MBFWA: Day 2

CATCH up on Day Two of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia with Jamie-Maree Shipton.

Day one may have had me wondering if MBFWA could get any better but after today I’m now certain I’m just going to on a massive high all week.

Today’s lineup was pretty much my dream lineup. It was a day of diverse aesthetics, of feminine and androgynous shapes, languid and fluid silks to structured neoprenes and boxy silhouettes.

Karla Spectic

This show was a showcase of feminine fragility but with a crispness that kept it fresh and edgy. The sheer details and panelling of the white-on-white looks, the see through lace detailing and delicate fabrics gave an air of whimsy and lightness that Karla Spectic is often known for. The matching lace sets with crop/midriff tops were very on trend as well as the sheen to the fabrics.

The pops of hot pink, and light blue details woven in successfully with the full colour blocked looks added that little bit extra to the delicate palette. As did the stain glass window prints, which actually made each piece feel like it was structured to look as if it were really stained glass, the panelling and structured details weaving in nicely.

Finally the peplum details on skirt hems and high under the bests rather than at the waist was a surprising twist to this popular shape.

Ellery

One of my favourite designers Ellery always stays true to the brand’s aesthetic, and this showcase was no different. Everything was sleek, tailored and very high fashion. The inclusion of some big name models also brought the whole show up a notch.

The looks were clean and crisp and the models were fresh faced and their hair  teased to perfection. The boxy silhouettes and structure of the garments are very signature to Ellery and somehow every season she is able to rework this into something new and exciting; like the edition of the snake skin fabric this season for example. The little shoe cover like frills tied at the models ankles were a nice little quirk to the rather refined collection.

The industrial bricks also worked perfectly as the runways backdrop, giving the overall show a raw yet minimal and sleek vibe. The models directions backstage were to walk strong, don’t smile and shine like a diamond and both them and the collection definitely shined.

Kahlo

One of most anticipated shows this week from the relatively new comers to the scene was Kahlo, and their show did anything but disappoint. The whole collection had an androgynous atmosphere, every look was strong and the models walked with purpose. They were almost like superwomen. And the clothes were definitely fit for super women.

The geometric square hems that worked from skirt into top like jigsaw puzzles worked flawlessly with the heavy appearance of the leathers. The garments were patchworks of suede, leather and croc skin with zipper details separating them, carried from dress to skirt to top, every piece covetable. The models rocked sleek  hair that turned volumous and teased at the ends, a style that made you wish you could attempt. The midriff style crop tops were heaven especially when they were matched with a skirt of the same colour and skin,  like the whole dark brown croc skin look (I want!).

The inclusion of lighter fabrics was a fresh addition to the designing duo’s usually leather heavy collection. The  mesh vest in a high shine was a killer, as were the zipper slits of the skirts. Overall it was unanamous that we all wanted to own every piece, or at least one, from this amazing collection.

Maticevski

This collection was a celebration of dressing up. Every piece made you want to have an occasion just so you could splurge on one of these wonders.

The surprise of this show was that the fabric was a stiff neoprene instead of the usually languid a silky fabrics used for evening wear. Every piece made a statement with the high sheen fabric in pastel and white. The shapes featured peplums and stiff oversized ruffles, all structured statements. High necklines, racer backs, and cutout-mesh detailing also added a sporty vibe.

The starkness of the crisp fabrics was pared back with cute little flower like rose pouch clutch bags that were delicately cradled by the models. Some of my favourite looks were the black and white outfits with cutout details of mesh. With the addition of the cigarette trousers paired with bodices the power suit was reworked and made the collection feel even less delicate and flirty and more strong, powerful and sexy.