It was an unusual scene that greeted us at the Material Boy show: a room half-full of people who were mostly clad in black. Some were even in suits. A super conservative crowd for a label known for its acid brights, psychedelic prints and kitsch inspirations (vomit and Super Mario Bros have played a part in past collections).

This season’s collection, like the others, was designed to semi-shock with its theme of “channeling your gay inner-self”. Somehow, we couldn’t imagine the suits in the crowd attempting to do so any time soon.

And so it was with a slight air of nonchalance the show began with… a technical glitch. Whether it was laptop or human error, the pounding beats finally broke out minutes later, accompanied by a graphic video presentation shown on three monitors at the rear of the stage.

The first model took to the runway soon after – a boy, with smooth, shiny hair, glamorous eyeshadow, and too much blush. Channelling his gay inner-self indeed. Wearing an oversized white and blue balloon-print tee and royal blue shorts with a zippered segment that accentuated his nether-regions, his look was, strangely, part-little girl and part-geek with the addition of hiked-up white socks. Channelling Steve Urkel as well, one might assume.

Oversized singlets followed: one in the same balloon print, another featuring geometric side cut-outs, with the latter being accessorised with an equally oversized duffel backpack. Interesting draped shirts (not of the usual MB jersey mould) and fluoro stirrup pants were matched with the languid wares.

Then a change as Fabienne, the female face of the Festival, appeared, dressed in a green version of the oversized balloon singlet. While the men sported a polished look, Fabienne’s hair was dishevelled, her eyes dark and heavy, and not a slick of lip gloss to be seen. Apparently her gay inner-self is an angry teenage boy.

Emily C later joined Fabienne on the catwalk and provided the most amusing and thought-provoking moment. Standing expressionless at the end of the runway, she was clad in a tennis-ball green version of those bulging compartment shorts – a look that spawned a few giggles from the otherwise subdued audience.

The second segment of the show was devoted to denim and Material Boy produced its usual skinny-legged, low-crotched silhouettes that lovers of the label can’t seem to get enough of. Cut-off denim shorts were also presented, along with a definite 80s-flashback in the form of jeans with an elasticised waist.

While the garments were eye-catching, it was perhaps the accessories that stole the show. Created by Curtin Uni fashion design student Yang Li, the braided rope-like, scarf-like offerings hung loosely around models’ necks and made nice accompaniments to the candy-coated garments. And keep an eye out for Li in the future – he is currently spending a term at London’s prestigious Central St. Martin’s College, where stars such as Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney were made.

Question of the night: But would you really wear those shorts?

Guest Editor, Lisa Chau of Zanthus, says: “While the highlight was the zip-up crotches on those shorts, I think the denim section was more interesting overall. But I noticed the braided cloth scarves the most – they were definitely standouts.

“I think the show needed to be held at a rougher, grungier location to suit the feel of Material Boy. That sort of underground venue would suit its reputation more.”

Guest Editor, Curtin Uni design student Hayley Barsden, says: “I had a smile on my face throughout the show, and my ultimate moment was definitely Emily C in those crotch shorts! Question is, how many boys and girls really want to show their gay inner-self?

“The best thing they did in the show was that draped shirt – it steered away from typical Material Boy stuff and took it to a new level, I think. It was a bit Yohji (Yamamoto) inspired, and I like that.”

* Image courtesy of David Broadway, www.davidbroadway.com.au