The Fabulous and Famous | Australian Fashion Week

Well this week is the highlight of the Australian fashion calendar – yes, ladies and gentlemen – I’m talking about none other than Australian Fashion Week. So whilst I’m a very busy little vegemite around about now, I couldn’t skip this chance to talk about at least some of the fabulous designers that are showcasing their talent in Sydney this week. Over a hundred designers will be showcased during the week; whilst it’s impossible to cover all of them here, for now let me get started taking you through just some of the designers who have presented collections.

The Week so Far
Since kicking off on Monday, RAFW shows have already been presented by Australian fashion big guns Alex Perry and Lisa Ho, while a debut RAFW collection was presented by emerging designer Konstantina Mittas.

Alex Perry’s show was a classy collection, with gorgeous evening dresses, beautifully cut day dresses and impeccably tailored and elegant suits. This collection suggests an underlying elegance that harks back to the days of glamorous black and white film. The gorgeous detailing and care in the cut of the pant suits paired with elegant and feminine silk shirts suggests an element of Marlene Dietrichesque quality, while the day dresses inspire comparisons to a young Elizabeth Taylor or Audrey Hepburn. This paired with funky sequined animal prints, micro minis and some pretty 50s inspired denim pants and full skirts promises this is a highly wearable collection and one that has appeal for women of all ages and temperments.

Lisa Ho presented a collection that could be seen as something of a departure from what you may have considered the usual apparel of this fashion house. Undoubtedly the new trends have been given a nod and I think if you have associated Ho’s designs with floral, floaty sundresses then you may find this collection offers a new take on this, and a new path for the designer. Big sleeves, short hemlines and other popular sixties elements have been incorporated here in a collection of very wearable, chic dresses.
The more floaty traditionally Ho style dresses have been given a new lease on life, in block colours like deep blue, fire engine red and golden yellow, as well as bold prints. The shift cut dresses paired with silver platforms are characteristic of the sixties feel that is coming through in this seasons collections. For more casual chic the silver thongs offer a summery option and the large bangles in the signature colours of the collection pull the look together and complete the outfits.
Some of the more overtly modern/trendy elements are perhaps a bit more miss than hit, but predominantly Lisa Ho has stayed on track to incorporate current trends in the kind of dresses and other apparel that have long been the trademark of this designer.

Konstantina Mittas debut show incorporates a number of more avant garde elements, with models sporting fringed ‘veils’ hanging to the waist. This sci-fi inspiration makes for a uniquely modern collection for the first showing of this emerging Australian designer. I love the patent leather boots and winged ankle boots. The sheer layered dresses are floaty and fanciful and a great addition for the summer season.
The new take on the little black dress has an eighties feel to it and the carefully cut silk jackets paired with lace under shirts continue along this theme, in a more Victorian-eighties style fusion. For a more casual element, the green sleeveless hoodies are a unique summer take on this staple of winter comfort. Bright elements are also incorporated into the predominantly neutral collection, with turquoise embroidery and green hot pants. This is an unabashedly modern collection, from an inventive and creative emerging Australian talent.

The Lisa Ho and Alex Perry collections present consummate examples of style from some of Australia’s beloved and established designers. These are grown up clothes for the modern woman, offering casual chic through to elegant evening wear. On the other hand, for all the bright young things out there looking for a fresh, funkier fashion alternative, my money is on Konstantina Mittas.