ON THE CATWALK.
The line-up on day one was incredible and had fashion bloggers like me writing well into the night. But with Zimmermann opening day two of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, there was no chance of a sleep in. There was a bit of drama when two actresses turned up in the same dress, but by the time the Toni Maticevski show rolled around, it was long forgotten. A local blogger walked for Tululah in what could possibly be one of the most easy to wear collections this summer. And at Magdalena Velevska we discovered a new neon hue for lips – only the brave need apply.
Zimmermann.
Zimmermann showed their collection off-site, choosing a furniture showroom with exposed brick walls as the backdrop for their pieces. Using a palette of colourful pastel shades reminiscent of a rainbow paddle pop, Zimmermann combined muted florals with luxurious fabrics to create a sophisticated collection with an ethereal feel. Now colourful floral prints are nothing new for Zimmermann, yet every season they manage to reinvent it completely. Their signature swimsuits and statement pieces were feminine with a hint of the sports luxe trend we’ve been seeing on the overseas runways. This is one collection that we can’t wait to get our hands on.
Images courtesy of Broadsheet and Vogue.
Toni Maticevski.
Working beehive hair and form-fitting silhouettes, Toni Maticevski presented a ladylike collection that paid homage to the female form. Exaggerated shoulders and pencil skirts gave off a fifties vibe, while detailed beading and delicate fabrics oozed sophistication. Peplums (overskirt or ruffle) were on tops, dresses and skirts to highlight curves in a come-hither yet demure way. Now that’s what we call being a lady.
Images courtesy of Madison.
Talulah.
This label wasn’t really on our radar, but when local fashion blogger Nicole Warne from Gary Pepper Vintage opened the show in a super cute floral pantsuit, Talulah had our attention. The collection was a kaleidoscope of colour using pastels, neons, florals and digital prints across some of the most wearable pieces we’ve seen all week. The inspiration behind the make-up and hair was 1960s California cool. Models were given sun-kissed skin and tousled hair for that effortless ‘I just woke up looking like this’ facade.
Images courtesy of Vogue.
Magdalena Velevska.
Held on the balcony of the Australian National Maritime Museum, Magdalena Velevska’s aquatic-themed collection Phosphorescence was inspired by stingrays, fifties swimming costumes and sixties prints. Using a more fluid silhouette than her past collections, Velevska added cross-stitching, embroidery and beading detail to an otherwise minimalist look. A palette of neon yellow and bright white worked well against the subdued grey and black pieces in the collection, with some of them stitched using phosphorus thread that actually glows in the dark.
Images courtesy of Bella Sugar and Marie Claire.
OFF THE CATWALK.
It was a front row disaster when actresses Jodi Gordon and Gigi Edgley arrived at the Zimmermann show in the exact same dress from the label. Luckily Jodi had a second look for the Toni Maticevski show ready to go and had changed into a crisp white top and black leather pants by the time she was back at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Drama, drama, drama.
What I wore.
Images by Jessie Dang.
GARY BIGENI dress.
MAURIE & EVE leather jacket.
ALEXANDER WANG ‘Rocco’ bag.
JEFFREY CAMPBELL ankle booties.
TOM FORD sunnies.
