Ginger and Smart
After an inspiring first day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, day two began with another off-site show from Sydney favourites Ginger and Smart. A sophisticated collection graced the open loft space as abstract prints, lace and texture featured on elegant midi-length dresses and relaxed separates. Rose gold details were a delightful feature while the sheer crimson evening looks were simply covetable.
Michael Lo Sordo
Effortlessly chic and simply stunning, Michael Lo Sordo’s collection of sexy separates and divine dresses in crisp whites and gelati shades were utter perfection. The casually draped blazers and trenches with pushed up sleeves had a cool nonchalance which beautifully complemented the relaxed silhouettes underneath. Metallic accents and luxurious fabrics upped the glamour factor of this chic range.
Talulah
Breezing along the runway on a tropically themed set, Talulah’s fresh and cheerful collection was resort wear made easy. Bold prints contrasted with soft knits to create a really wearable range of swimwear and resort wear in cool feminine silhouettes. Heavy accessorising of colourful jewellery added to the holiday feel and had the audience wishing they had a Pina Colada in hand too.
Leroy Nguyen
Leroy Nguyen contrasted a bright graphic floral print and pastels with neutrals in relaxed silhouettes to create a strong look with a modern, fresh appeal. The unique hemlines on shirts and tops featured a flowing circular outline that combined with high shine fabrics and neoprene for a fashion forward collection.
We Are Handsome
We Are Handsome brought the beach to Oxford Street in a cleverly designed ‘Garden of Eden’ strewn with tropical fruit, perfectly fitting their fun-filled collection. Their signature graphic prints on stunning swimwear and resort pieces were brilliantly complemented by matching surfboards and headphones. In a move that channelled Britney Spears, live snakes were wrapped around the arms of two models making for a few interesting expressions in the front row as the snakes writhed closer.
Cameo
Modern and softly pretty around the edges, Cameo, presented a young, feminine collection of mini-length dresses and separates with a structured feel. Sweet collars and lace added a ladylike touch contrasted with motorcycle jackets and sheer midriff panels for a look that was cool and collected.
Maticevski
Maticevski yet again held the fashion set captive with his dramatic looks and incredible floor sweeping gowns in a masterful display of clever draping. Experimenting with neoprene again he created striking looks also featuring beautiful brocades and twinkling crystal embellishments for a look that was utterly striking.
Serpent & The Swan
Serpent & The Swan’s designer sister duo kept the tone dark with moody influences. Their statement pattern was strong black and white check prints for both men and women. The leather pieces are set to be a hit with their edgy appeal. Mesh see-through tops are only for the fashion adventurers.
UNIF.M
UNIF.M presented their summer collection via a visually stimulating art installation. Their collection was projected onto screens in their Surry Hills design studio. Their mission is to re-invent everyday wear with beautiful pieces in leather, silk and jersey.
Christopher Esber
Textured sport luxe pieces with a modern edge at Christopher Esber had an infinitely wearable appeal. Relaxed silhouettes in dresses and separates were complemented by leather and soft knits with cropped double breasted jackets teamed with shorts adding a nonchalant charm.
Galanni
A glittering array of metallics anchored by classic black and white graced a stunning gold reflective runway at Galanni. The models were gorgeous goddesses adorned in intricately embellished evening wear that was beautifully tailored and featured sexy thigh-high splits and sheer lace panelling.
Carena West (left) – Cleonie (right)
MBFWA’s dedicated Swim show saw four designers, including two New Zealand labels (Surface Too Deep and Carena West) send bronzed babes down the runway in a fun show that showcased the individual strengths of each label. Bondi Bather were up first with an array of graphic prints in flattering cuts including rashies.
Next up was Carena West who showed a sexy collection featuring cut-out details and shimmering metallics, a model taking a quick selfie on the runway was an amusing touch. Surface Too Deep opened with a stunning male Adonis who certainly got the crowd’s attention before showing a more sophisticated collection with pretty pastels and sequinned embellishments making for an elegant look. Cleonie closed the show with a European influenced collection of bold prints and sheer details.
Romance Was Born
Romance Was Born presented their first exhibition ‘Reflected Glory’ in collaboration with Perth-based visual artist Rebecca Baumann. A showcase the for their latest collection, the amazing large-scale installation combined RWB’s signature theatricality and sense of whimsy with Baumann’s kaleidoscopic world of colour and light.
– Evelyn Ebrey
Imagery: MBFWA