Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Recap

Today I’m finally sitting down and recounting the amazing experience that was fashion week. Being my debut into fashion week, I was unaware of what to expect. As the rumours suggest it is an extremely busy, very vibrant and extravagant affair in honour of fashion and the emerging season. Melbourne Spring Fashion Week was held in the Melbourne Town Hall, an architecturally exquisite building that really reflected not only the sophistication of the event, but the clothes themselves; a collaboration of contemporary and classic style. One thing to note, though the red velvet steps look like a scene from a movie, you may not look like an actress walking up them. Trying to preserve my dignity I held onto the railing, taking one step at a time, never letting my eyes leave the steps. I managed to somehow climb the stairs and smile at the top. Rock climbing you will never catch me do, but climbing steps for fashion week in heels, I just took it to the next level extreme (please note my sarcasm, it can be a little strained at times). With about fifteen minutes until the show started we made our way to our seats, walking past the row of photographers, people gracefully toying at their wine glasses and the beautiful stage with its dimmed lights. Though I may not have sat in front row and just missed out on the complimentary gift bags, in retrospect I felt a sense of comfort. Though the fashion elite equipped with their “indoor” sunglasses stared back at me from the other side of the stage, their was hope in me that one day I would have the opportunity to be sitting in front row. As voices quietened the stage began to almost glow, reflecting a bright aura that only complimented the beauty of the pieces. Unfortunately, the brightness did not appeal to my phone camera very much, hence the poor quality of the photos (If you’re cringing as much as I am please have a look here for better quality photos of each look). The show was a spectacle of ‘dreamlike couture, contemporary/minimalist sophistication, exquisitely embellished pieces and cool, confident street wear,’ as that’smelbourne website suggests. What I loved most about the show was the appeal of it all; something that came from the wearability and the attainability of the pieces. The clothes weren’t reserved for just the models, they could be translated into everyday life. For my review of some of my favourite pieces from the standout designers, read on...

YB J'AIME

 A very wearable and quite easy piece to start. I first fell in love with this as it is a jumpsuit, an item I think looks quite classy without the effort. Of course I don’t have model-like legs to make this piece fashion worthy, but it’s nothing a little pair of heels can’t fix. Also, the choice of black was interesting for summer and something perhaps unexpected, but definitely reflective of Melbourne style. The frill screams summer to me and I hope to add this piece, or at least one similar, to my holiday wardrobe. 

This was the only decent photo I had of this print as it was carried across a few outfits, but its essentially a red and white print that is quite unusual, almost reminiscent of retro style. Something about it had my phone clicking away in an instant, needing to immediately document it as an “add to cart” piece. This dress, though it seems plain, is quite modern as it has a collar, but a cutaway neckline. In essence it is a V-neck, three quarter sleeve dress with a white collar attached. Breaking it down like that almost devalues its artistic flair, but this just shows how these pieces can become a part of daily fashion rotation. Time to checkout. 

Alice McCall

What made me photograph this piece was the colour, needing a photo to prove that spring fashion does involve an injection of pastel shades. I love the heat appropriate take on a trench coat, allowing the movement in the fabric to create a sense of relaxed tailoring. Having just bought a beige coat very similar, I may just have to get one in each colour of the rainbow. 

 This is the direct juxtaposition of the initial look; short, sweet and playful. While the former radiated a relaxed and very elegant style, this playsuit is definitely for play. Though it shines an innocent and childlike aura, it also has a sense of sex appeal that is reserved for adults only. The pistachio shade keeps it from looking too “boudoir” like and amps up the frivolity. One for running through a field of daisies in. 

I had originally seen this collection on Nicole Warne’s website, lusting over the beauty of the pieces. I was very excited to recognise this outfit when it was modeled on the runway, making sure to capture an acceptable photo. I surprised myself when I fell in love with these pieces as I’m not usually drawn to digitally printed items such as these, but they have been created so tastefully with just a hint of honeyed femininity. An outfit that I perhaps will wear only in my dreams. 

Manning Cartell 

This piece really reflected the minimalistic vibe of the entire night, relying on tailoring and print to make a statement. I love the deep V in the top, and how the lapel looks almost like a formal vest or blazer. The skirt is absolutely beautiful too, with its subtle monochromatic print. With the clever addition of the black seamed pockets the entire look is unified, making for one very appropriate choice for fine dining. Pinot noir anyone? 

I had to photograph this as I’m a little impartial to a pleated midi skirt, but isn't it stunning? A very simple piece, but well executed. The unexpected seam running through the middle of the skirt adds interest, and almost highlights the amazing pleats. One to add to any summer wardrobe. 

Lui Hon

I loved this outfit as the print is very reminiscent of houndstooth, one of my most loved autumn/winter trends. To see this print shifted into spring makes me quite excited, as I can finally wear that houndstooth mini skirt I never got around to wearing. Thankyou Lui Hon! This two piece is very different from the coordinates circling the online fashion world at the moment. The just above the ankle cut trousers and the structured top are a nice adjustment to a summer dress. Skip the crop tops and invest in this co-ord this spring. 

This may very well be my favourite look of the entire night. To be quite honest I’m not really sure why, I would have expected to love one of the more colourful outfits. What I believe appeals to me about this is that it is a redesign of an off the shoulder top, which I go crazy for, but instead it takes the fabric across the décolletage and fastens it at the arm in a knot-looking tie. This may not be the most practical top as it does hinder the mobility of the right arm, but who says fashion must be practical? I could almost imagine myself wearing this in a bar in Spain, enjoying the warm summer breeze as it licks the waves of the ocean. This is why I love fashion, you can live in your own daydream.

Thankyou Melbourne Spring Fashion Week for an amazing night and a warm congratulations to all the designers. I’ll see you same time next year. 

What was your favourite look of the night? Let me know in the comments below.