Fiery Flamenco in the Dead of a Melbourne Winter

Whether it's the Mike Figgis documentary 'Flamenco Women' (1997) or the International Flamenco Fashion Show (SIMOF), flamenco and fashion just fit together perfectly.The high calibre techniques and skill involved in flamenco can lend a sophisticated air to any fashion event and still keep it grounded to the underground and street level that, in the following case, Melbourne is famous for.

Leo models amazing piece by Vale and Ward

Recently, Vale and Ward (Marc Carnevale and Shane Ward) - creators of Melbourne designed and Melbourne made luxury fashion, held their - "In the dead of winter" event and had the foresight to spice things up with a touch of Flamenco.

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he invite-only event was attended by about 30 clients and VIPs for a sneak peek at some of their new pieces from upcoming ranges.Vale and Ward garments are available at their Collingwood studio; Blondies Boutique, Galerie Soleilo and Cartoon Boutique.Thankfully for those who did not attend... Photographer Sandy Rogulic captured; the gorgeous models (Sophie, Leo and Laura), the talented make up artist (Marissa), the stunning flowers (Flower Pots on Johnston), the Candy Spender Jewels, the poetry (Anselm Van Rood), the sangria, the flamenco dance (Aya Kitaoji) and the flamenco guitar (Alejandro Florez).More photos can be viewed on the Vale and Ward Facebook Page.The real stars of the evening were the made in Melbourne skirts, blouses, coats, jackets and cashmere vests, but here at the Flamenco Australia Magazine, flamenco always takes the top billing."Aya and Alesandro were the the perfect accompaniment to the night, filling it with fun, life and energy. Aya is truly a beautiful flamenco dancer and with Alesandro, put on an amazing performance. The crowd was captivated and thrilled by the show and showed it with raucous applaud after! The performance was just what we wanted - fun, lively and created an amazing buzz!" - Shane HewardIf we believe Twain and Dickens 'in the dead of' anything is a cold and lonely place of 'Hard Times' - "In the dead of night the echoes of his own words, which had rolled Heaven knows how far away in the daytime, came back instead, and abided by him until morning."

Vale and Ward's "In the dead of winter" - unlike the upcoming Brisbane dark-rock/burlesque/zombie festival of the same name - switched the reference with a temperate and opulent event designed to warm the cockles of inner city workers on their way home on a cold Wednesday night and lure the warm home-bodies out with promises of a lively evening of fun, aesthetic delights and sartorial dreams.CONTACTS:Vale and Ward (Fashion)- 03 9077 0847Sandy Rogulic (Photography) - 0412 077 846Aya Kitaoji - 0415 888 542