High-end Australian designer label Camilla and Marc is the latest to launch a “capsule” collection at a chain-store - this time for Portmans.

The Camilla and Marc Portmans collection has a strong emphasis on racewear for the upcoming carnival, consisting entirely of dresses and structured jackets.

To tell you the truth, despite this being billed as “racewear”, I have my doubts about the majority of the dresses being appropriate for the track, with the hemlines a little too short on most (and I’m also not too keen on dresses with glittery embellishments for the races, because it is after all a daytime event).

However there are some nice dresses here for cocktail and semi-formal events, although I do think it may be a little too pricey for a “capsule” collection ($350 for a dress at Portmans? Who would have thought…), however if you compare it to the main Camilla and Marc line, it’s a relative bargain.

My pick of the bunch isn’t one of the dresses, but the Marla jacket, pictured here, which will also sell for $350. I do love the jacket’s shape, which is slightly reminiscent of recent Balmain designs, though the shoulders aren’t quite as “sharp”.

The Camilla and Marc collection is in-store at Portmans this Saturday, October 3.

By Caroline Warnes

camilla and marc is a fantastic local label, offering beautiful feminine dresses and tailored pieces.

Unfortunately the workmanship that goes into the range doesn’t come cheap, with prices on dresses in the range starting at around $400 and going up (and up and up) from there.

camilla and marc lovers in Sydney will be pleased to know that the label is holding a massive moving sale this weekend, with savings of up to 75% on current winter 2008 styles and tailored pieces from previous seasons as well as pieces from the spring/summer 2007 swim collection. You may not be thinking about purchasing swimwear right now given the weather outside, but don’t forget that the last few years it’s started warming up in August. Not that I’m counting or anything.

The sale takes place this Friday and Saturday only betwen 10am and 6pm at 43 Rainford Street in Surry Hills.

Meanwhile, if you’re south of the border in Melbourne, Bardot is also holding a factory clearance sale this weekend. The sale takes place on Friday and Saturday (9am to 5pm) and Sunday (10am to 5pm) at 63 Victoria Crescent in Abbotsford.

By Caroline Warnes