Bec & Bridge
Sydney is set to shine this week as the international fashion set descend on Carriageworks for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2014. A stellar line up of local legends and industry newbies will send their Spring/Summer 2014/15 collections down the runway in a showcase of Australia’s spectacular style.
Carla Zampatti
Kicking off the week on Sunday night was the first lady of Australian fashion, Carla Zampatti, who will celebrate a remarkable 50 years of her label next year. She presented a mostly monochromatic collection of elegant separates and stunning eveningwear as is her signature. Sheer details, plunging necklines and fitted silhouettes added sexiness to the range while bold strokes of colour and fur kept things fresh and interesting.
Aurelio Costarella
Monday morning saw the first full day of shows with a brilliant display of covetable evening wear from Aurelio Costarella starting things off. Costarella’s eye for detail lent itself nicely to a beautiful range of high glamour pieces full of texture in luxurious fabrics. Feathers, beading and various embellishments featured on gorgeous gowns in a rainbow of beautiful hues sure to delight his many fans.
Alex Perry
Alex Perry continues to deliver the red carpet runway pieces that are in high demand on the international fashion scene. For Summer 2014, he has added a sporty touch that oozes a more young and casual appeal. He certainly brings that extra pizazz to MBFWA and this year his full length gowns in white were certainly the stand out!
Kahlo
Leather was everywhere at Kahlo, with a subtle mint green the hue of choice for the collection. Subtle lines made for relaxed silhouettes and deceptively simple looking garments, with metallics and exposed zip details creating a modern feel.
Ellery
Amazing drapery brought to life Ellery’s beautiful collection set against the stunning backdrop of Icebergs in Bondi Beach. Everybody was talking about 300 star, Gerald Butler, who was front row and swarmed by the cameras. But it was Kym Ellery’s fabulous gowns filled with exciting detail that stole the show!
Strateas.Carlucci
It was a white runway that brought to life Strateas. Carlucci’s edgy collection with a dark appeal. There were plenty of unique design details that included chunky zips with triangular cut-front jackets. It was great to see some funky menswear that had a cool sex appeal.
By Johnny
The feminine form took centre stage at By Johnny, with flattering fitted silhouettes and soft ruffles complemented by divinely curved lines. Daring mid-thigh splits and quirky cut-outs made for a modern look with metallics and clever tailoring adding a welcome edge to the range.
Desert Design
Desert Design’s collection brought indigenous prints to the next level. These pieces had a gorgeous feel and featured colourful prints, in intricate designs. Their flowing gowns will add a relaxed summer vibe to any wardrobe.
Bec & Bridge
Boho met Sydney cool at cult label Bec & Bridge, who showed a clever collection of mostly body con pieces in a sea of blue and neutrals accented by terracotta. The look was fresh and textured with fringed details and asymmetric hems contrasting with plunging necklines and sexy cut-outs.
Gail Sorronda
Inspired by Disney’s classic film, ‘The Little Mermaid’, Gail Sorronda presented a dreamy collection of whimsical pieces and sweet prints. The tutu silhouette was brought to life by the deep sea with fun octopus and squid inspired shapes.
Phoenix Keating
The young master of drama, Phoenix Keating, delivered a stunning collection of matador inspired pieces in his signature theatrical fashion. Amazing sculptural looks were highlighted by exaggerated shoulders and flattering panelled shapes. A striking gold bull motif ran throughout the range and complemented gold accents on the garments.
NLP
Look out for some hot swimwear from NLP, who delivered new shapes with a dimensional twist to the summer market. They set the runway alight with colourful prints that felt like something out of the Avatar movie with blue body painted models!
For the last show of the day, the fashion set took a trip to the pool, with Karla Spetic turning a recreation centre into a slick runway for the night. Casual cool was key on the catwalks with soft pastels given an androgynous feel in relaxed silhouettes.
Day two of MBFWA promises great things from the likes of Ginger and Smart, Maticevski and Christopher Esber among many others. Stay tuned for more from Sydney this week.
By Evelyn Ebrey and Craig Lawson
Imagery: MBFWA