SPARKLERS

MISS ALEXIA PETSINIS REPORTS FROM THE POINTY END OF MELBOURNE SPRING FASHION WEEK: RUNWAY 3
PHOTOGRAPHS: LUCAS DAWSON

Celebrating the ‘cultural fabric of fashion’ through explorations of colour, print and texture, Runway 3 presented an exotic narrative of garments influenced both by east and western design practices. Dramatic silhouettes and bold prints transformed Melbourne Town Hall into a site of escapism, highlighting the power of fashion to transport and inspire.

Opening with heavy brocade embellishment, Akira ‘s interplay between surface detail and refined silhouettes reflected the subtle femininity of Oriental design. Drapery and fine gathers featured on longer-line dresses, showcasing the rhythm of fine silks across a warm palette of reds and purples.

Nicola Finetti created movement of another sort in his collection, using the flowing curves of linear print to balance stark panelling and emphasise flounce.
Sleek silhouettes and cut-out details were the focus for Yeojin Bae’s collection, a playful manipulation of proportion through a candy-palette of pinks, greens and sky blue. Watch for chic tubular collars and off-the-shoulder bustier styles, and a scarlet backless number with slim pencil skirt.

White and gold contrasts evoked visions of a modern maiden in Thurley’s thick embellished lace and bodice details and metallic trims.
Nevenka’s mostly-white palette exuded youthful innocence, with metallic-embellished lace the finish to look out for in spring’s maxi dresses and soft skirts.

Jayson Brunsdon summoned all forest queens with earthy tones of umber brown and moss, livened by winking sequin details. Hero pieces included a three-quarter sleeve 1950s-style dress coat with foliage print and contrasting embellished square patch pockets and collar. Amazon glam.

It was a slick trip to the tropics for Arthur Galan who played on breezy resort-wear for both ladies and gents. Linear prints explored shape and colour disharmonies on shift dresses and relaxed pant styles. Khaki was the new season colour for casual gents, though who could go past a fleshy-peach tailored suit? Sweet things on the eye.

In contrast, it was a palette of French blues that imbued Calibre’s range with nautical freshness. Cuffed shorts and polo tops were the go for weekend wear and tailored suits styles invigorated with skinny cropped pants and button-down blazers.

Megan Park  captured the jingle of Marrakesh bazaars with bronze coin embellishments on fuchsia and yellow dresses.

Exotica appeared to be the order of the evening for  Christine Accessories collection of jewels and sunglasses styled with bold prints and headwear by Italian label Stella Jean. (Christine Accessories, below, and main picture, top.)

Alexia Petsinis; intern@voxfrock.com.au