In an age of perpetual fashion innovation, it takes a fair shebang of distinctive design, ingenuity and a consensual buzz to rouse the admiration and subsequent approval of the merciless ‘who’s who’ of Australia’s seasoned fashion set.
With the likes of labels Zimmerman, Nicola Finetti, Flannel, Camilla and Marc, Sabatini White, Ellery and Little Joe Woman commanding the Quay’s spotlight for the day’s events, it almost became an exercise in futility attempting to ignore the brewing undercurrent of excitement reserved for the evening’s shows.
Alex Perry’s imminent grand scale spectacle saw Sydney’s eponymous fashion pack buzzing across to Fox Studios to witness the fashion king’s $250,000 ‘Arabian Princess’ themed extravaganza.
Alex Perry
Beneath follow spot lighting, a futuristic styled model procession wooed us along the 130 metre catwalk, draped in tailored jackets, corsets, form-fitting floor-length evening gowns and feathered ultra-high mini hemlines, often swathed in layers of tulle and embellished in intricately jewelled beading and sequins.
Playing with a palette of black, white, cream, lilac and dusty pink, the neutral versus monochromatic colour scheme was exemplary of Perry’s signature sophistication.
Alex Perry
Napoleon Perdis 'Nightime Glamour' for Alex Perry
Napoleon Perdis’ copious blend of shimmer, shadow and smoky kohl eyes, endeared models with a beguilingly sophisticated ‘more is more’ exoticism of a ‘nightime glamour’ effect, evoking waves of audible awes from the star-studded front row.
Taking a trip to the outskirts of the avant-garde for the other designers’ favoured fashion fixations, we were privy to a common theme resonating through the day: a dichotomy of covered and transparent, soft and rough, modern and classical, and functional and whimsical.
Adopting a self-described ‘globally experimental’ personality to their spring/summer 2010 collection, Camilla and Marc’s typically neutral palette boasted an injection of colour, print and an eclectic array of texture. Colour-blocked bold yellow, orange, peach, pink, aquamarine and cobalt blue were stark contrasts against earthy brown and caramel leathers, and tribal-inspired textured prints, adding interest and detail to the label’s signature tailored jackets, body-con dresses and ultra feminine minis.
Camilla and Marc
Perth label, Flannel also welcomed the return to girlie pastures, with a perennially youthful integration of our favourite nudes - tan, caramel, cream, white, stone, mushroom and silver reigning supreme.
Floaty shirt/dresses, blouses, shorts, leather skirts, pantsuits, halters, loosely fitted pants and lots of belting and fringing were the order of the day on fresh, nude skin tones complemented by high-sheen cheekbones and soft, damply tousled tendrils.
Zimmermann struck a pure and ordered approach to their new collection, ‘The Vanishing Point’, which evolved as a simple progression of tonal colour, punctuated with elements of black and white. Introducing lines and geometric shapes melded with naturally beautiful elements has created a pleasing contrast to the pieces as they are embraced as one.
Zimmerman
The label has emerged from its once more youthful vibe, to a similarly playful mood of innocence and optimistic polished chic, appealing to the woman who also exudes confidence and favours an adventurous alternative with her clothing.
Classic collared shirts, geometric-print palazzo pants, cage-like layered column dress and wild aqua fringing were prominent icons on the runway, while in the swimwear range, models sported the return of high-waisted 1950s styled floral bikini prints in bubblegum pink, lilac and aqua.
The overall proposed look was chic, accomplished and refined.
Nicola Finetti
It was all about the statement dress for Nicola Finetti. Modernism sculpted to embrace the fundamentals of clean lines, monochromatic tones and luxurious fabrics with inherently Australian undertones.
In pursuit of somewhat of a modern appeal, futuristic-channelling beauties embodying elegant chignon dos and perfectly pared back faces, provided the ultimate basic canvas for fitted, thigh-skimming dresses, chiffon harem shorts, structured boxy jackets, and asymmetrical pieces over ruffles and leggings. Satin alongside subtle embellishments of lace and neck pieces ruled a palette of coral, mushroom, rose, yellow, white, silver and gold tones.
Nicola Finetti
Bold signature silhouettes juxtaposed against unexpected textures and unique hardware detailing gave Ellery its distinctly daring modern vibe, aptly titled The Horreur of Ze Zodiac.
Tailored blazers, one shoulder utility looks, slouchy pants and mini dresses were presented in imported Italian brocade, lace, leather, sheer jersey, silk and crepe luxurious fabrics, celebrating strong and confident femininity with a sexy modern edge.
Ellery’s hand-designed embellishments further added dimension, integrity and character to the decidedly sophisticated collection.
Ellery
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