The National Convention Centre was running hot last night as the second series of Canberra collections took to the runway. Once again there was a wonderful variety of fashion on display – here is a quick rundown of what we saw and loved throughout the night.
Recollection
An avian theme took to the runway with the immediate feeling of a dense tropical jungle revealing a collection inspired by rosellas. These bold colours were filled with patterned inserts and, when adorned with feathers created the complete look. While DJ Ced Nada provided electric beats, these electric colours lit up the room with neat waistlines producing classic silhouettes.
BM Designs
Returning to Fashfest after a successful showing in 2014, BM Designs provided a stunning contrast to Recollection, with a range of outfits in largely muted tones. With references to the time of Queen Victoria, we saw designs that drew from across the classes – royalty, the workers, and even a court harlequin! While it was a lot of fun to pick the references, the collection itself showed a gentle prettiness that felt warm and comforting.
Simone Perele
Courtesy of Stephanie’s Boutique in Kingston, Simon Perele continued her tenure at Fashfest. Again, the contrast was stunning, as the models showed off a range of lingerie sets to suit all body types. With strapless bras, low-waisted briefs and lots of pretty lace, the collection showed off the label’s strong ability to combine sexiness with a functionality that can be worn at any time of the week.
Hana
As soon as the first piece hit the runway, we knew The Inventor had truly arrived. This was an extraordinary collection, with extravagant headwear matched with prints that celebrated ancient Mediterranean culture. Giant icons were emblazoned across shift dresses, while other outfits tempered the patterns with rich blues reminiscent of the Aegean Sea. Keen-eyed fashionistas would have picked up the discreet Australian references in some of the garments, making this collection adventurous as well as fun.
Bronwen Stead
Despite Canberra recovering from its first frost of the year, Bronwen Stead brought some ‘carnivale’ to The Convention Centre. The audience audibly gasped as the first model took to the catwalk in stunning barely-there swimwear with sequins, gold and silver chains and spaghetti-thin straps. As the collection revealed butterflies, angels and peacocks on the runway, we knew this collection would not be much good in the surf at Moruya, but certainly a head-turner at the Ivy Pool Bar!
The Label
With a nod to the imagined future of the 80s, last year’s CIT graduates returned with an individual collection for 2015. Powerful, sharp cuts in neutral tones thundered down a runway that could have transported them to outer space. Large blocks of fabric gave way through splits, providing a peek-a-boo thrill in contrast to the robotic style. it was a stunning solo- debut for The Label, and we look forward to more in the future.
Mimetic
The second CIT graduate label, Mimetic moved a long way from last year’s collection of travel garments to reveal a new kind of power dressing that would have any office calling the fire brigade. Powerful but cute – and occasionally VERY sexy – the collection took classic outfits (the two-piece suit, the duffel coat, the little black dress) and reimagined them to deliver unconventional showstoppers. Powerful but feminine with amazing metal detailing, Mimetic added ‘re’ to the night’s theme of invention, and in doing so were the stars of the night.
Rockstars and Royalty
Vicky’s back! We’ve come to know and love her work over the three years of Fashfest, and her playful sense of adventure has always been a welcome sight. This year we witnessed a softer, more feminine look. Roses were much more prominent than the heavy black lace of previous years, which complimented the blooming of the hoop skirts that have become her signature style.
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It was another fantastic night at Fashfest. With constant turns and tricks, the crowd left delighted by what they had witnessed.
Bring on Night 3!
Click here for Night 1 coverage.
