MBFWA '19 - DESIGNER HIGHLIGHTS | What To Wear Next
Fashion Week in Australia is still a little conservative. Not as mainstream as O/S. However, I must say I have some favourites this year and can really see a change in style through our culture. It is a beautiful experience to witness the passion behind a brand through clothing and what is created for the runways. Especially when you see the combination of our society & fashion. The highlights for me were the following brands:
AJE
This iconic Australian brand opens fashion week with a collection of captivating tones, prints and details that resemble the Australian native land, it’s oceans, natural landscape and highways. Through patchwork, ruffles, beading and padding, AJE has injected Australia's earthy and natural tones through its splashes of prints. Reminding us of how ethereal Australia really is. An effortless combination of boxy drop shouldered shirts styled with pegged stirrup pants caught my attention as much as the pleated long maxi dresses with mismatched earrings.
All images from Alessandro Viero / Gorunway.com
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Christopher Esber
Now I was not physically there for the show, but that does not mean I did not sit back in the lounge and admire the sensuality of his collection. Laid back yet detailed. The eye-catching silhouette for me was the rustic tailored suit, the detailed weave on the sleeves and pants were just, somewhat my melt factor. This was also seen on a beautiful loose fitted dress which flared out into pleats. Christopher Esber patched some pieces with contrasting textures and colour, bringing a glimpse of interest to the collection. The under- belly low waist features where surely sensual in the most sophisticated way.
All images from Alessandro Viero / Gorunway.com
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LEO & LIN
as a matter of fact, this was my favourite show. Uniting a cultural aspect of folklore and past European inspirations from the Victorian Era ( I saw this trend coming…) mixed with the present. This was everything I can relate to in terms of fashion x culture. Strong styling mixed with layers of texture from lace, silk to quality cotton and the movement of cutting edged handkerchief hems with subtle fraying. The collection embodies a romance of power yet warmed the eye with grace.
It is always in the detail for me, and Leo & Lin nailed each garment detail by detail. A pinched-in shoulder with ruching flowing into a soft bell sleeve, to tailored peaked collars and Valentino cuffs, some which were ribbed in symmetry to the waistbands... Subtle pleats inserted through maxi four-gore skirts and mandarin double necklines. This is a just a start to what I call ultimate beauty….
All Images from T.M.EDIT & Leo & Lin
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Chloe Mottau
Another absolute stand out for me. This designer showcased her collection as part of the NextGen. Immediately I will say, she really is the “Next Gen!” When it comes to taking part in new brands, you know you will be in for a spin! Fresh and creative minds are challenging, yet powerfully making their way through using unique fabrics, yarns and knits with the ability to take the risk in choosing colour, drape and cuts. Chloe Mottau stunned me with her collection of beautifully natural dyed knits. A Mexican colour scheme which ecstatically flows through the collections loosely fitted layers of track-like pants, asymmetric maxi’s, tunic tops and ribbed high necklines. Open Cardigans and blazers swung by with ultra long and wide sleeves.
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Matteau
The sophisticated woman who’s image speaks for herself. A tranquil reflection of movement through each silhouette creates an emphasis on demur beauty. Matteau uses harmonic lines with free-flowing fabrics and a tinge of tassels. High-waisted paper bag dirndl skirts with cropped peasant blouses. A subtle tone of full-bodied, micro-floral print graded its way through bathers, sets and maxi’s which framed a tender soul around the collection. For any time of any day, these looks will leave a mark on your appearance.
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Let's talk about trends in accessories, I was happy to see one of my all time favourites that I have been exposing for some time now on social media and my YouTube. This accessory is the core difference to every outfit.
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Mismatched earrings!! I just love the dramatic effect it gives to an outfit. You could be wearing the most ethereal outfit, yet, the mismatched earrings add voltage to the look.
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Head Scarf, and this time it takes us back to the traditional use of one. Elegantly wrapped around the head knotted around the neck under the chin. Trés Chic!
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Bucket Hat, this is not for everyone. The bucket hat can either appear very quirky or minimal. It really depends on how you style it. I believe it can portray in a sharp manner. With a crisp button up short sleeve shirt and a loosely fit pegged pants add those mismatched earrings… now you try it!
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A box-shaped bag or triangle for something different. Held by a short handle these bags can wrap up your look from am to pm. A patent look executes a sleeker image.
What I Wore
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DAY 1:
My first thought is to start my week with something meaningful and special. Not what the camera’s want to see but what I wanted to feel. Emotions are very important to me and being able to express my emotions through what I wear is my way of feeling confident and radiant!
I wore a beautiful set that was my mother’s in the ’80s. My mum is my style icon and I always used to admire how she would thoughtfully assemble her pieces together, so delicately with love. Like each item of clothing or piece of accessory was sacred to her. Wow!
I constructed this set with a vintage bow belt from her too.
My accessories were all my grandmothers. She wore these quality snakeskin pumps, accordion box bag and satin gloves in the ‘40s. For me, this is fashion, this is style and this is beauty. Being able to style hand down pieces together from the most influential women in my life is the highlight of my wardrobe. I feel lucky I can fit into these pieces and will forever care for them till I can hand them down too...
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DAY 1 pm:
At the Jonathan Simkhai show, I wore a heavy lace maxi dress, with long sleeves that have a detailed scolloping around the edges and a refined high neckline. The movement of this dress brings a lot of power to my walk, anyone’s walk really! I layered this dress with a satin navy swing jacket which I have designed 10 years ago. The Collar and cuffs are dentelle lace, tying in beautifully with the dress. I brought an edge to this look with my white ankle boots from Bared Footwear and shaped white earrings from Azade Jewellery. I wore this dress because I felt romance when I thought of Jonathan Simkhai. Although, his collection was not merely what I expected it to be.
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DAY 2:
I just got my hair cut and I have been feeling inspired by some striking ‘70s outfits hitting the runways in Europe. So I sourced myself a ‘must have’ outfit from a new label in Sydney Ms Hem. Don’t you just love new brands! I do!
A wide leg camel paper bag pant with this statement floral print, tied collar shirt with one of my favourite sleeves, the bell sleeve. I cinched up my classic A-line trench coat’s sleeves to reveal the shirt's details. Now, the fun part is the accessories, I reached out of my International jewellery bag and paired this look with some striking pink/red spaceship earrings from Azade Jewellery, soon to hit Australia. DM me for more info.
I couldn’t believe I spotted a very similar shaped bag which is a prototype from Hills & West, oh my goodness when I first laid eyes on that bag in her showroom, no one, not even the talented designer Aisha, could stop me from wearing this! Delicious, I think you all need one.
Now, I know I have injected red, pink and white with my accessories. However, if you closely look at my shirt, you will see fine lines of green and that is where I tied in my leather bottle green pumps from another incredible Australian brand, Ashley Lim.
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Day 3:
I love this look because I am and always have been a fan of Peaked collars and Valentino cuffs. I layered this detailed Leo & Lin shirt dress with an A-line swing coat from their SS19 collection. Because I am petite, I chose to remove the sash from the waist of the coat and tied it beneath the collar to give me that extra height and elevate the look. My mismatched, layers of bangles and necklace were all from the talented designer, Susie Driver. My wow factor of the outfit was incorporating that touch of rouge, from the added strap on my Hills & West Luna bag and also my patent soft square-toed ankle boot from Ashley Lim.
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DAY 3 - pm:
This was for a men’s wear show, I did do the obvious and wear a suit yet brought a difference with my styling. How? I incorporated statement earrings from Susan Driver ‘70s style of necklace and kept those layers of bangles, I wore those all week actually. :p The best part was including my Voodoo illuminating hosiery, black with bronze sparkles throughout which blended in with my eye-catching copper loafers from Ashley Lim. I held onto the Lenny Belt bag from Hills & West in white and also detached the strap from another Lenny bag as my belt. Sometimes, we need to think a little outside the box to add a difference to our style.
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DAY 4
Leo & Lin lace maxi is back, yes, I wore it again but differently. This time I chose to layer the dress with a red chunky sweater from Ms Hem. I love this look. Knits with maxi’s, or pleated midi skirts or pencil skirts. Superfine and relaxed. I wore my Bared stitched cowboy boots with Voodoo socks peeking through the top. My look felt effortlessly cool with a mix of European fem. Topped it off with accessories from Susan Driver, Hills & West Lenny bag and through above my shoulders a vintage, reworked leather jacket by One Of A Kind Denim - Hand-painted print by Sarah Darby.