What a week this years MBFWA has been. Filled with thrills, a few spills (minor model stacks) and plenty of frills.
An incredible week watching the collections here at Carriageworks in Sydney. Sheer floating dresses mixed with metallic pops, an array of graphic prints, scalloped hems, exposed zip hardware, a lot of white and plenty of flats were just some of the trends we have seen gracing the catwalks. Then, not one but two Victoria’s Secret models strutting down the catwalk.
When all is said and done what comes out of this week is what we are going to be wearing for Spring/Summer. My all time highlight? Suiting. I tell you, there’s a new man in town and she is chic.
Think Diane Keaton in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall or Lauren Hutton and even Katharine Hepburn. These classic styles from the past are coming back in modern colours, fabrications and are so classically cool.
Dion Lee adopted a relaxed suiting element with a strong use of shirting throughout the entire collection.
Michael Lo Sordo featured soft tailoring in beautifully draped separates with a feminine edge, Carla Zampatti’s look was bold strong and sexy, Strateas.Carlucci adopted suiting for everyday wearability, Alice McCall featured this tailored piece, so feminine with a nod to eras gone by.
Maticevski mastering a modern, strong aesthetic and I loved Ginger and Smart’s collection in particular. They have always excelled in the structured pieces and this white ensemble screams understated chic.
Bianca Spender featured this incredible tuxedo style blazer which is my pick as THE piece for summer.
The one rule when looking at trends you like and wearing it is making sure you don’t mess it up by wearing the wrong accessories. For this trend, footwear is key. Adopt a loafer or wear a simple, uncomplicated heel. If you want to create more of a casual dressed down look, wearing a pair of white Converse or Bensimon sneakers is ideal. (No clomp. No colours. No metallics)
Another notable mention was the Swarovski runway show last night. For the first time in Australia Swarovski hosted it’s first ever runway show styled by Global Creative Director Natalie Colin, opening with Australian born Victoria’s Secret model Shanina Shaike to the industry’s elite.
So what have taken away from the week? What will I be investing in for my clients? Firstly a great wearable tuxedo blazer. There are a few different ones featured but I think the Bianca Spender style will be something you will have for a long time. The black Carla Zampatti long line jacket is another. They are pieces you can style dressed up to go out in the evening or you can dress them down for a more casual look teamed back with denim. Whichever way you decide to wear them, they will be a staple for years to come. And a trench. If you don’t have one now, it’s a very versatile piece to have. It’s the perfect coat for our climate. The beautiful trenches we saw at Michael Lo Sordo are incredible for summer but if you can’t wait until then, invest in one now for the cooler months. (It’s one item I suggest all of my clients have in their wardrobe.)
As I mentioned yesterday in my day 3 wrap up, the catwalk was covered in blue, but that was not it. Beautiful pastels also floated down many runways. Light pinks, blues, yellows and creams were a common theme, throw in striking red pieces (as seen in Aurelio Costarella, Aelkemi, Ginger and Smart and Alex Perry) and then some rich bronze tones also featured in Bianca Spender’s collection and heavily in Jayson Brunsdon. And how could I forget white? White is again trending hugely for this summer and was seen in every collection.
It’s been a hugely exciting week but my overall highlight? Toni Maticevski. His show was spectacular on every level.
As the runways are being packed away and the fashion pack rest their weary feet it’s back to the reality of normality. Autumn, rain, cooler nights and enjoying our winter woollies.
Until next time…. Claire.
Watch the Alice McCall Fashion Week Australia from the perspective of Rescu. Guest Fashion Editor Claire Fabb: