
Their main point of difference is their dedicated fashion-concierge team called MyStylists, who offer 24/7 styling advice. She tells me that it’s really popular; customers love the personal advice, they love that they can ask about the fit of some pants, the chest length of a dress, the material of a skirt, and that they are less likely to return an item if they’ve talked to a stylist.
I personally have NEVER used an online stylist. Mainly because I feel like I might be talking to a robot? Or a call centre worker in a different country who just won’t be able to relate to me? And I also feel that I can just Google search the answers of my own questions by myself thank you very much. Eg, I wonder if the dress has a very loose fit across the chest? Because I have a small bust, sometimes the neckline of a dress can be too low and the material at the chest can be too baggy.
ANYWAY I was introduced to a few Matches Fashion MyStylists (one was based in London and another in Sydney, both have flown in for the event) and yes they seemed like friendly, practical, modern, NORMAL human beings, who were gorgeously dressed! And yes, maybe next time I want to know the fit of a dress, I might pop them an email. They are supposed to be experts in this area after all. Why would I spend hours doing Google searches through fashion forums and agonsing over the unknown details??
So I think I might give them a go, because I’m always looking to review new online shops and shopping experiences!
Heartfelt thanks to Matches Fashion and to the PR teams, it was a lovely event!
