Hamilton Island Race Week - Henri Lloyd fashion parade a huge success!

by Fran Burke on 29 Aug 2011 Audi Hamilton Island Race Week - Fashion and high performance sailing came together in a glitterati event for the launch of Henri Lloyd’s Spring Summer 2011 Lifestyle and Marine collection during the regatta this year. Held on Main Street, the eagerly anticipated parade drew a large crowd of Australia’s best regatta sailors and celebrities, including Layne Beachley, Kirk Pengilly and Gracie Otto.

Kylie Speer emceed the evening looking stunning in the new season Henri Lloyd Celine Dress in Coral.

Henri Lloyd flew in Sydney celeb stylist Ken Thompson to create a runway masterpiece teaming the latest Henri Lloyd lifestyle collection inspired by the playgrounds of the rich and famous with authentic marine performance gear. The collection further cemented Henri Lloyd’s position as the world’s leading marine garment designer and showcased the huge range that now makes up the whole brand.

Who better to take to the runway alongside the stellar professional female models than Australia’s elite sailors from Wild Oats XI, Loyal, Ginger, Another Challenge, Ketchup and Jemson, who are all competing in different divisions of the regatta. The handsome ‘salty’ sailors to walk the runway were selected through a search by Henri Lloyd for Australia's Hottest Sailors.

And, just to keep things on an even keel, this year the first female sailor also took part in the parade, Solveig Walkling.

Feeling right at home on the catwalk having done a spot of modelling before, Solveig, who also run marathons, competes in triathlons, and sails, cheekily winked at the crown cheering her on. There was also gorgeous father and son team sailing on Kethcup, Steve and Steve Jrn. Steve Snr was nominated by his loving wife and is a father of 6.

Stylist Ken Thompson teamed brightly coloured flowering headpieces with Henri Lloyd’s S/S 2011 Collection, beautifully presenting the current worldwide trend of maritime chic teamed with Henri Lloyd’s signature classic nautical style. The makeup look was fresh and flirty with creamy highlighted skin and sheer glossy red lips created by Nicole Thompson and the MAC Cosmetic team.

Hair was pulled back into chic pony tales by Henry Burke, La Boutique Salon in Double Bay.
SKB Dance Krew kicked off the parade with a high energy routine that showed incredible skill as well as being hugely entertaining and super fun. The loud cheers and gasps from the audience said it all! The boys were decked out in silver Henri Lloyd polos and skippers caps as a nod to the event.

From high energy dancing to high performance marine wear, the Henri Lloyd parade took off where SKB left. Models and sailors a like took to the runway. The first exits saw trend focused brights of solar yellow, green, coral and pacfic blue teamed with clashing checks and stripes. Soft flirty dresses in blossom prints, and ribbon tailed sun hats were definitely a crowd pleaser with many oohs and aahs coming from the audience. This was followed by sailors adorned in the latest from the Henri Lloyd marine technical range – very fitting models who wore the gear with ease.

The parade ended with a flurry of Henri Lloyd signature red, white and navy featuring tailored European blazers, figure hugging striped jersey dresses and luxe wovens that were perfectly suited for the surrounding environment of an elite sailing regatta on Hamilton Island.

To round off the evening, Henri Lloyd drew the winners of the two competitions running during Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. The first competition was a Henri Lloyd 'Experience the Shockwave ' prize kit worth over $2000 that featured the latest in high performance technical sailing garments from the innovative marine brand. Huge excitement erupted from the upper levels of the Marina Tavern overlooking the main stage as the lucky winner was announced.

And to balance off the marine side, Henri Lloyd also drew the winner of the 'Ultimate Henri Lloyd Fashion Escape' worth over $3000. The winner will be heading off to Sydney shortly for a truly Henri Lloyd lifestyle experience including a $1000 shopping spree at Henri Lloyd signature store at Chatswood Chase with in store stylist, two nights accommodation at the Intercontinental Sydney and return flights. One very happy prize winner!

Henri Lloyd’s lifestyle collection for Spring Summer 2011 is in stores now. Available at Henri Lloyd signature stores in Chatswood Chase and Mosman in Sydney, Marina Retail store on Hamilton Island, selected David Jones’ stores in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth and exclusive independent boutiques across Australia.

For more information, please contact Henri Lloyd on 02 9638 4333 or fran(at)burkemarine.com.au.
More at www.burkemarine.com.au and www.henrilloyd.com