Best in Show

A taste of New York and a series of edgy fashion shows for teens are coming to Sylvia Park this month.

The four-day Fashion in the Park extravaganza, from Saturday, April 11 to Wednesday, April 15, is a  chance to catch up with all the excitement of the runway, and to be inspired to shop for your autumn and winter wardrobe.

Fashion in the Park kicks off  with the Gala Runway Fashion Show, promising live music, dance performances, glamorous spot prizes and more. As well as showcasing clothing, shoes and jewellery from retailers such as David Lawrence, Mi Piaci and Walker & Hall, the models are dancers from Sydney who are to perform a high-energy choreographed show.

With more than 90 retailers participating, and a range of evening wear, daywear, leisurewear, sportswear and children’s wear on show, the models have 120 changes behind the scenes.

Last year, more than 2000 people came to see their favourite Sylvia Park labels on the catwalk and, this year, the organisers are expecting to draw an even bigger crowd.

The Sylvia Park carpark will be transformed into a stylish fashion mecca, with 300 seats positioned around a runway, and all the action streamed live on huge dropdown screens.

The 10-piece band Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes will open the show, covering Alicia Keys’ and Jay Z’s hit, Empire State of Mind.

“No other shopping centre provides this kind of entertainment,” says Sylvia Park’s marketing manager Jo Allen. “It’s the biggest show of its kind.”

Those who spend $200 (within a day) at Sylvia Park will be eligible for a VIP package by taking their receipts to the customer service desk. The package includes two VIP seats, plus two goodie bags valued at $80 each. But be quick — these are going fast.

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Meanwhile, the  show’s New York theme will provide a glamorous backdrop to the evening, featuring the Big Apple’s skyline, including the instantly recognisable Statue of Liberty. Don’t be surprised if Liza Minnelli approaches you offering good old-fashioned New York pretzels. Liza lookalikes will be doing the rounds, dressed in top hats and black shorts.

Visitors will even be able to walk the red carpet and have their photo taken as though they’re casually stepping out at New York Fashion Week. Drinks and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available from the bar, with Sacred Hill a major sponsor.

Dahlia Divin, the new perfume from Alicia Keys, will be given out as spot prizes, and spritzers will give visitors a hit of the new scent.

Maxwell Williams is a major sponsor, and has donated beautiful mugs for the gift bags.

“We really wanted a theme that was inspirational,” says Allen. “It’s going to be fun and entertaining, with a glamorous feel to it. Come along with a girlfriend or your mum. Kids are welcome, too, so you can bring the whole family.”

Following the Gala Runway Fashion Show, younger audiences will be catered to in their own rock’n’roll venue, inside the mall but beneath the road, next to Forever New and General Issue. The teen Autumn Winter 2015 Catwalk Shows will be held at 11.30am and 1.30pm, from Sunday, April 12 to Wednesday, April 15.

“They’re a completely different look,” says Allen. “Totally fashion and full-on  entertainment. The idea is to give teens a good time and show them a flavour of what’s in store.”

Guests can also  capture the moment by slipping into the on-site photo booth; within 15 seconds the images will be loaded on Facebook, allowing teens to tag themselves. Two lucky fashionistas will win phones from major sponsor Huawei. They’ll also be able to keep their cool at the soda bar, where slushies, drinks and prizes are on offer.

The Sydney dancers will again  perform on the runway in clothing from Sylvia Park retailers such as Forever New, Platypus, Just Jeans and Jay Jays.

And if you just can’t wait to start shopping, Sylvia Park stores will have special offers leading up to the event and throughout the festivities.