Pierre Balmain Women's Collection

Sure, there are seemingly a million tweeterers twitting their ways in and out of the fashion week precinct in Sydney, but behind the smoke, the mirrors and a billion images on TV, on the web and in the papers, what do YOU all get out of it?

From marie claire to Grazia, Vogue and Harper"s, I am alert, but not yet alarmed at the possible incidences of fashion-related RSI (of the thumb) that may have publishing houses hit with compo claims up the wha-zoo. But hey, in these troubled financial times, most of the fashion-fries would do their jobs for just about nothing, as long as the steady line of GWA"s (gifts with attendance) keep rolling in.

I"ve really liked the vibe of fashion week this season. The fourteenth by the way, all of which I have reported on. It"s been business-like, but still with an element of show biz. Thank god. It"s classic (think luscious Lisa Ho and Jayson Brunsdon) and still a bit kooky (the TV label and Romance Was Born"s octopus-inspired hood put paid to that); it"s fashion-forward (Dion Lee and Kirrilly Johnston) while it is still a great way to showcase fashion newbies (Julie Grbac, Magdalena Velevska and Illionaire.)

I"ve loved watching the show ponies papped as they get hoarded into the off-site venues and the two large showrooms down at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney. Have watched in awe as fash-mag fashion room assistants teeter (as they twitter) around in the $2K champagne-priced shoes when they"re on middy beer budgets and marveled at how just about everyone has suddenly become an expert on the subject of what does and what doesn"t sell in the frock department. Not forgetting make-up experts to as they determine which MAC colored lippie will work "back" best with latest Balmain-inspired jacket.

The RAFW liquid refreshment bar, namely Rosemount, who is the naming sponsor to the entire week, hence the "R" in RAFW (Rosemount Australain Fashion Week) has been a buzzy little place this season. But not to the point, like in previous years, when people had to plied out, as pissed as, well you know what, at the end of the night.

Let"s face it, there has been some pretty spicy competition across the road (well, the harbor anyway) in the Bridge Bar at an Absolut-themed bar, where various after show parties (from Wayne Cooper and an exhibit of works from the DLM agency) have been trawling in the cool-skool set to showcase their various takes on the ubiquitous voddie.

Kristy Hinze was at the Rosemount Bar last night for a minute, flying off to Melbourne today before she begins her Project Runway duties and presents a Log-wah on Sunday night with Jennifer Hawkins. It"s the big one to the best bloke actor, methinks. Hot chicks + hot boys = perfect tv combination.

But hold on. What you really want to know are what our designers have done to their collections, enough of which to entice you to spend up big once they actually hit the stores, just in time for next spring and summer.

We"re really at the pointy end of the week. The realistic side of it. The trends. Those little points of difference that are hoping to entice you to fork out part of your pay packet so you will look fashion "now" not fashion "then".

Here"s my current rundown:

You"re hearing a lot about Balmain aren"t you? The 64 year old French fashion house (founded by Pierre Balmain and revitalised by Christophe Decarnin a few years ago) championed the wider, shoulder line in its winter collection shown in Paris a few months ago) so sure enough, many Balmain-inspired pieces have been seen, with that signature extended shoulder line (think Dynasty"s Crystle Carrington) being the shape to watch.

There"s been a simply "pretty" vibe in pieces, in subdued/vintage-like pastel palettes, which could be a fashion reaction to the sobriety of recession.

Super skinny pants (like Sass & Bide"s "Rats" black leggings from last year) where everywhere. The skinnier, the tighter and the shinier the better. But if you can"t cope with those, go the haren path - if you dare.

Intricate detailing has been seen on the super-skinnies too - a perfect caramel colored pair was seen at the Zimmermann show.

The sale of sheer, silk chiffon must have gone through the roof with this perfect fabric the best way for hot Aussie chick to look cool and stay cool.

The same fabric was seen in long, flowing often pleated skirts (some of those worn with shorts underneath), sheer shirts (the best black one from Dion Lee) and Willow, whose ethereal designs took on an even stronger, tougher vibe this season.

If you have wondered what you shoud do with that crocheted rug tha"s been the end of your childhood bed for years (and is still on your grandma"s) Romance Was Born (a fave label of the Sydney Theatre Company and Cate Blanchett, so much so so, they are working on a show for the STC) created, amongs other amazinginlty theatrical pieces) a constructured crocheted dress and a mega, matching bag, leading to the headline website Nana Glamor.

Jumpsuits - why am i thinking 70s Charlie"s Angel, Jaclyn Smith when I think of these?

The small military vibe is a continuation of the Balmain effect - watch out for epaulettes and cropped, visible buttoned jackets.

Bold colors weren"t as visible as previous seasons although the brilliant orange from Kirrilly Johnston and splashes of brights from Ginger & Smart gave us a jolt.

And the biggest trend so far? Twittering. God knows what our "newest" social media du jour will be next year.

VIA «The Real Summer Trends So Far...» by Jane Storm