Leather tore up the runway at this year’s L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival but be warned as attitude is this seasons must have accessory! FashioNZ Melbourne-based correspondent Craig Lawson reports.
Left to right: Camilla, Ginger Smart, Jack London
This glamorous festival has a strong customer focus with an action packed schedule of fashion shows, beauty workshops and business seminars.
The events are spread across the city so anyone interested in fashion can gain a view of the new trends about to hit the shops, with many of the looks available online immediately after the shows.
Central Pier provides the stunning waterfront location for the major runway shows and VIP parties.
London-based designer Mary Karantzou who has a strong celebrity following around the globe, was a hot ticket at this year’s festival and she did not disappoint.
Left to right: Karen Walker, Kirrilly Johnston, Ksubi
She wowed the crowd with her stunning and innovative silhouettes that featured vibrant digital prints.
Zhivago lead the charge on how to wear leather with a fierce showcase. Tight fitted dresses with biker gloves for that extra stylish punch – so chic and so hot! They also featured cut out back detailing and leather tailored pants which made for an effortlessly cool collection. Designers kept the leather vibe flowing with it highlighting anything that would hook a stitch including sleeves, lapels and pockets.
Ankle boots are the biggest trends in shoes and anything goes this season! Wear them with shorts, dresses and especially cropped trousers to show of the detail on this season’s gorgeous boots.
Left to right: Leona Edmiston, Lisa Ho, Lucette
Kicking black to the curb was Australian kaftan queen Camilla, who brought her wild signature prints to the runway adding a colourful vibrancy to the festival. Her adventurous looks showcased Aztec beading teamed with tribal jewellery – perfect for women who love to push the boundaries of fashion and create a unique look.
Burgundy is the hue of the season, for maximum impact wear it head-to-toe and really make this colour pop. Kirrilly Johnston featured a beautiful flowing burgundy dress with black leather trim.
The stylish pastels and neutral tones of summer are set to filter through to winter. This will make a refreshing change to a city known for dressing in dark layers as the weather cools. Karen Walker led this pastel trend with a collection of relaxed pants, cropped jackets and her statement sunglasses.
Left to right: Mary Katrantzou, Saveus, Zhivago
Red carpet glamour is all about floor length gowns with a return to classic floaty outlines. Lisa Ho brought a sexy elegance to the runway with ball gowns in full block colours. These will be the statement gowns of the season and a lavish way to make a fabulous entrance. Collette Dinnigan keeps us in love with her romantic feminism, with a sexy elegance paired with her classic style. Josh Goot gave us a modern take on red carpet style with his sculptured silhouettes and flowing a-line skirts.
Menswear tailoring for suits is more relaxed with the skinny line banished. Designers added extra shape to the suit for a more flattering fit. Blue stood out as the key suit colour of the season. Calibre made sure to keep the guys on trend, with a heavily studded biker jacket and really made it pop with white trousers. Strateaus Carlucci rocked the runway with a sleek leather style all with a modern edge and of course dark sunglasses and fingerless gloves. Kusbi showcased a streetwise mix of leather, denim and bold prints.
The festival was another fashionable success – whatever style you choose this season make sure to bring your own attitude!
– Craig Lawson
Imagery: Lucas Dawson Photography