With the sun beating down over Central Pier at Docklands, it was hard to get into a state of mind which would allow us to fully appreciate another sumptuous display of wintry wonders. However, once the second Runway show began it was easy to get swept up in the velvets, woollens and leathers and imagine it was sub-20 degrees outside.

On the card was a group of labels who believe in luxury, wearability, fine details and beautiful fabrics. Megan Park began proceedings with a range of eveningwear, juxtaposing thick velvet and beaded tulle within her collection. In a predominantly black and beige affair, the standout was a long, black velvet gown with a neckline so highly encrusted with beads it resembled a jewelled choker.

Embellishments played a starring role in accessories favourite Christine’s segment, with heavily sequinned scarves providing a fanciful touch to simple winter staples. Hats of all types adorned heads, with the best made from patent burgundy raffia, mustard felt or black taffeta. In the clothing department, a crinkled silver trench coat added sparkle to a dark palette, while the furry sleeves on a black jersey dress were sure to keep its wearer warm.

Easton Pearson’s unique fabrics came to the fore during their display, opening with a bold green and white floral swirl coat with bauble beaded cuffs and collar. Spots, a seasonal favourite, followed in brown and white, and beige and green combinations, while regal gold brocade closed the section in the form of a coat with a short, funnel neckline.

Last year’s Design Award recipient Yeojin Bae took a trip down memory lane to the 70s with her marching band-detailed pieces in navy and gold. For play, she also offered a full-length jumpsuit in either a black and white graphic print, or simply plain black, and for work a classic grey wool pantsuit without a hint of retro.

TL Wood also provided more outfit options for the working woman, pairing black silk shirts with slim-leg pants. Meanwhile, the most featured trend of the season – frills – were used to full effect in two stunning cocktail dresses: one in plum with a large frilled front neckline, which minimised into a small frill at the back, and the other in black with a large frill at both front and back points.

The relaxed styling of Lee Mathew’s label conjured up feelings of freshness, light and youth, even though heavier fabrics such as a cream wool and sage suede were used. Again a 70’s influence infiltrated the stage, with colours like deep turquoise, sweet pink and light mustard sure to shed sunlight on a dreary winter’s day.

Anna Thomas brightened her palette with lashings of purple, which has to be one of the hottest colours in the cool winter palette. Her purple pieces were also spiced up with tiny black dots or a metallic sheen, with the former featuring in one of many ladylike blouses – Thomas’ obvious item du jour, which she presented so prim and perfectly.

From day to night, the procession of after-five delights began with Maticevski’s special brand of tailored frocks. There were long and short dresses, sheer and opaque, woven and knitted fabrics, appliqués and ruffles – so much texture, construction and thought yet never did they look overworked. Even the spectacular voluminous, multi-layered, full-length white skirt with serious appliqué looked light and ethereal, and just beautiful.

Paris-based designer Martin Grant closed the show with his own tailored dresses, though they were worlds apart from Maticevski’s. With a focus on spectacular fabrics, such as shot purple taffeta and sparkling silver foil, Grant used angular layering, geometric cut-outs and exaggerated puff sleeves on fitted shapes. His final gown was a blinding silver floor-length number, with a neckline which wrapped around shoulders and exposed cut-out armholes, proving black is not always the best colour choice when it comes to dressing for a cool winter’s night.

PHOTO GALLERY - L'Oreal Paris Runway 2