Kirrily Johnston always shows at Icebergs. The trendy bar and restaurant is in North Bondi, situated above an amazing 50m Olympic pool, itself breathtakingly set on the waters edge. Fitting setting for Johnstons Habitat collection, inspired by the spaces around us – the fusion of the wild and the controlled.
I hadnt seen a KJ collection since the designer showed a winter stripe knit story at New Zealand Fashion Week in 2008. It seemed to me viewing Habitat that summer is this now-Sydney based labels natural season. The signature draping seemed much richer, the designs more innovative, worked in summers lighter weight, semi sheer cloths and liquid metallic jersey, played against plenty of bare skin.
Colours were dust, cinnamon, slate and copper – the latter striking- with a signature print inspired by KJs new Bengal cat! The restricted palette threw the garments lush texture into relief – loved the leather and suede, the latter divine in a high-waisted 70s flared trouser.
There was a capsule swimwear collection including a rocking black/cinnamon colour combo, and fantastic footwear – we loved the carved wedges with copper and black chain detailing.
– Julie Roulston
Check out more images from Kirrily Johnston's RAFW show here