Glorious sunshine greeted the second day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia as Michael Lo Sordo started the day off at the airy Anna Schwartz Gallery.
Taking a departure from his usual tailored trenches and sports luxe looks, this time Lo Sordo opted for a gorgeous display of flowing dresses and separates with goddess-like effect. His delicately diaphanous gowns flowed gracefully down the runway in beautiful hues of scarlet, burgundy, pastel pink and crisp azure anchored by black and white. It was the most enchanting beginning to a day of winsome fashion that would continue to surprise and delight.
Michael Lo Sordo
Modern femininity is the signature of Sydney label Ginger and Smart who showed a sleek collection of gorgeous dresses and chic separates featuring a delicate wattle blossom print. Sheer inserts and plunging necklines added a seductive edge whilst longer skirt lengths and wide sleeves kept things wearable in monochromatic hues as well as shades of nude, turquoise, canary and cobalt. An emphasis on cinched-in waists and delicate lace added to the womanly feel and their clever cut-out shoes and matching clutches added to the covetability factor of this collection.
Ginger and Smart
Haryono Setiadi presented a dreamy range with minimalist leanings full of easy to wear pieces that still packed a punch. The stand-out garments featured an abstract artist’s touch with graphic prints and unique silver sculptural features. Sleek blazers and long flowing pants added a chic touch to an accomplished collection. The heavily lacquered hair made such things felt suitable modern and fresh.
Haryono Setiadi
One Fell Swoop have nailed relaxed urban style. Their sleek silhouettes complement the female form with precise drapery in soft fabrications. Long flowing gowns and gorgeous cocktail dresses were presented on the runway in key hues of grey, black and white. For a flirty vibe they used colourful geometric prints and bold blue for a vibrant splash.
One Fell Swoop
It’s no secret that Maticevski is Australia’s star couturier, his exceptional collections continue to push the boundaries of modern femininity as he experiments with futuristic fabrics whilst maintaining the most flattering of silhouettes. This time he utilised a white patterned backdrop to make his sculptural collection pop just that much more as dramatic look after look graced the MBFWA runway.
He started off with a series of stunning white draped dresses before mixing in beautiful florals and soft greys then bringing out some dazzling gold pieces and theatrical black gowns. This collection showcased his incredible technical ability to create garments that defy labels and display the highest level of craftsmanship.
Maticevski
Jayson Brunsdon set the tone for his romantic collection with a runway scattered with red roses which was also a recurring motif in his range. Elegant tailored jackets were paired with tulle ballerina skirts whilst delicate lace shirts and fitted brocade skirts added to the lady-like appeal of the collection. This show also saw the debut of Brunsdon’s menswear range which included suitably dapper suiting and shirting with lace accents in neutrals and the rose-red scarlet which ran throughout the range.
Glittering black sequins and fuchsia leopard print took the collection from daywear to cocktail hour, with a stunning tulle-trained skirt closing the show and leading into a wonderful scarlet confetti finale.
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Jayson Brunsdon
Lee Mathews’ flowing garments were relaxed in style with Japanese influences particularly present in the geometric prints, kimono inspired dresses and obi belts which made for a more flattering look. She used a great mix of colour with bold orange and white along with monochromatic stripes for an upbeat yet still relaxed resort look. The look was effortless and polished in beautiful natural fibres.
Lee Matthews
Phoenix Keating upped the stakes with his signature sexy urban style where comfort and fashion collide. Crop tops and figure hugging dresses had elements of mesh to create a sophisticated and street wise appeal. He used a futuristic-looking shiny green to add an ultra-modern feel and the gowns in this fabric had a decidedly mermaid feel in the best possible way. Keating continues to make garments that flatter the womanly figure in a fifties way but are very much of the moment.
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Phoenix Keating
Queen of quirky cool, Alice McCall, showed a charming collection full of cute crochet and sexy sheers in mostly mini-lengths. Her playful rompers and cropped sculptural pieces will no doubt find favour with her ever-growing fan-base who adore her upbeat aesthetic. Sweet bow accents, cotton-candy pink and bunny ears headbands added to the sugary effect which contrasted with metallic brocades, copper hues and monochromatic stripes.
Her uniquely feminine aesthetic was beautifully complemented by an amazing set from artist Daimon Downey, which featured a rainbow of dreamy sculptures transforming the runway into a curious garden for the models to traverse.
Alice McCal
Han’s collection was all about clever draping with soft, wearable looks for both men and women. He featured sleek tailoring that created a unique twist on the classic south-east Asian garments. Fun geometric prints also added a playful feel. Han achieved an element of cool for men with leather jackets matched with tailored pants. Black and white continues to be the key colours of the season and this has crossed over into menswear with striped shirts for the guys certain to be a hit.
Han
Zhivago’s fierce collection drew inspiration from ancient Egypt and was suitably entitled Eye of Horus. They delivered a range of strong avant-garde separates and flattering dresses in mostly mini lengths, with structured shoulders one of their key trends. The runway was filtered by black and gold hues with glittering garments that would have made Cleopatra proud. The finale walk to the tune of Walk Like A Egyptian finished off the show in perfect style. No doubt their stunning gold gladiator sandals are sure to be popular this summer.
Zhivago
Closing day two of MBFWA, We Are Handsome sent everyone to White City tennis courts for an athletic display featuring their new activewear range. The swimwear label, who have gained a strong following for their cleverly printed swimwear have decided to expand their love of lycra into garments suitable for getting sporty.
We Are Handsome
Their digital prints appeared on mesh bombers, leggings, shorts and crop tops for both sexes with a pretty floral print adding a more feminine feel to the offerings for ladies. No doubt this expansion will further their celebrity following and clientele base next season.
By Evelyn Ebrey and Craig Lawson
Imagery: MBFWA Gallery