With all these international fashion weeks, there's nothing better than getting down to earth and witnessing local designers and their collections- the main reason why I was, still am, and always will be, excited about MBFW Australia. The coolest thing about Australian fashion week is that the showcased designers all have a background story, all achieved so much and have worked so hard to be in the place they are now. Designers like Gail Sorronda, who graduated from QUT as a fashion student a decade ago and now owns a concept store in James Street & has graced the fashion weeks + named as "the one to watch" by Karl Langerfield (CHANEL), Toni Maticevski who graduated from RMIT in Melbourne as a fashion honour student and won the Tiffany&Co Fashion designer awards and is known for his amazing fabric manipulation, and Han Studios- run by Khim Hang who has had a passion for fashion since he was a 13 year old. Stories like these- stories of people with passions, people that turn their passions into reality and vow to create amazing work each time, are the reason why I love MBFWA. It also inspires me and pushes me to pursue my career in Fashion design myself, as I can see that if they can do it, I can do it too. Anything is possible, and I'm in love with these designers line of thought, creativity and perseverance to succeed.
Nothing more refreshing than local designers and local models sporting Australian fashion, so without further ado, let's get into it !
To me, there's nothing cooler than a neutral colour palette with a bright pop of colour to compliment and add complexity; which is why I adore this line up from 3up. Creating a delicate winter collection, 3up did not hesitate to throw in some staple summer pieces and re-invent them with the addition of long sleeves and heavy-duty fabric to create a winter appropriate garment. I'm loving the white on white pant suit + long sleeved knit crop top look as well as the midi shirt dress look (pictured far left), and that gorgeous black and pink lightning bomber cannot go unmentioned.
Nothing more refreshing than local designers and local models sporting Australian fashion, so without further ado, let's get into it !
To me, there's nothing cooler than a neutral colour palette with a bright pop of colour to compliment and add complexity; which is why I adore this line up from 3up. Creating a delicate winter collection, 3up did not hesitate to throw in some staple summer pieces and re-invent them with the addition of long sleeves and heavy-duty fabric to create a winter appropriate garment. I'm loving the white on white pant suit + long sleeved knit crop top look as well as the midi shirt dress look (pictured far left), and that gorgeous black and pink lightning bomber cannot go unmentioned.
Akira blew me away with this gorgeous line up , especially due to the incorporation of unconventional mixed-media to create a garment. Reminding me a bit of Comme Des Garçons and Alexander McQueen, Akira's inspiration was the hues of the rose garden and the shapes of the roses- the gorgeous complexity and the immense femininity. Keeping it in line with the current fashion trends, Akira went for the sneaker look and paired each one of their outfits, no matter how elegant, with a complimentary sneaker shoe. Brilliant. Needless to say, My favourite piece is definitely the rose collar. In love.
Serpent&The Swan decided to utilise the wonders of the female form as the main attraction of their collection; using sheer fabrics and simplistic cuts with undergarments that barely cover anything... not like we're complaining. Models strutted out shirtless and gorgeous as Serpent&The Swan proved look after look that a mere change in fabric can alter an entire look. Creating a more relaxed vibe, sneakers were worn with every look and the hair was slickly pulled back to create a modern, new-age fashion feel to the show. Lastly, we all know how much I've been obsessing over fur, so the addition of the fur shoulder throw was the topping on the cake.
St. George New Generation's line up was inspirational to me on a few levels: it showed me how patterns can work together to create a complimentary look, and how the use of sheer can add so much effect to an otherwise plain and simplistic outfit. My favourite pieces from this collection include the grey asymmetrical skirt and the sheer two piece midi look- both pictured above. I cannot stress the importance and the aesthetic quality that minimalistic attire achieves, especially when combined with a touch of complexity (like the lace and embellishments we see in this line up).
Gail Sorronda is by far one of my most loved, most inspirational and most respected Australian fashion designers. Apart from being a Brisbane girl, Gail has gained international praise from the likes of Karl Langerfield and other various big-time fashion designers that have named her as "one of the ones to look out for". Gail has not only worked her butt of to be where she wants to be now, but has transformed her passion for design and fashion into an art form of its' own. Coming out with brilliant collections time after time, this collection was no exception; it proved to be, in the true Gail Sorronda fashion, to be a complete winner. I love how Gail draws on inspiration and works to tweak each one of her pieces accordingly to add a unique effect but still stay comfortably in the boundaries of her central concept. This line up was definitely back to the basics and featured an immense play with soft fabrics to create a flowy, airy and light effect- capturing her concept of 'ocean' as well as playing with accessories to create an academic-esque look. I don't know exactly what her actual concept was, as i can only draw on from her instagram and her show, but let's just say, she executed it so well. My favourite piece from this line up is the circle dress, pictured far right.
There's nothing cooler than re-creating the old by tweaking the smallest bit of the design and thus creating a whole new different look; which is exactly what Bianca Spender's line up did perfectly. Utilising my favourite fabric Satin, Spender focused on re-creating classical pieces into completely new garments by simply using the fabric of satin rather than the traditionally sought after fabric for the set garment. Take the beautiful blue-grey duster coat; a traditional duster coat is usually made with a thick woven fabric to maintain structure and create warmth, and in this design, we saw the duster coat re-invented into a flowy, light-wearing piece. Spender proves that designs can be altered to such an extent just by changing a small detail of the garment; which I think is so wonderful.
Lightly tailored, fabric manoeuvred and perfectly combined pieces were the main features of Han's line up for MBFWA. Models walked out shoeless and sporting semi-sheer ankle socks which allowed for the garments to do the talking; and the talking they did. Whether it be tied around the waist, draped around the thigh or slouching off the shoulder, Han took no boundaries to playing around with fabrics and garments to create an entirely unique look. Relaxed, elegant with a touch of femasculinity- the colour palette remained quite neutral and was in total compliment of the amount of fabric work that was going on. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan of this collection. It reminds me a bit of pyjamas, casual and formal attire all together , which is an extremely hard thing to do, but Han nailed it perfectly.
Pheonix Keating delivered us the perfect balance of the light and flowy with the structured and heavy-duty- and worked to incorporate all pieces together in one line up. I love the combination of the flowy midi skirt and the structured, simplistic crop top which works to create a formal or casual look depending on the complimentary accessories. Also, there's a hint of complexity within the garments as Keating used a myriad of fabrics to add different finishes to garments. Again going for some sheer play, which seems to be a frequent occurrence in MBFWA this year (not like i'm complaining), the simplicity of the sheer garments were instantly complexified by the reveal of the models' body.
Manning Cartell is one of my favourite designers ever and I just know the standards will be met every time. This collection did not disappoint in the slightest as it provided a subtle and perfect balance of pattern and minimalism that worked to create one killer of a line up. Working with some classic prints like the bulky polka dot and the tartan, Manning Cartell opted to create some eye-popping looks by pairing set patterns with complimentary stand-out pastel colours , whilst still keeping it down to earth with the addition of staple simple pieces like the midi culotte leather pant and the white on white pant + crop top set. The one look that caught my eye was the gorgeous sleeveless green and black vest paired with a cute pair of complimentary shorties- and i just love the addition of a red lip to each look. Absolutely bomb.
If you're wondering why I have included a heap of looks for Maticevski's line up this year, it's because I couldn't choose which ones are my favourite 5. Usually, i chose 5 of my favourite pieces from a designer and put them together which allows for all of you lovelies to get the feel of the collection without having to look at the entire thing. Well, I just couldn't decide with Maticevski because each look was more magnificent than the next, each look portrayed a different part of the line up and each look screamed perfect. I love love love the colour palette Toni used here- hues and cool toned colours combined with eye-popping golds and crisp blacks. I also adore the experimentation with and play on fabrics- some pieces remain simplistic and yet complex at the same time with the addition of a twist, or a band, or a tie, or a bulky turtleneck, or a unique neckline or sleeve. LOVE!!! I absolutely cannot get enough of Maticevski recently and this collection inspired me so much.
Michael Lo Sordo provided some gorgeous pieces with this line up, perfect for a fancy cocktail night or a formal event. The addition of sheer fabrics on full gowns gave a sultry feel to an otherwise very proper dress, and the manipulation of fabrics definitely came into play here as Lo Sordo utilised the fabric to both hug and accentuate AND hide a womans body within the collection. I love the baby blue/baby pink full length sheer gown with the inclusion of an extravagant collar and sleeves. However, my favourite piece from Michael Lo Sordo this time around, is the gorgeous white draped v neckline gown (pictured far left). Simplistic, gorgeous and still sexy at the same time.
The coolest thing about Ginger&Smarts line up is definitely the unique shatter-glass prints transferred onto garments; a pattern which I have never before witnessed. Apart from the beauty of the midi fur skirt, Ginger&Smart showed that a womans figure can still be accentuated and revealed with the addition of minuscule details within a garment. The length of the shirts, and sleeveless cuts and the a-line skirts all worked together to reveal just enough to add femininity and elegance but still keep the collection looking modern, edgy and out-there.
A designer I'm not too familiar with until having a browse on the MBFWA gallery, I'm kicking myself for not familiarising myself with Hayono Sedtiadi a bit sooner because his works as a designer are worthy of praise. Inspiring me to play around with patterns but still be able to keep a collection very wearable and versatile, Hayono's line up featured a fresh take on the modern casual business woman who wants the ability to wear the same outfit for work in the day and cocktails at night. Keeping a neutral, soft palette, Hayono included just a hint of subtle paint pattern into his collection to create individuality yet still keep things businessy. Love love love the hairstyles models sported, and the simplicity of the shoes work fabulously to bring one modern, classy and sophisticated line up with massive versatility.
We cannot have a MBFWA without the inclusion of a high-fashion fitness brand show! We are Handsome brought us a great runway show filled with gorgeous,creative, gym-appropriate and eye-capturing fitness wear that every girl would love to put on when having a run. I love running but sometimes the motivation in me is lost, and I know for some people motivation is the main factor stopping them from working out, and I think one of the biggest motivators for working out is having cute clothes to put on. Who wouldn't want to go out for a run when you're wearing We are Handsome? Hell, I would exercise all day if I had a wardrobe full of the garments above. Not only colourful but so unique to anything out on the markets, Lorna Jane has nothing on We Are Handsome! I love love love this line up- my favourite outfit is definitely the full length white and grey tight + jacket + sports bra combo (pictured far left).
Alice McCall is another one of my favourite Australian fashion designers- I first heard of the brand when walking through the aisles of David Jones and seeing the gorgeous playsuits and dresses from their 2012 collection. Ever since then, I've been inspired by Alice McCall to great lengths and adore each one her collection releases. This collection is probably my favourite one of hers to date as the cuts are to die for, the colour palette is perfect and the patterns are awesome. I love the crop tops in this line up; from the lemon flowy crop top, to the off shoulder bustier and the button up structured pattern crop- all pieces are combined miraculously to compliment each other. My favourite of this line up is the baby pink woman suit (pictured far left) !!!!!
Watson x Watson brought us flowy culotte pants, bulky ribbon tied belts and the inclusion of denim with this line up- creating versatility and edginess. My favourite look from this line up is the look pictured far right; a neutral colour palette, softly tailored and a pop of individuality with a funky belt inclusion. The culotte pant + denim jacket look (pictured centre) reminds me of Ri Ri's outfit for Kanye's fashion show earlier this year and I'm loving it. I also admire Watson x Watson's cut choices as these garments can work to be flattering on any body type; which is always a plus.
It was a hard ordeal, but here are my top 10 favourite looks from MBFWA 15.
Lightly tailored, fabric manoeuvred and perfectly combined pieces were the main features of Han's line up for MBFWA. Models walked out shoeless and sporting semi-sheer ankle socks which allowed for the garments to do the talking; and the talking they did. Whether it be tied around the waist, draped around the thigh or slouching off the shoulder, Han took no boundaries to playing around with fabrics and garments to create an entirely unique look. Relaxed, elegant with a touch of femasculinity- the colour palette remained quite neutral and was in total compliment of the amount of fabric work that was going on. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan of this collection. It reminds me a bit of pyjamas, casual and formal attire all together , which is an extremely hard thing to do, but Han nailed it perfectly.
Pheonix Keating delivered us the perfect balance of the light and flowy with the structured and heavy-duty- and worked to incorporate all pieces together in one line up. I love the combination of the flowy midi skirt and the structured, simplistic crop top which works to create a formal or casual look depending on the complimentary accessories. Also, there's a hint of complexity within the garments as Keating used a myriad of fabrics to add different finishes to garments. Again going for some sheer play, which seems to be a frequent occurrence in MBFWA this year (not like i'm complaining), the simplicity of the sheer garments were instantly complexified by the reveal of the models' body.
Manning Cartell is one of my favourite designers ever and I just know the standards will be met every time. This collection did not disappoint in the slightest as it provided a subtle and perfect balance of pattern and minimalism that worked to create one killer of a line up. Working with some classic prints like the bulky polka dot and the tartan, Manning Cartell opted to create some eye-popping looks by pairing set patterns with complimentary stand-out pastel colours , whilst still keeping it down to earth with the addition of staple simple pieces like the midi culotte leather pant and the white on white pant + crop top set. The one look that caught my eye was the gorgeous sleeveless green and black vest paired with a cute pair of complimentary shorties- and i just love the addition of a red lip to each look. Absolutely bomb.
If you're wondering why I have included a heap of looks for Maticevski's line up this year, it's because I couldn't choose which ones are my favourite 5. Usually, i chose 5 of my favourite pieces from a designer and put them together which allows for all of you lovelies to get the feel of the collection without having to look at the entire thing. Well, I just couldn't decide with Maticevski because each look was more magnificent than the next, each look portrayed a different part of the line up and each look screamed perfect. I love love love the colour palette Toni used here- hues and cool toned colours combined with eye-popping golds and crisp blacks. I also adore the experimentation with and play on fabrics- some pieces remain simplistic and yet complex at the same time with the addition of a twist, or a band, or a tie, or a bulky turtleneck, or a unique neckline or sleeve. LOVE!!! I absolutely cannot get enough of Maticevski recently and this collection inspired me so much.
Michael Lo Sordo provided some gorgeous pieces with this line up, perfect for a fancy cocktail night or a formal event. The addition of sheer fabrics on full gowns gave a sultry feel to an otherwise very proper dress, and the manipulation of fabrics definitely came into play here as Lo Sordo utilised the fabric to both hug and accentuate AND hide a womans body within the collection. I love the baby blue/baby pink full length sheer gown with the inclusion of an extravagant collar and sleeves. However, my favourite piece from Michael Lo Sordo this time around, is the gorgeous white draped v neckline gown (pictured far left). Simplistic, gorgeous and still sexy at the same time.
The coolest thing about Ginger&Smarts line up is definitely the unique shatter-glass prints transferred onto garments; a pattern which I have never before witnessed. Apart from the beauty of the midi fur skirt, Ginger&Smart showed that a womans figure can still be accentuated and revealed with the addition of minuscule details within a garment. The length of the shirts, and sleeveless cuts and the a-line skirts all worked together to reveal just enough to add femininity and elegance but still keep the collection looking modern, edgy and out-there.
A designer I'm not too familiar with until having a browse on the MBFWA gallery, I'm kicking myself for not familiarising myself with Hayono Sedtiadi a bit sooner because his works as a designer are worthy of praise. Inspiring me to play around with patterns but still be able to keep a collection very wearable and versatile, Hayono's line up featured a fresh take on the modern casual business woman who wants the ability to wear the same outfit for work in the day and cocktails at night. Keeping a neutral, soft palette, Hayono included just a hint of subtle paint pattern into his collection to create individuality yet still keep things businessy. Love love love the hairstyles models sported, and the simplicity of the shoes work fabulously to bring one modern, classy and sophisticated line up with massive versatility.
Much like Hayono Sedtiati, OneFellSwoop brought us a line up of versatility and modern-businesswear appropriate for both a day in the office and a night out with the girls. Bringing in a gentle violet colour, looks gave off a relaxed and casual feel and when combined with a softly tailored complimentary piece transformed instantly into an office appropriate outfit. I love the fabric manipulation OneFellSwoop utilise to bring a gentle and casual effect, and my downright favourite garment is the gorgeous nude toned, satin look button down playsuit- a piece that I can see myself wearing with just about anything, just about anywhere.
Alice McCall is another one of my favourite Australian fashion designers- I first heard of the brand when walking through the aisles of David Jones and seeing the gorgeous playsuits and dresses from their 2012 collection. Ever since then, I've been inspired by Alice McCall to great lengths and adore each one her collection releases. This collection is probably my favourite one of hers to date as the cuts are to die for, the colour palette is perfect and the patterns are awesome. I love the crop tops in this line up; from the lemon flowy crop top, to the off shoulder bustier and the button up structured pattern crop- all pieces are combined miraculously to compliment each other. My favourite of this line up is the baby pink woman suit (pictured far left) !!!!!
I'm loving Macgraws collection for this season; it reminds me a bit of miu miu mixed with Alice in Wonderland mixed with cute schoolgirl mixed with pyjamas mixed with New York Chic. Turtle necks, crisp collars and a myriad of different length skirts graced the runway as models strutted out with their hair elegantly tied yet framed around their face; creating a feminine and soft look. Pattern play and colour combinations were all the hype and flat shoes created a school-girl, sophisticated look. The gorgeous blue and white stripe button down shirt is to die for, and shows versatility paired with more than one look to create a desired effect.
Creating a gorgeous line up for formal wear, Aje did not hold back with playing around with a selection of patterns as girly and soft looking cuts of dresses instantly became edgy and unique with the addition of a crazy pattern. I like how designers are pairing formal wear with casual footwear as shown by a myriad of designers already, but I love Aje's fresh take on formal wear turned casual with the addition of a very casual flat slipper. By far the formal wear that is so unique and flattering, I am kicking myself for not knowing about Aje's wondrous creations before my own formal. Imagine walking into your formal wearing a gown with words all over it? Freaking cool.
By Johnny's amazing work with sheer fabrics and the perfect balance of the structured with the relaxed is inspiring to me because it shows that you can manipulate and play around with different fabrics and still keep centered to the collection you're wanting to bring out. By Johnny's neutral and minimalistic colour palette was perfectly combined with fabric manipulation to add complexity and I absolutely love the layering work done to achieve certain finished looks.
WOW WOW WOW!!! I have been following Dyspnea for a long time now and I remember when they were just starting out and just emerging into the Australian Fashion Scene with a generous following on Instagram and I'm so excited and pleased to see them at MBFWA!! I love love love this line up to death, it reminds me of fairies, dreams, cotton candy, sparkles and just everything nice. Pom Poms are to die for and when combined with such looks add such a different effect that I cannot get enough of. This line up brings out the inner girly girl in me and I want each and every one of these looks in my wardrobe so I can wear them anywhere and everywhere!!!
What a gorgeous collection by RomanceWasBorn! Not only did this was this line up a total eye-popper, jaw-dropper and dream-maker, it evoked a sense of originality like no other collection before. Going with the theme of jungle/aztec, RomanceWasBorn went over the top with accessories, head gears, fabrics, mixed medias, hair styles AND makeup all at once to create looks completely different fro one another. Getting the award for the most unique designer in MBFWA (from me), RomanceWasBorn made me think of happy thoughts and crazy dreams all at once and even though the looks aren't really every-day wear appropriate (which could be arguable...) they turn into an art form of their own which I think is so amazing.
Watson x Watson brought us flowy culotte pants, bulky ribbon tied belts and the inclusion of denim with this line up- creating versatility and edginess. My favourite look from this line up is the look pictured far right; a neutral colour palette, softly tailored and a pop of individuality with a funky belt inclusion. The culotte pant + denim jacket look (pictured centre) reminds me of Ri Ri's outfit for Kanye's fashion show earlier this year and I'm loving it. I also admire Watson x Watson's cut choices as these garments can work to be flattering on any body type; which is always a plus.
It was a hard ordeal, but here are my top 10 favourite looks from MBFWA 15.
thanks for reading& stay tuned for more...
Vera x
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