Below is an article I did for Frock Paper Scissors annual magazine in 2010:
Do you remember your formal dress, or have you blocked out that memory? Sure, it was the style at the time, but now you just don't look at it the same way. For many Brisbanites, it is still thought that when it comes to getting frocked up, that regrettable puffs or frills, lace, spaghetti straps or shapeless satin bustiers is about as good as it gets.
Although Brisbane fashionistas are now barraged with their choice of designer labels, thanks to an onslaught of high end designer retailers and boutiques surfacing on the city's streets, the questions linger: When will there be another ball? Where will I actually be able to wear my new Miu Miu dress? Is that monstrous taffeta number that clashed with my braces at school formal really as close to red-carpet attire as I'll get?
We all enjoy the occasional dose of glamour - a chance to dress up and buy a fabulous dress with matching killer stilettos or pumps. Notable Brisbane fashion designer Juli Grbac says that even though there may not be that many events, it's now becoming more acceptable to get glammed up in Brisbane - any excuse will do.
"Stores like Jean Brown Robe and Blonde Venus have put Brisbane on the style map, offering labels we only dream of, " Grbac said.
"I, myself love to dress up, and it's an increasing trend where people are putting more effort into weddings, cocktail parties and other social events which my collections are usually worn."
Brisbane has no galas of New York proportions, and the River City doesn't have an answer to Los Angeles' MTV Music Video Awards. Our upper-class aren't overloaded with film premieres and charity benefits to rival Milan and Paris. But since the inception of more sophisticated bars and clubs like Fortitude Valley's Cloudland and LaRuche, West End's Sling Lounge, and Gallery of Modern Art's Up Late sessions, Brisbane's glitterati are finally getting their chance to get frocked up.
According to Brisbane stylist Alison Triffett, the chance to wear something luxe also comes down to who you know, and the connections you have.
"If you're active in the fundraising scene, there's certainly no shortage of events to attend - balls and functions are happening all around us nearly every week, and for so many very good causes."
Triffett has notices that Brisbane is a little more "on the map" than when she started her personal styling business six years ago.
"To be honest, I didn't really believe there would be enough of a market in Brisbane for my type of business and services. But how wrong was I?"
For those who have lived in Brisbane for years, the transformation may have felt like a face-lift. But Triffett acknowledges that Brisbane style is still staying true to its relaxed roots.
"As far as Brisbane being more sophisticated now than it was, I would say yes, but there is still that chilled vibe that we are famous for, and that's not a bad thing."
For now, Brisbane glamazons can take advantage of the events and venues Brisbane offers to get frocked up, or even just glam up for the fun of it. And keep buying those fabulous dress, because "if a girl falls in love with a gown, she will usually find somewhere to wear it," Grbac said.
Styling: Georgia Rostagno
Photography: Robert Varkevisser
Model: Shough Jaberi
