Australian Fashion Week 2009: the looks so far
April 29th 2009 00:29
We're two days in and not even a blackout could stop the designs from dazzling the crowd! Several new trends appear to be emerging from the ranks of the Aussie designers, some in obvious contrast to the designs of years past, and others that were entirely unexpected. In particular, we're seeing lots of unusual necklines, cutout pieces, futuristic shapes and graphic prints - with not a scrap of lace or floral to be seen.
Camilla & Marc opened the show on Day One with a bang, displaying some LBDs that were equal parts tough and sexy, as well as featuring masculine-style tailoring with stripes, futuristic pieces in neutral tones, and lots and lots of gold. In fact, several designers have continued to embrace the metallic look that has been a feature of catwalks across the globe for the last two seasons.
Wayne Cooper's 2009 dresses were certainly not a departure from his usual style, but clearly the designer knows that when you've created something this close to perfect, there's no need to change your tune.
Bec & Bridge were all about the belts, while Nicola Finetti's designs were distinctly unusual - he featured a rather odd mix of the feminine and the tough (ruffles and PVC?), and the old and the new (retro shapes in modern colours). Zimmerman were the unfortunate victims of a power outage on Day Two, but once the contingency plan was put in place, were able to present a collection that stayed true to their usual mix of bold patterns and quirky detailing.
Dion Lee's designs echoed the sentiments of Camilla & Marc, with futuristic shapes and unusual necklines taking centre stage, and was one of several designers to feature shoulder pads – yes, shoulder pads! – in his 2009 collection. I suppose once Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham started wearing them, the Aussie designers knew that a comeback was in the making, at least for fashion’s elite.
Manning Cartell also featured big shoulders plus neutral and gold tones, while Ginger & Smart were all about the geometric prints in bold colours.
With three more days of Australian Fashion Week to go, there's sure to be more surprises in the making - I'll keep you updated.
Super-short LBDs from Camilla & Marc
Fresh flesh tones from Camilla & Marc
Camilla & Marc opened the show on Day One with a bang, displaying some LBDs that were equal parts tough and sexy, as well as featuring masculine-style tailoring with stripes, futuristic pieces in neutral tones, and lots and lots of gold. In fact, several designers have continued to embrace the metallic look that has been a feature of catwalks across the globe for the last two seasons.
Camilla & Marc go for gold
Wayne Cooper's 2009 dresses were certainly not a departure from his usual style, but clearly the designer knows that when you've created something this close to perfect, there's no need to change your tune.
Wayne Cooper doing what he does best
Bec & Bridge were all about the belts, while Nicola Finetti's designs were distinctly unusual - he featured a rather odd mix of the feminine and the tough (ruffles and PVC?), and the old and the new (retro shapes in modern colours). Zimmerman were the unfortunate victims of a power outage on Day Two, but once the contingency plan was put in place, were able to present a collection that stayed true to their usual mix of bold patterns and quirky detailing.
Bec & Bridge belt it out
Nicola Finetti takes the risk
Zimmerman powers on
Dion Lee's designs echoed the sentiments of Camilla & Marc, with futuristic shapes and unusual necklines taking centre stage, and was one of several designers to feature shoulder pads – yes, shoulder pads! – in his 2009 collection. I suppose once Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham started wearing them, the Aussie designers knew that a comeback was in the making, at least for fashion’s elite.
Dion Lee's LBDs
Dion Lee: back to the future
Manning Cartell also featured big shoulders plus neutral and gold tones, while Ginger & Smart were all about the geometric prints in bold colours.
Manning Cartell combines neutrals and gold
Ginger & Smart: bold and beautiful
Ginger & Smart dresses - a personal favourite
With three more days of Australian Fashion Week to go, there's sure to be more surprises in the making - I'll keep you updated.
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