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Australian
Fashion Week:
Was this the breakthrough needed? |
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the Australia Fashion week wrapped up last week, it was tagged, by
AFW founder Simon Lock, as one of the best in the past 13 years. He
commented that despite several controversies, it had put up over 60
successful shows and launched a lot of new talent in terms of fashion
designing. Labels that he pinpointed as successful included Zimmermann
and Flamingo Sands and Hotel Bondi. He predicted the next season of
summer clothing to be vibrant and colourful. Ironically, there wasn't
too much colour or happiness on the runways. Influential Browns' buyer
Albert Morris was quick to point out that there was a total "black
out" at the shows and "how could a country so colourful
come up with so much black?" As a buyer, he rejected the idea
of promoting a black summer. Many other buyers felt the same. However,
more than cutting edge fashion that would wow buyers, the fashion
week did focus on practical and chic clothing. |
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Zimmermann
After a five-year hiatus, the New Zealand designer marked her long-awaited
return to Sydney with a fun and quirky collection that didn't disappoint.
Her collection was dominated mostly by girly, frilly summer dresses
to long slouchy trousers and tulip skirts with the colour palette
focused on shades such as soft pink, blue and yellow. The dresses
were silky and flowing, teamed with a thin black tie belt. Some
pieces had splashes of transparent material. Chunky black patent
leather booties topped off the look hues teamed with white, beige
and black.
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Lisa
Ho
Lisa Ho presented a range of loosely tailored jackets, shorts and
pants and some flowing evening gowns displayed on a stark white runway.
Duster coats, tuxedo-style jackets, boyfriend-tailored jackets and
long vests were worn with shorts, trousers and fishermen's pants.
Natural fabrics abounded, with cotton, silk, georgette and linen featuring
heavily in the polished collection with shades of purple reigning
supreme in the runway show.
Grape, lilac and royal hues formed the centerpiece of the collection,
alongside shades of grey, such as charcoal, silver, seal and tar.
While Ho's signature gowns were displayed in bright cranberry, fuchsia
and emerald tones. |
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Kirilly
Johnston
The collection was named 'Modern Nomads' blending the east and west,
along with elegance and innovation. Focusing on luxurious fabrics
and quality craftsmanship, her clothes were detailed and structured
- yet they maintained a sexy modern edge. The dresses were mature,
with simple flowing lines and a colour palette which stuck mainly
to black, white, smoky grey, and hot pink. There was also cross-climate,
chunky gold beading. Studded detail accented simple silhouettes in
linen, silk and tulle. |
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Nicole
Finetti
Nicole Finetti's Spring/Summer collection focused on draping. It explored
neo-classic twists on timeless pieces. Gothic and romantic touches
were evident in the designs, which were younger and edgier than in
previous showings. |
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Kate
Sylvester
The collection ironically called Royally Screwed (ironic because it
landed Sylvester in hot water for offending Australian war veterans)
had tiaras skew-whiff, skirts split, straps falling off shoulders
and misplaced sashes dangling, Sylvester's models roamed the runways
to a spot of punkish music. The designer also launched her menswear
in Australia and this new collection proved why the boys' clothes
are already a hit in New Zealand. The looks are masculine and a little
bit interesting.
Her last two shows were all about wolves and Red Riding Hood and then
the much lauded and very popular surrealist art motif currently in
stores - Sylvester managed to strike that perfect, and very smart,
balance between themed runway show, interestingly crafted, coveted
clothing. |
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