10 reasons supermodels Jessica Gomes and Montana Cox love Melbourne fashion

SUPERMODELS Jessica Gomes and Montana Cox have given their definitive list of the top 10 reasons why they love Melbourne fashion.
Gomes and Cox, who are David Jones ambassadors, will hit the runway for the retail giant at the opening night of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival on Saturday.

Montana Cox and Jessica Gomes pose up for VAMFF15 at Naked For Satan. Picture: Tony Gough.

1. MELBOURNE IS AUSTRALIA’S STYLE CAPITAL
Jessica: “Melbourne has an undisputed edge in fashion. There is something magical about the whole city — the architecture, the food, the gardens, the festivity. It’s a cultural hub. Melbourne has a very European feel. It reminds me of Paris or Berlin where the environment really reflects what people wear everyday.”
Montana: “Melburnians are experimental with their fashion and like to dress for themselves rather than follow a trend. Melbourne has incredible street style. We have a ‘no rules’ approach to dressing.”
2. MELBOURNE CELEBRATES AND SUPPORTS LOCAL DESIGNERS

 

Jessica: “This city comes to life during VAMFF and Spring Fashion Week — events dedicated to fashion and Australian designers.”
Montana: “There are wonderful accolades (like the Tiffany and Co National Designer Award). There also seems to be great Government support for retail in Melbourne.”

Montana Cox and Jessica Gomes pose up for VAMFF15 at Naked For Satan. Picture: Tony Gough.

3. THERE IS EXCITING DESIGN TALENT COMING FROM MELBOURNE
Jessica: “One of my favourite new designers is Melbourne’s Strateas. Carlucci. Their pieces are beautifully tailored and minimalist.”
Montana: “I love Strateas. Carlucci — it’s a go-to in my wardrobe and it’s been amazing to see the brand take off overseas. For men, I like Jack London, which is very rocker-cool.”

Montana Cox pose up for VAMFF15 at Naked For Satan. Picture: Tony Gough.

4. 50 SHADES OF BLACK
Jessica: “Black is the new black in Melbourne. It is a shade Melburnians pull off so well, styled with different textures, like mixing leathers, furs and wools, to make it more dimensional.”
Montana: “Head to toe black always looks chic when it’s done right. It is a wardrobe staple in Melbourne, worn year-round.”
5. COOLER CLIMATE MEANS INCREDIBLE OUTERWEAR
Jessica: “Melbourne has real seasons so you can go to town with statement outerwear and never feel overdressed.”
Montana: “Melburnians invest in beautiful winter-wear, something which you don’t get the chance to do in Sydney because there are only a few really cold weeks.”
6. VINTAGE SHOPPING
Jessica: “Vintage clothes are iconic in Melbourne. I’ve seen fashionable people in Melbourne who wear vintage and up-cycle their wardrobe.”
Montana: “Being a Melbourne local, I know all about pulling off a vintage wardrobe. Two of my favourite vintage stores are Retrostar and Hunter Gatherer
7. MELBOURNE GETS RACEWEAR
Jessica: “A Melbourne crowd at the racetrack isn’t afraid to embrace new trends, and they do headwear and millenary really well.”
Montana: “There’s total respect for the prestige and elegance of trackside fashion. Women always look classy and men enjoy suiting up.”
8. STREET STYLE SAVVY
Jessica: “The street looks in Melbourne are very considered, like people piece together their outfits thoughtfully. They have a great eye for what works.”
Montana: “People get dressed to go for coffee and you would never go to the shops in tracksuit pants. Melburnians always look polished.”
9. ACCESSORIES AREN’T FORGOT
Jessica: “In Melbourne, it’s all hats, scarfs, knee-high leather boots, statement necklaces, gloves, Everything has its own place in an outfit.”
Montana: “When I come home, I feel like I can go crazy with accessories. I feel right at home wearing my beautiful felt hat in Melbourne.”
10. FASHION MARKETS
Jessica: “Melbourne has some of the best markets in Australia and it’s such a fun outing.”
Montana: “It’s where Melbourne loves to be creative and show off their work. I love The Big Design Market, Camberwell Market and Take 2 Market.”