MFW: Premium Runway Two
On the radar.
Melbourne did its best to sartorially challenge the fashion crowd last night, bringing a whole lot of rain to the city. That wasn’t enough to put a dampener on Melbourne Fashion week, however, which hosted its Premium Runway Two at Melbourne Town Hall.
Akira kicked things off with a collection that referenced the designer’s Japanese heritage. Silhouettes were square and there was a focus on sheer layers and draped styles. Streetwear influences were visible with hoodie-style dresses alongside more typically feminine shift dresses.
If you’re looking to fill your wardrobe with casual seasonal staples, we suggest paying Alpha60 a visit. There was a focus on textured fabrics and linen across culottes, loose-fitting dresses and square-shaped tops. A palette of powder blue, forest green and navy was key and will be the perfect way to inject a little colour into your closet.
Manning Cartell’s collection offered instant garden party vibes. White designs were central to the collection and played with widely netted fabrics and lace. It was the label’s pinstriped denim suit that really caught our eye, however.
The first floral prints came down the runway courtesy of Ginger & Smart, but thankfully these prints weren’t your typical feminine florals-for-spring. Tropical prints were placed in panels down dresses and jumpsuits, contrasted with thickly striped patterns.
Zambesi tapped into the trend of the moment, with a collection filled with sheer iridescent fabric. Take your pick from iridescent bomber jackets, trench coats and dresses, which were paired with designs covered delicately embroidered rainbow flowers. These pieces were shortly followed by a bold all-black seasonal outerwear and graphic tees.
Recently graduated designer (and FJ fave), Sarah Hope Schofield, was an impressive addition to the lineup of otherwise established labels. Her boldly coloured, heavily embellished designs were a highlight of the show, going to prove why Australia’s up-and-coming talent should be on everyone’s radar.
The show closed with a political statement. Models walked down the runway to the wedding march, bouquets in hand. Then the music changed and George Michael’s ‘Freedom!’ blasted over the speakers while two female models (one wearing black and one wearing white) re-enacted a bouquet toss at a wedding. ‘Love is love’ was displayed on the backdrop and confetti dropped from the ceiling as models grooved their way off the runway.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
