Well, are they, asks Jess Cammerman?
There has been an ongoing dispute as to whether Sydney or Melbourne is Australia’s Fashion Capital. Recently, Joanna Berry, who directs ‘The Word Collective,’ stated in ‘The NEWDAILY,’ that Melbourne is “hailed for our boutique shopping in a way that Sydney isn’t. Just take a stroll down Chapel or Smith Street.” She continues that while, “Sydney has sporty, beach-ready attire down pat, Melbourne is much more understated in its approach to dressing.” Men’s street and dress fashions in Melbourne are making headlines.
Melbourne Street Style
Australian street-style has gained world attention. With patterns and textures mixed in arrangements never seen before, Melbourne men just seem to wear the look with added finesse. Cool fabrics and sunshine provide the ideal combination for beachwear and casual lunches throughout the city. Lightweight textiles and bright colours, like those found in Connor knitwear and shirts, are trendier than ever. All weather polo shirts, trousers, jackets, and accessories have a trendy appearance that provides that extra measure of versatility and comfort. Spring and summer collections illustrate just how important attractive styles and brands are to fashion. Within the last year, the concept of the well-dressed man has risen to a new level. In the past, the mark of great fashion pertained mainly to formal wear; today (more than ever) good looks include daywear as well as office attire. Although the bar continues to rise, Melbourne men realise that a terrific style is all inclusive.
Melbourne Dress Wear
Men’s formalwear has also been imbued with an extra dash of good taste. Australian designers are presenting some of the largest and most-interesting collections around. A complete array of wardrobe items provides the Melbourne guy with everything he might require for tip to toe dressing. Suits are sophisticated and tailored; although the trends have leaned toward black, greys, and monochromatic tones, colours are exciting, rich, and more comfortable than one might imagine. Cotton-poplins breathe without losing their shape, a quality not necessarily true for linen. Solids and print fabrics are suitable for the office, weddings, and evenings on the town. Furthermore, with an emphasis on tailored fit, Melbourne men have taken the lead. Even though the focus is on good-taste and couture, subdued hues are being mixed and matched with classic designs and amazing colours. White, brown and a spectrum of shades are topping the charts as far as Australian formalwear is concerned.
A Cut Above
Both casual and dress-clothing allow for versatility in fabrics. Lightweight denims, over-dyed tee-shirts and sweatshirt, brushed suede baseball-jacket, leather accessories, fine cashmere, imported wools, silk blends and cotton-blends are trending this season. Even loose fitting styles are carefully crafted. What’s more, many top designers are heralding from Australia and Melbourne, and being recognized as important contributors to major fashion centres such as Milan, Paris, and New York. With casual, dress looks, designs and textiles that highlight great looks, it can be said that indeed Melbourne men are the most fashionable of all!
