In a night of refined elegance some of Australia’s most sophisticated couturiers showed off their latest collections, proving that glamour never goes out of style in The Looking Glass.
All thoughts turned to the impending Spring Carnival as Christine opened with a selection of cocktail frocks perfect for race-day frivolities. Shades of black and white dominated, while lace detailing also proved popular.
Super elegant cover-ups and kaftans, perfect for poolside lazing, oozed class with a European flavor while patterned pieces and flowing skirts helped to create a glamorous bohemian vibe.
Addicts of Australia’s Next Top Model no doubt spotted a familiar face strutting down the runway as super-skinny contestant Sophie closed for the label.
Anna Thomas’ spring collection saw tailored blazers and cute dresses spattered with polka dots and thick stripes for a fresh, girly feel. Cinched waists and full skirts inspired by the 50’s were followed by some itty-bitty shorts, which added a touch of youthfulness to a night of serious fashion.
An almost acidic shade of green punctuated color staples black and white in a show which reveled in simple cuts and clean lines.
Nevenka’s Poolside Gossip collection painted the runway purple as printed maxi-dresses gave way to flirty party frocks. Once again, black and white threatened to dominate but an aqua blue number spliced with soft purple panels heralded a welcome return to brighter colors.
A gorgeous floral print maxi-dress rounded out the show, proving that shorter doesn’t always equal sexier. The halterneck style was paired with a chunky wooden bead necklace for a relaxed summer feel.
Jayson Brunsden presented his eveningwear collection in a deliberately dressed-down manner by combining satin ball gowns with plain white cotton singlets. Models strutted in canvas trainers, clutching handfuls of dress material to avoid tripping up.
Traditional black was joined by purple, burnt orange and green as the colors of choice while bows and roses proved popular as decorative touches.
Classic strapless, halter and off the shoulder styles were paraded out but the singlets beneath drew attention away from the cut and quality of the garments. Lots of satin shine and shimmery sequin detailing just wasn’t enough to overpower the too-casual styling, creating a disappointingly untidy look.
Husk manipulated volume to create exaggerated shapes on the runway, from puffy sleeves to bubble hems while dresses banded at the bottom gave a tulip skirt effect. The look was balanced with some sleeker options: metallic silver leggings created a second skin and black sheaths were topped with shoulder-enhancing cropped jackets, creating a feminine look with attitude.
Standouts included a billowy electric blue dress (gorgeous hue when paired with a deep tan) and a simple cream frock and lace capelet combo, while chunky gold chains and metallic bags added some shine to the show.
Highlight of the evening was Aurelio Costarella’s fresh, intricate collection of cocktail frocks and leisurewear. A black and white resort print ruffle singlet paired with crisp white shorts set the tone for a sophisticated showing, and was quickly followed by a gorgeous white dress cinched tight in all the right places.
A black strapless tulip dress paired with a lace overlay capelet looked perfect for the impending summer party season, while Costarella’s obvious attention to detail shone through in a series of white floor length gowns. Beautifully structured bodices adorned with intricate beading and lace detail fell into perfectly draped, floaty skirts, providing a simply stunning end to the show.
View Photos from the Runway Here
