From your profile pic. you, Danielle have a very strong sense of femininity, flirtation and fun. I really think its cool that you understand that fun and fashion need to have a sense of humour and I can see from your designs that you are very influenced by flattering the female figure. I'm also pleased to see that not everything is tightly fitted to the body because quite frankly that was concerning me. I think the thing you need to watch out for is that if you take a look at some of your back shots and side shots the area of coverage is too skimpy and unless you're Elle McPherson it can be quite difficult to wear and also reduces quite considerably the category of women and figure types that can wear these cutaway garments.

By allowing a little bit more coverage around the back and bust area you can still allow for sexy without compromise. I would also like to see you develop your line using your flounces and frills that are currently just on the necklines and shoulders and develop them into skirts and blouses. This truly could be very cool.

My final piece of advice is keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars. Always under promise and over deliver.

What I really love about Taku's approach is the fact that she has taken the colour, the vibrancy, the emotion of Zimbabwe her home country and translated it into vibrant style and fashion making it into a hybrid Australian and African fashion brand. What I think Taku understands best is that she allows her fabrications to speak volumes and in doing so is extremely effective. The dresses in particular are effective because they are not overdesigned and in our very own sunburnt country the vibrant colour works so well and can be worn in a really chic manner. I would love Taku to expand her feeling and using these bold designs print onto fabrications including a very light chiffon, georgette and even organza. This I believe would expand her marketbase and allow her to even go into formal cocktail and evening wear. I think Taku's signature is dfferent, it has energy and I advise her to see if she can join forces with major speciality stores around the country in distributing her bold looks into fashion consumed around the country. I am certain we will hear more about Taku in the years to come! Good luck and you should apply for next year's Project Runway.

I really enjoy the fact that Emma Vick's label Chroni is for anything but old cronies. When I look at these designs I think of some iconic labels that include Laura Ashley, vintage Sportsgirl and Sportscraft. A yearning for past nostalgia in a feminine romantic way is well conveyed in this label and I think the most important piece of advice I can give to Emma is to focus in on this niche which is playing with vintage in a youthful way. I would love to see some belted 50s cotton frocks come out of Chroni also a slim pant, a cropped tailored jacket and frilly blouses would not only be a logical extension to the collections but it would also be additional pieces that have got commercial viability. I think there is a wicked sense of humour in this clothing line and the use of printed pattern over what looks like cotton dresses and blouses add to incredible individuality and sense of style. Quite frankly I think Laura Ashley would drool over these pieces. It just amazes me the level of talent that is out there and I encourage you Emma to keep moving forward.

Ms Max, you rock and I love that you are thinking out of the box.
I am just so bewildered at times that fashion has become so very very tame.
California, you are a wild child and that is a great think I do believe.
I also believe that your style is so individual that if your aspirations are to sell your designs out of your own boutique
Then you are spot on. That is the best and only way to see not only works, but also to learn what is commercially viable or not.
I am certain that after you gain that experience you will take a little of the wild side and create more fashion that has a chance of being sold in other stores as well as yours.
Now, always go for the lowest possible over heads and selling via the net is something you must look into.
Create a web and a shopping cart function and see not only what sells , but also take the next step in production of your fashion.
Make sure that you also focus on a style and signature that is distinctly you
GOOD Luck and YOU GO GIRL!

It is certainly obvious that your sizzling, sexy, simmering and sensational swimwear is aimed at the banana market. As I imagine that is what is what it would provoke on the beaches of Miami. Seriously though you have to know that your swimwear is a great start when you’re targeting the young, the gorgeous, the tanned, the trim and the terrific. I really love your inspiration on native American, I think it is really unique and I would love to see you broaden it into one pieces and beach coverwear so you could expand it into a broader age range as well. I think that three quarters of the success of any designer is specialising in the thing that rocks their boat and if you do this right you could really create some waves in the ocean. I also think you should include on your tagline "Boys Beware!". You have certainly caught our attention this week. Hugs, kisses and banana splits!

It is so fabulous to hear Danielle’s story and to see her following her obvious passion for fashion. There is a distinctive style and very definite signature to her designs. Many of the pieces are combinations of “girly” and “rough’, a definite blend of the masculine and feminine facets that make up many of the great trends and designs in today’s market place. The use of tulle and floral creates a soft angelic feel, yet the rips in the pants has a leaning to “don’t mess with me”, the combination leaves me feeling like her signature is attuned to powerful yet introspective women – a great thing. Her body con one shoulder dress with floral trim is another example of the obvious juxtapositions we see throughout this range, this time, the tight dress silhouette in plain with the loose and flowing floral trim. The lace dress, belted, over a stripe body suit is a great combination, quite eclectic and shouts individualism and confidence to me, I like that, sexy, sensual yet powerful and strong. I like the open side tanks and the two options of the lace or floral sleeves creates two entirely different looks and potentially two different customer bases. Her signature piece, the backless leotard with frill sleeves has a unique feel to it, and it is creates a feel of wonder, as to where the rest of the range will go....it is a little quirky, and may be a little limiting to the broad range market, however it still does its job in setting a direction and aspiration for the brand. I would caution Danielle though, that although quirky sells, remember to always keep checking in with herself that it is still the most flattering to the body, sometimes quirky can take over and we lose sight of the true feminine form we are dressing.

I like the fact that Penny Anne is her mother’s name – an emotional aspect to a brand name filters through to the end product of the label. I really applaud Danielle for her work and the journey she has travelled so far with it; starting at markets and then moving to online and some stockists, and working on it full time now! What a fabulous achievement, especially in less than 12 months – congratulations Danielle!

What an inspiring and beautiful collection. The silhouettes accentuate the beauty of the female form and it is clear that Taku understands the sensuality and beauty of a woman. The designs are contemporary and it is clearly a wonderful mix of her Africa homeland combined with the designs that will work well in the commercial arena of the Australian market. The collection has an individualistic overtone, which in today’s market is so important and is fundamental in cementing a place within the designer’s band. The shots of the collection are also in tune with the brand, they are seductive, yet fun and playful. Bold colour blocking is relevant to current themes in the market place and the use of strong patterns in her designs also says to me there is a confidence behind this designer....I want to see more! Congratulations Taku on your collection submitted here.

There is an innocence to Emma’s collection that feels playful, feminine yet grounded and down to earth. Picking up on the Age of Innocence theme about to hit the market place for Spring/Summer, Emma’s collection will work well for those used to dressing up vintage pieces with mixes from the contemporary market place. Creative and with a very clear statement this range has legs for the segment of the market that wants sweet, understated fashion, allowing a twist of their own. Clearly feminine, yet with a touch of androgyny, the look has a feeling of nostalgia and timelessness. This look will lend itself to mix and matching and vests will work well to give these pieces a continuous update. I have been known to caution designers away from building a look that is so reliant on current themes, as this one is, however, we have seen this vintage come sweet tom boy feel in the market place for so many seasons and it is still showing through in the coming seasons as a strong force; I think this look will continue to grow as it is a perfect vehicle for fashionistas to mix vintage with new and create a very individual look.....well done Emma, and keep adding to your collection with thoughts of each piece being able to work with your previous pieces and collections.