MBFW Australia Resort 18 – Highlights
Once again Australia celebrated the best of its fashion with established and emerging designers showcasing their Resort proposals for 2018. Having spent the last three years covering the local runways from Down Under I couldn’t be more thrilled and equally intrigued to see the evolution and direction every label is taking, and how they managed to encapsulate a solid and versatile proposal in the resort context. Regardless of this recent change the collections seen on the runway aren’t less consonant with what we see in the regular fashion calendar and deliver a relevant insight into the upcoming trend landscape.
With its laidback atmosphere and industrial feeling, the historic Carriage Works was once more the host venue for the majority of shows in which we had the opportunity to witness key transitional options. This particular year the resort concept wasn’t taken too literally, giving us the chance to see clever designs that meet utility and aesthetic, easy to incorporate into any given season.
Although you’ll see a full recap of the shows I was invited to, here is a highlight recap -, in which you’ll get a glimpse of what the Aussie fashion week looked like, as well as impressions of upcoming trends…This fashion week edition has indeed served as a reaffirmation for bold and conspicuous references …hope you enjoy it!!!
Bianca Spender
Bianca Spender gave us cohesive variety in her resort collection, from understated norm code vibes in 90’s inspired oversized suits to clean cut flowy silhouettes and luxurious fabrics for the evening – her two distinctive trends, power suits and gold lame pieces.
Alice McCall
One of the most outstanding displays seen during MBFWA, in my opinion, was the Alice McCall show, which opened the day with sumptuosity and extravaganza. It was a constellation of feathers and glitter, an invitation to a modern sense of opulence.
Street style, of course
( See full street style post here) Every year fashion week constitutes not only a window into upcoming fashion trends, for some it’s also the perfect excuse to dress up beyond the conventional and shine in their own terms. In 2017, the street style seen at MBFWA was all about the eye catchy game: bright colors, wild prints, power suits, playful accessories and logo mania were key trends to keep on the radar. All up a refreshing and more daring take compared to what is often seen in everyday life. The following are a few snaps captured in between shows, enjoy!
Karla Spetic
(See full post here) While mixing pink, florals and sheer can be considered “too much” from the sartorial point of view, Špetić’s take on resort turns out as a striking formula for sharp romanticism, fusing simplicity, edginess and yes, a dash of playfulness. With her distinctive laid-back allure and clean cut appeal, the designer gave us a lesson on how to master the art of revealing, – an ethereal and whimsical vision fusing elements of sporty aesthetic with low-key luxury. The well-structured range levels up the sporty concept with understated elegance.
Steven Khalil
Without compromising on trends, Khalil’s collections are generally meant to please the senses. His gowns have a modern influx with generous details and majestic silhouettes – from sexy and edgy to ethereal and sumptuous, every number was breathtaking and luminous.
Zhivago
Called “Miami Nights” Zhivago’s resort 18 collection evokes fierce glamor. Unapologetically sexy and free, the designer duo didn’t hesitate in glitz and sparkle. Sharp and body hugging silhouettes enhanced with sequins, lace, and lamé, were distinctive features of this euphoric collection.
Sass & Bide
Sass & Bide offered one of the largest runways during MBFWA Resort 18. At a glance, every garment in this collection is modern and effortless, yet there is an interesting handling of fabrics and appliques. Once more, the use of gold-lamé, as well as bold stripes, stand out as key trends for the upcoming season…
Bec & Bridge
(See full post here) There is such a thing as the science behind “effortlessly sexy” and this time Bec & Bridge gave a good example with Meow Meow Resort 18; a youthful and vibrant collection where fierce and classy meet. The concept explores the possibilities of basic garments once they’re infused with a dash of drama and unexpected points of interest. We absolutely loved the sassy details in balance with sharp silhouettes and it was equally refreshing to see the old fashioned allure of Victorian blouses in juxtaposition with edgy pieces such as leather pants. Top picks were definitely the classic power suits with a sexy twist and sharper proportions.
Here with Izzy Smith from Izzy wears blog minutes before the show
Michael Lo Sordo
(See full runway post here) Michael Lo Sordo’s runway was indeed a memorable highlight throughout MBFWA. It was the first time I’d witnessed his work on a runway and it was easy to see why he is a highly regarded talent in the Australian fashion industry who’s also conquering international recognition thanks to his distinctive carefree sophistication and innovative take on staples.
With a particular influx of drama, the Resort 2018 show’s prelude felt more like a theatrical display. Audacious and captivating, bold but tasteful, Lo Sordo certainly masters the art of balance. We loved the furious contrast of glittering black and red lamé in exquisite motion, it was energetic, yet relaxed and free.
C/meo Collective
(See full post here) Like an ode to romance, the resort collection was picturesque, festive and equally sophisticated, bringing back the old-fashioned glam with the influx of modern tailoring, which was reflected in ultra-feminine silhouettes, indulging use of ornament and flattering proportions. Although there were low key and sporty options for the lovers of minimalistic style, this was a proposal in which ruffles are a major focal point, but not in a redundant way, it was kept tasteful and luxurious in sync with body conscious garments enhanced by rich and generous features, such as bishop and flounced sleeves, Victorian button-up tops, appliques, and textured works, not to mention vibrant prints infused with botanic splendor.
Romance was Born
(See full post here) With a show like no other Romance Was Born lashed the runway with one of the most electrifying displays of the week; a surreal universe of eclectic references, emerging from a foggy atmosphere and under massive floral cascades, models walked to the rhythm of 70’s anthem ” I feel love”, each portraying mythical and epitome female characters, from the disco girl, a Madonna to a whimsical unicorn….not to mention a naked Eva.
Echoing the brand’s ethos, this was an expectedly flamboyant presentation whose aesthetic was a reflection of Del Kathryn Barton’s work back in 2014, exploring the world of womanhood with hints of nostalgia and allegories of fairy tales, beautifully enhanced by dramatic makeup and hairstyles with a decadent flair…
To be continued…..
