Saturday was the final day of LMFF events, drawing to a close what was a glorious weeklong celebration of Australian fashion. Lucky for me I was privy to the finality of the event and had a ticket to Runway 7 presented by Cosmopolitan. As the fashion set filtered into Peninsula at the Docklands, those already seated waited eagerly in anticipation, sipping their San Pellegrino’s with straws and admiring those who were brave enough to attempt fashions that wouldn’t necessarily have their place on the street. We were even graced with a touch of Parisian chic thanks to one eagle eyed fashionista accessorising her outfit with a small Chihuahua in the front row.
The lights eventually dimmed and people watching was drawn to a close for the time being, instead we focused solely on the fashion. What followed was an array of wearable, flirty, winter fashions with splashes of colour (a welcome distraction what with the grey months fast approaching). Modern and on trend were the order of the runway and only a hint of the past was provided thanks to the eighties inspired crimped hair the models sported.
First to hit the catwalk were White Suede, a label that is fast developing a reputation for delivering quality leather pieces. And that they did. I could almost feel the softness of the leather mini and wide collared jacket all the way from the second row and oh how I wanted thee. Other features included digital printed dresses, pants and skirts; sequined bolero jackets, as well as a gorgeous box cut tan cashmere coat. Yet the White Suede season must have (as spotted on a few fashionistas since) is the gold lamé shoulder pad dress…provided you are able to pour yourself into the unforgiving fabric.
Joveeba on the other hand was proof in the proverbial pudding that every day basics are nothing short of glam. Sexy shoulder cut outs on dresses and tops made an appearance, as did shirts and slouch pants in sheer fabrics and a colour palette of blues, greys and light pinks. Pattern wasn’t shied upon either and one of the highlights of the collection was an autumn leaf patterned dress. Joveeba’s pieces proved easily transformable from day to night all by way of a belt cinching the waist of a slouchy dress – simple and effortless.
Another label that didn’t disappoint was one of my favourites for affordable on trend fashion – Maurie & Eve. What they offered were designs that altered between nude, tan, warm mustard and hues of orange in floaty fabrics, clean lines and with just a hint of the quirky. I gasped at the all in one tan pant suit and shed a little tear of joy over the high waisted lace shorts in the same colour. Just heavenly.
Bettina Liano presented a slightly edgier look, serving up leather pants, sharp tailored blazers and bustiers, which have almost become more signature than her tailored pants. Her cable knit dresses, tribal print knitted tights and pleated skirts had that very London prep look about them but with that element of fun, flirty, cheekiness that Liano does so well. The statement piece for me, was the sheer paneled high neck jumper. Normally something you are used to seeing on a Wiggle, Liano managed to transform a fashion statement that is often deemed drab to fab by way of a peek-a-boo panel.
Rounding out the parade were Australian fashion stalwarts Wayne Cooper and Alannah Hill. First up was Cooper who did what he so inevitably does best – accentuate the female figure. He did so with wrap-around and cowl neck dresses in swirling patterns of blue and grey, add to this stripes, cinched waists and lace and it appeared Cooper was once again at his best. He accessorised with this seasons ubiquitous fur gillet but made it work, layering it over his dresses for a more edgy take on the feminine look. A standout was the chiffon scarf necktie blouse, paired with flared pants for that very 70’s chic.
Alannah Hill, always one to add a different kind of glamour to the runway, didn’t stray too far from her usual staples. Designs included cardigans, florals and bright colours in luscious reds and deep purples, putting proof to the saying ‘when it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Hill manages to put vintage granny chic on the high end of the fashion market incorporating ankle socks, sequins, bows and frills throughout her designs, making them appear more forties glam than op shop friendly. Breaking the rules isn’t a foreign concept to Hill and this collection was no different.
And so as the lights brightened and LMFF drew to a close for another year and I left confident in the knowledge that a) Runway 7 had provided me with a decent amount of closure, enough that left me pining for next season’s collections all the while mentally shopping the current, and b) I had enough hair products to survive me until next seasons thanks to my collection of goodie bags.
