Start your stomach crunches now ladies, because crop tops are back and they’re back in a big way. However this season’s varieties are a little different. Short at the front and long at the back, they are your Billy Ray Cyrus of summer singlets. But before you start thinking that there’s no way you can wear a mullet top, there’s one thing you need to remember – it’s all in the fabric. Sheer silks and lightweight jerseys that move with your body take on an almost ethereal beach hippy vibe. Pair that with floaty dresses in florals and soft pastel hues and you can expect one seriously hot summer.
Miss Unkon
I hadn’t heard too much about this newish label, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Models took to the Cargo Theatre where a raised platform dominated the middle of the runway, offset by two gigantic glowing globes hanging from the ceiling. With its pastel palette and mix of hemlines, the collection had a bit of a hippy fairy feel to it. But it was the combination of the braided hair and body paint that really got my attention and pushed the look further into tribal territory.
Nookie
Not only do Nookie make some of the most wearable beach fashions around, they also know how to put on one hell of a show. African drummers opened and instead of your regular catwalk, they created a ritualistic looking spiral of stones and shrubbery for the models to weave throughout. And when they finally did emerge, it was tribal-themed beach wear at its best. Long skirts and sack pants dominated the show – and if you are wondering what the hell I am talking about, sack pants are pants that look like a long skirt. Think back to last season when everyone was wearing those low-crotch harem pants and now picture the crotch at ankle height. Model’s skin was covered in henna cross-hatching up and down their arms, neck and thighs, giving the show a hedonistic summer feel. Crochet and lace also featured, and I’ve already got their singlets on my summer shopping list – super cropped at the front and floor length and flowing at the back.
Marnie Skillings
I’ve been a big fan of Marnie Skillings for a long time, but after seeing her latest show I now have even more R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Models took to the catwalk wearing her signature soft floral dresses and then hardened the fuck up with Salt & Pepper, N.W.A and Public Enemy vinyl under their arms. When they weren’t carrying old-school hip hop, they were carrying tapestry covered clutches adorned with silver biker spikes. Feather-shouldered cardigans and baby blue dresses again counteracted the anti-authority symbolism. And just when I thought I couldn’t love her anymore, she went and added leopard print into the show.
Off the runway
Hot: Floppy hats, black leather pants, fur vests and accessories, pleating, strong lips, wide-leg pants, leather anything, scarves, buns and ponytails on guys.
Not: Heavy eye make-up, Jersey Shore tans, serious front row faces, ‘done’ hair, OTT dressing, sunglasses inside.
