MELBOURNE SPRING FASHION WEEK’S TRADITIONAL BIG GUNS RUNWAY SERIES OPENED IN THE CITY’S SPECTACULAR TOWN HALL WITH A RISKY PRODUCTION THAT PAID OFF BIG TIME LAST NIGHT. A LIVE ORCHESTRA WAS EMBEDDED IN THE CATWALK WITH CONDUCTOR DIRECTING FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHERS’ PIT. DRAMATIC, PRONGED STAGING ENABLED DESIGNERS INCLUDING JASON GRECH AND GWENDOLYNNE BURKIN MAXIMUM LEVERAGE FOR THEIR UBER GLAMOUROUS COLLECTIONS. AN ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE, THEATRICAL CHOREOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC PROJECTED BACKDROPS AND STUNNING LIGHTING DRAGGED A SELL-OUT CROWD TO ITS FEET, HOOTING AND SHOUTING APPROVAL. EVEN THE CLOTHES WERE GORGEOUS…MISS ALEXIA REPORTS…
One of several Jason Grech showstoppers.
Photo: Alexia Petsinis
A moody floral romance set the tone for an enchanted couture spectacle, opening with billowing silk chiffon by Jason Grech. (Above, and main photo, top.) Deep-cut necklines gave way to more classic sweetheart styles, an interplay between clean cut modernism and a more dainty feminine aesthetic. One of Grech’s showstoppers, a deep aubergine lace mini with gravity-defying silk cape, sent more than a few hearts fluttering.
Aurelio Costarella
Aurelio Costarella dazzled with lamé-like fabrics enhanced by beading and feather details. A palette of moody metallics gave a rich luxe look to both mini and maxi styles. Look out for a long sleeve jumpsuit with all-over bead encrusting; it’s a spring sparkler.
Michael Lo Sordo
It was dreamy candy pastels for Michael Lo Sordo whose dainty mauve and buttercup trenches were effortless new season statement pieces.
Carla Zampatti
In contrast, Carla Zampatti accentuated the clean-cut lines of tailored pants and asymmetrical dress styles through a chic palette of black and white. A sleek day-to-night collection.
Dom Bagnato
For the gents, Dom Bagnato lifted the season’s new blues with white pin stripe and check details. Tailored vests in contrasting camel and grey tones are ideal additions to any spring racing ensemble. Opting for the colour pop? Orange and blushing pink are the hues to choose for this season’s ties.
Gwendolynne
Dreamy Gwendolynne evoked the eternal feminine aesthetic through wispy fabric layering and head-to-toe embellishment that captured a collective sigh. Heavily crusted neck and bodice features were harmonised by the delicate fluidity of silk overlays in cream off-white.
Nicolangela.
Photo: Alexia Petsinis
Intricate pattern details by laser-cut enhanced the proportions of Nicolangëla’s bold frocks, while geometric panelling further enhanced the collection’s interplay between black and white.
Anaessia
Finally, the evening’s enchanted fashion fairy tale was closed by Anaessia , invigorating balletic silhouettes with coloured lace applique and bold floral motifs in sunny tones of yellow and sky blue.
Spring, pop, sparkle. And we’re off!
Alexia Petsinis, intern@voxfrock.com.au
