VoxFrockers Zoe-Rose Willis and Paris Williment report en crew from MFF’s Grand Showcase, the one runway guaranteed to crank fashion to the max. Scroll down to meet Zoe and Paris, and click back here and here for last-blast coverage of this momentous MFF by the VoxFrock Rookie Crew of future fashion journalists and photographers.
Words: Paris Williment Photos: Zoe-Rose Willis
Attending MFF’s Grand Showcase is a privilege in itself and, to be the designer on show, an honour. While the Festival has not publicly detailed the selection process, the only solo show of the season traditionally features designers who have made a significant contribution to the Australian fashion industry, who have achieved notable success both domestically and internationally.
There’s also (allegedly) a secret third criteria: would you be given a coveted stage, a captive audience, and a hoard of breathtaking models, were there any doubt you could Put On A Show?
Steven Khalil, renowned Australian-Lebanese designer with 30 years of service in the bespoke bridal and eveningwear forces, knows better than to shy from dramatics. And so, to the tune of Mozart’s Lacrimosa, transitioning into Dua Lipa’s Training Season, Khalil began his victory lap.
The range of this runway was unreal, a true showcase of Khalil’s multiplicity as an artist. Each gown felt distinctly unique, with no compromise on concept or craftsmanship. Romantic European silhouettes, paired with the bold colour and sparkling detail of Middle Eastern influence; it was easy to imagine an archtypal “someone” to wear each dress.
There was, of course, the classic ivory bride and the gilded celebrity gracing yet another red carpet, repetitive staples in the territory of luxury formal. In fact, formalwear often gets stuck in this trap of predictability. By the end of the show, however… I couldn’t imagine a woman who would not wear at least one of these masterpieces. Impossibly intricate beadwork, perfectly layered tulle, deliciously draped satins, sparkling metallic appliqués, all structured to illuminate the wearer’s divine feminine… Khalil loves to dress women; that much is obvious.
One of the great injustices of intricate detailing is, given the movement of the model and distance of the audience, this intricacy cannot be duly appreciated on a runway. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing these gowns in person.
It is important to remember that these dresses were not made for any stage; they were made to be worn, photographed, absorbed and appreciated one-on-one. These gowns were made to make the wearer feel their most beautiful, to elevate a deeply special moment in her life. Steven Khalil understands this, and in all 51 looks, his commitment was evident in every stitch.
Meet the VoxFrockers
Zoe-Rose Willis – photographer
Zoe is a recent Bachelor of Arts, Photography graduate with a focus on fashion and commercial photography. She has significant experience in building and collaborating with creative teams for her own shoots, as well as assisting on campaigns for brands such as T2, Endota Spa and Seed. This is Zoe’s first official tour on the VoxFrock Rookie Crew.
Paris Williment – Journalist
