A model rides a surfboard down the runway at Cynthia Rowley’s show. Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images.
Day five of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia was mostly focussed on swimwear and activewear labels with a brilliant collection of brands bringing lots of colour and even some smiling models to the runway.
Camilla
Kicking things off bright and early, Camilla took the fashion set on a breezy boat ride at 7:30am to showcase their Resort 2017 collection Jambo Jambo. Kaftan queen, Camilla Franks, is known for her bohemian resort wear and this collection comprised of colourful printed cotton dresses and casual wear for both men and women. The collection was inspired by Camilla’s travels to Africa and the energy she loved about Kenya’s tribes.
We Are Handsome
Models stormed the runway in gold high tops at We Are Handsome to showcase their latest swimwear and activewear range. It felt like a rock show with loud pumping music and big stage lights that added to the vibe. The collection featured figure-hugging work out gear that would look stylish at the gym or on the street. Swimwear was sexy with new versions of WAH’s signature bright digital prints to stand out this summer.
PE Nation
Han
With a blaring Kanye West soundtrack, industrial set with a hosed down runway and flourescent lighting, Han’s show was heavy on attitude and delivered a strong collection. With a chic take on streetwear, designer Khim Hang’s range was full of cleverly detailed pieces that caught our attention. From the triple breasted jackets to the asymmetrically draped denim separates, Han’s choices were unexpected but a powerful take on womenswear. The rich colour palette and easy-to-wear styles made the collection oh so appealing.
Bondi Bather
Surf is up! The Bondi culture is at the heart of their collection titled High Tide. They celebrate the glory of this beachside location as every print represents a little story to be told from this famous location. It was a high performance show that had models dancing on the runway at one point. Swimwear in soft aqua blue made a splash with sunset illustrations having a striking point of difference.
Duskii (left), Palm Swimwear (centre) and Aquablu (right) from the Swim show.
The Swim show is possibly the most Australian of all the shows on the MBFWA schedule and every year it’s parade of bronzed babes bring the beach to the catwalk. First up was Duskii who drew inspiration from Morocco for their elegant collection of swimsuits in classic styles and monochromatic looks. Palm Swimwear were next up a clean range of modern swimwear in neutrals and brights that was matched with yoga accessories. Closing the show was Aquablu who upped the glamour factor with gorgeous floral prints and sequins, their finale outfit consisted of a huge tulle skirt over a sequinned long-sleeved swimsuit, although the skirt was pulled off mid-runway for dramatic effect.
Cynthia Rowley
New Yorker Cynthia Rowley brought her sophisticated, feminine take on Resort wear to the MBFWA runway as the first of two major American labels to show at the Sydney event. Her colourful collection of charming prints and beautiful embellishments featured on a full collection of looks with everything from daywear, eveningwear and swimwear on display. Her flowing dresses, colour-blocked bikinis and swimwear that was matched to surfboards and other accessories were definite highlights. While the live percussion band who enthusiastically played during the show and the models carried down the runway on surfboards by handsome men certainly upped the entertainment factor.
Ten Pieces
Ten Pieces delivered a collection of layered and free-flowing garments for men and women. Their designs were structured to softly hang and to be mixed and matched for different looks. Their fourth collection takes inspiration form the Australian desert and this is represented in the earthy hues of choice. The guys look was laced up knee-high boots with hoodies and designer sweat pants for a streetwear edge.
By Evelyn Ebrey and Craig Lawson.
Photos by Mark Nolan, Stefan Gosatti, Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.