Models in Romance Was Born with designers Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.
Day 4 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia arrived quickly and brought with it a fresh set of fabulous fashion from more of Australia’s top designers and talented newcomers.
Romance Was Born
Romance was Born took guests on an over the top opulent journey for their collection titled ‘Whispering Angel’. It’s a tribute to the extravagance of the great performer Liberace and a Darling Point mansion was the perfect setting. The clothing was beautifully crafted to be daring with jewel-encrusted gowns and laser cut dresses adding to the off-beat collection. Frills, colourful ruffled details and bellowing sleeved designs brought to life the theatrics of the event. The most talked about piece was a laser cut piano dress that rattled loudly with the model’s every move.
C/meo Collective
Putting the front row in the spotlight, C/meo Collective sent their models weaving around a few extra front row benches down the centre of the runway, which gave those seated on them as even closer view of the garments. The collection comprised of contemporary womenswear in modern silhouettes that had lots of movement on the runway. Soft hues of nude, french blue and terracotta were complemented with red and black in flowing dresses and trenchcoats. Layered ruffles and black button details kept things interesting, while flapper-esque fringing added fun to pieces perfect for partying.
We Are Kindred
Bringing a beautiful dose of boho to MBFWA, We Are Kindred’s models graced a floral printed runway which was a suitable choice for their collection that was filled with pretty prints and feminine details. Designer sisters Georgie and Lizzie Renkert looked to Liv Tyler’s role in the 1996 Bernardo Bertolucci film Stealing Beauty and her effortless way of dressing, not to mention the gorgeous Italian countryside portrayed in the film. The 90s sensibility could be seen in winsome slip dresses and ever present chokers. Delicate beading, glimmering lurex-shot prints and covered button details added to the covetability of this sublime collection that had us wishing it was resort season already.
Daniel Avakian
With an eye firmly on the future, Daniel Avakian presented a collection of sophisticated womenswear that was modern with a classic appeal. His collaboration with Bang Olufsen meant models sported sleek headphones with some carrying portable speakers which added to the contemporary vibe. His breezy daywear featuring chic trenches, over-sized blazers and tailored trousers was complemented by sleek evening dresses in flowing fabrics. Silver ring details added to ponytails and garments were an elegant touch.
Kitx
She’s back! Many will recognise the name Kit Willow who left the brand she founded, Willow, in 2013. She has launched her exciting new label Kitx with the ‘x’ representing the future. Soft flowing gowns with plunging necklines hit the runway in the gorgeous stand-out hues of black and gold. The silhouette was very feminine with designs that practically glided as the models strutted. There seemed to be a slight gladiator element with crossed over detailing adding a fierceness to the overall look.
Emma Mulholland
The fun factor was at its peak with the Resort collection by Emma Mulholland. The style was a playful clash of space inspired slogans meets punk detailing for this intergalactic runway show. Loud designs tied in perfectly with the retro and comic style prints that featured cartoonish characters. The garments had a casual fit that included denim, tees, and bomber jackets with sequins.
Yuxin
Beijing born and raised designer, Yuxin, brought her take on elegant dressing to the runway with a collection that explored the idea of graceful women and an Eastern look at femininity. Educated at Parsons in New York, Yuxin also has an American flavour to her designs and her range comprised of simple silhouettes in a pared back colour palette of blue, navy, white and black.
Di$count Universe
Di$count Universe’s ‘Sin Is In’ collection delivered a heavy punk meets glam statement. It was bold and inventive with leather oversized jackets and sequined badging rocking the runway. The collection stands for a second coming-of-age, embracing that feeling of fecklessness, self-discovery, hedonism and debauchery. Clothing featured heavy embellishment mixed with a modern twist of sophisticated tailoring. The make-up on the models upped this futuristic punk show with models spewing red glitter and crying blue sparkle from their eyes. It is an adventure into love, sex, desire, art and destruction.
Tome
Tome got in the ‘buy from the runway’ action that has gained popularity in recent years overseas offering up their latest collection online immediately as well as at David Jones. Their range consisted of relaxed silhouettes and easy to wear pieces that drew inspiration from the Nina Simone documentary What Happened, Miss Simone? as well as the work of Malian photographer Malick Sidibe. David Bowie fans would have also picked up on a subtle nod to him in the form of a black star motif on white shirting as Bowie’s anthem “Fashion” was played. Bold floral prints, stripes and strong colours featured on shirt dresses, trenches and over-sized shirting with a casual effect.
P.Jame
It was pyjama party time with the P. Jame collection! This was an installation show with models playfully posing in a bedroom setting with pillows and feathers. This sexy sleepwear in sheer and lightweight fabrics that were provocative are sure to be a hit. The fit is relaxed with great attention being placed on the trims and cotton mesh with ties for the waistband. There were also menswear garments with boxer shorts and singlets that showcased the playful prints.
By Evelyn Ebrey and Craig Lawson.
Photos by Caroline McCredie, Stefan Gosatti, Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.