Bec and Bridge S/S 14/15

Bec and Bridge S/S 14/15

Bec and Bridge's S/S 14/15 MBFW collection was a culmination of liberated garments, rich in seductive charm. Perfect for the quintessential effervescent party girl. Figure hugging silhouettes flourished throughout the collection. Relaxed, androgynous garments with a hint of feminine charm were also thrown into the mix for the modern day tomboy.

Look 1 comprised of a patchwork indigo and chambray oversized jacket teamed to a racer front, two toned, knitted tank. Asymmetrical fringing detail graced the mid torso area. A raw hemmed, handkerchief tweed skirt fell to the knee. Sheer, white, mesh midi boots complete with black panelling and peep toe detail concluded the look. Fringing continued to dominate on a drop waist, knitted shift dress in relaxed proportions. Oceanic shades of blue lent a calming aesthetic.

A chambray, deep plunge, bustier dress came complete with high waisted, undulating tweed skirt which caressed every curve. A succession of stripes played a starring role yet again amongst designers at the MBFWA collections and this time were evident in the form of a halter plunge, white and black top paired to cropped, languid, flared palazzo trousers in horizontal navy and white stripe. Alexandra Agoston modelled a cut-away body con mini dress with wraparound waist adornment which fell mid calf. A stylish arabesque, punctuated with attitude.

A midnight and ebony blanket wrap jacket with black leather tie belt oozed of energised cool. A funnel neck, flat front placket, denim shirt dress completed the look. Bec and Bridge's signature second skin dresses featured in textural horizontal stripe with key hole detail adding allure. Hook and eye sutures in a rippling form dissected a navy jacket creating a silhouette bursting with magnetism and sculptural lines. An iridescent, hip hugging, ra ra skirt added an injection of youth to the equation. A Grecian Goddess, bandage wrap, halter top featured mesh sleeves and decolletage. This torso baring top was paired to a scintillating, high waisted, transparent skirt.

A standout, minimalistic, off the shoulder, ebony woven dress fell to the knee with a titillating thigh high split for an added dose of glamour. A strapless bodysuit was worn underneath for modesty. Clever drapery was evident on a strapless, velvet, basket weave top with crossover halter bust detail. A ruched, asymmetrical, PVC, ivory mini skirt with fish tail flounce concluded the look. Eighties references reigned supreme. A powder puff blue mesh dress was deconstructed glamour at its best. Spliced torso and undulating, strategically placed hook and eye detail oozed of sex appeal, a one shouldered mesh sleeve modernised the dress to a whole new level.

A terracotta red leather top in a waxy finish was a chic accession. This was married to a white asymmetrical flounce mini with fine pinstripe detail. A free form cape coat in eggshell with leather lapel adorned the model's shoulders. Pyjama inspired shirting made its way onto the runway in the form of a relaxed, button down, striped shirt with black placket and press stud closure. Matching culottes in micro proportions concluded the look.

A convivial display sure to delight Bec and Bridge devotees aplenty.

By Courtney Jones.

Dion Lee Line II S/S 14/15

Dion Lee Line II S/S 14/15

A vacant warehouse in Danks Street, Waterloo set the scene for Dion Lee's Line II RTW MBFW collection. As the fashion pack gathered for the highly anticipated show melancholy music echoed throughout the open space. Lee's collection embodied tailored sporting luxe tinged with masculinity. An interplay of drapery played a starring role in the collection. Feminine silhouettes oozed of energised cool. Deconstructed glamour best describes the aesthetic.

Look 1 comprised of an ebony, body con, crew neck sweater featuring elongated sleeves and double white racing stripe detail on the forearm. A chambray, asymmetrical, knee length skirt with origami folds created the illusion of a denim shirt wrapped around the waist. The look was finalised with a buttery soft, leather biker jacket worn nonchalantly around the waist. Footwear consisted of Roman gladiatorial sandals, toughening up the look.

A sleeveless pinstripe blouse worn buttoned to the neck featured denim bust pockets. The blouse was teamed to the staple denim jacket and black free flowing midi skirt. Rachel Rutt modelled a figure hugging, cobalt, funnel neck, fine merino knit which was paired to a navy, white and grey candy striped skirt. Details included a wraparound waist band resembling an obi and asymmetrical drapery.

Athleticism was evident on a streamlined pair of trousers complete with double white racing stripe cascading down the outer seam. A utilitarian pinstripe blazer in monochromatic black and white was worn ever so casually, insouciance reigned supreme. A crisp white trench with chambray collar and mid wash denim sleeves was a chic addition with uncluttered lines very much in attendance. A simplistic, muted dove grey, midi length dress with plunge v-neck detail and spliced under the bust cut-out feature was minimalism at its best.

The classic oxford shirt was updated with cut-out elbow detail twinned to a white leather vest attenuating the waist. The aesthetic resembled that of a straight jacket. The look was complete with hip hugging, voluminous trousers with zipper detail on the outer hip. Wearability continued to dominate on the runway with a waxy leather biker jacket in boxy proportions which was married to a cropped turtleneck sweater in black with white stripe detail. Languid, black trousers created a relaxed silhouette. A functional black parka with colossal sized pockets was paired to a snow white, turtleneck, crop knit and noir drawstring subtle peg leg trousers.

A sumptuous torso baring, high neck leather bralet was teamed to an androgynous peak shouldered blazer, elbow cut-outs created the illusion of a cape coat. A high waisted black and white midi skirt lent an understated bourgeois feel to the look. Athleticism references were prevalent on a midnight college bomber jacket with striped waist band and leather cuffs. An enticing knee length skirt with provocative thigh high split added a hit of exhibitionism. 

A two tonal vivid mandarin and tomato cutaway racer dress in sheer silk featured an orange sherbet halter crop worn underneath for modesty. The skirt featured wraparound fluid lines caressing the thighs.

By Courtney Jones.

Michael Lo Sordo S/S 14/15

Michael Lo Sordo S/S 14/15

Michael Lo Sordo's S/S 14/15 collection was an irrefutably modern display. Androgynous, lackadaisical, liberated silhouettes were very much in attendance. Bourgeois chic flourished throughout the collection offering seductive charm.

Alexandra Agoston wafted down the runway in a double breasted, monochromatic, pinstripe shirt complete with dolman sleeve detail. The tailored shirt was teamed to a generously cut, maxi skirt which was cleverly draped to reveal an asymmetrical centre split.

Myf Shepherd modelled a delicate, heavenly white, slip dress, perfect for the boudoir. The silhouette was updated with a soft, billowy trench worn attenuating the waist adding a dose of delicacy to the mix.

A masculine tuxedo starred in pearl white, sleeves worn pushed up ever so nonchalantly with satin lapel oozing with glamour. A translucent, neckerchief adorned the neck and was married to a layered, oversized cami with double key hole feature and finalised with an understated, free flowing trouser lending a languid silhouette. Duck egg blue headlined  a 3 piece suit comprising of bralet, tailored blazer and high waisted trousers replete with a fluid aesthetic. 

Subtle athletic references reigned supreme on a relaxed, slimline, single breasted blazer in fine pinstripe fabric teamed to silk neckerchief and minimalistic v-neck bralet. Plenty of flesh on display, toned abs are mandatory. Insouciant, hip hugging trousers brimmed with devil-may-care attitude.

A mouthwatering, lemon sorbet hued trench was a polished addition lending a softer edge to the more masculine dominated pieces featured in the collection. A matching blouse was teamed underneath. Sculptural, distinguished lines were present on a snakeskin, textural, cocoon blouse in 3D knitting technology. Bouffant sleeves created volume. A matching, knee length, pencil skirt concluded the look. A seductive, mottled, sea snakeskin, patent, triangle bralet oozed of sensuality. A wraparound, high waisted, knee length skirt offered provocation. A romantic mauve rose, maxi dress featured diaphanous, layered, handkerchief hem. Lavender foil, triangle bust and spaghetti strap detail lent a sci-fi edge to the garment. The waist was drawn in by material gathered to create the illusion of a sweater tied around the torso.

Ballet connotations reigned supreme on a peony pink dress consisting of asymmetrical neckline, refined peak shoulder and free flowing, thigh high split. A dusty rose trench coat adorned Stephanie Carta's right shoulder as though the trench had been casually slung over the shoulder. An enigmatic silhouette brimming with bewitchment.

A groundbreaking collection for the illustrious Lo Sordo who is a design stalwart beyond his 30 years.

By Courtney Jones.

Aurelio Costarella S/S 14/15

Aurelio Costarella S/S 14/15

Aurelio Costarella's 'SOLAIRE' collection embodied sensuality, pulchritude and impeccable glamour. Costarella drew inspiration from American photographer Man Ray of the Surrealist and Dada movements, Polish Art Deco artist Tamara de Lempicka and model / photographer Lee Miller. Film noir silhouettes reigned supreme brimming of silver screen splendour.

Look 1 comprised of an opalescent, embellished body suit featuring shades of champagne and ice silver teamed to minimalistic wrist cuffs. Swarovski crystals in the shape of a crescent moon graced the model's face adding a iridescent sheen.

A dip dyed, cutaway cocktail mini dress featured in shades of heavenly white, muted lavender, violet and dramatic ebony. Celestial feathers highlighted the dress' ethereal qualities. Layered black cuffs added a dose of masculinity to the arabesque.

A Jean Paul Gaultier inspired, metallic gunmetal, sculptural mini dress with tulip silhouette, triangle multi peplum and boned torso detail oozed of modern sci-fi connotations. Attitude and panache required. A sensual leather, plunge, sweetheart neckline, body con halter dress was a vampy addition with textural panels adding an edge. Leather continued to feature on a bustier evening dress complete with diaphanous, chiffon strip maxi skirt and theatrical sheer top with beaded cap sleeve detail.

Flamboyant fuchsia starred on a willowy, fish tail, floor grazing gown with metallic studs caressing the torso. A peekaboo cut-out under the bust added flirtatiousness. A saturated persimmon, corset dress featured embellished bust and waist detail with a sheer skirt billowing with every stride Alice Burdeu made. A scintillating, strapless, floor length evening dress comprised of silver leaf and ebony sheer overlay. A sumptuous number sure to make an appearance on red carpets aplenty.

A figure hugging, blanc, strapless plunge, centre split full length dress offered a dose of provocation. Model and TV personality, Laura Dundovic wore the lime splice version to the recent TV Week Logie Awards. The bold shade was a refreshing choice amongst the sea of predictable black and flesh toned gowns.

Costarella's 'SOLAIRE' collection offered a delectable mix of drama, sass and sophistication with arabesques reminiscent of 1920s / 1930s Parisian theatre.

By Courtney Jones.

Alice McCall S/S 2014/ 2015

Alice McCall S/S 14/15

Alice McCall's S/S 14/15 collection aptly titled 'In My Dreams We Were Flying' conjured up imagery resplendent of utopia and lucid dreams. McCall described the collection 'A celestial exploration of the imagination' which was the driving force behind the collection.

The show opened with a seventies, starch, cotton maxi dress featuring crew neck, oversized arm holes, drop waist and broderie anglaise waist detail. Alexandra Agoston emerged wearing a soft white, saccharine, strapless romper with crescent moon neckline. Clever drapery was on display with skort proportions with delicate embroidery gracing the outer thigh.

A sloping shoulder, structured,cap sleeve mini dress with a colossal sized peplum came complete with lace decolletage, dainty, youthful connotations reigned supreme. Think Picnic At Hanging Rock with a modern contemporary spin.

A mesh muscle tank teamed to matching triangle bralet drew inspiration from Gucci's current S/S 2014 collection. The tank was married to a skort with Japanese influences, origami folds created shape and added playfulness to the silhouette. Mesh also starred on free flowing, high waisted flares worn tucked into a mesh high neck tank.

The time honoured staple tea party dress featured starch white cotton adorned with subtle polka dot detail complete with scalloped hem and neckline, shoe string straps evoking the look of innocence. A crochet playsuit for the innovative mermaid consisted of exposed shoulder, cut-out torso detail with artisanal qualities. Expect to see this piece on bohemian babes aplenty from Bondi to Byron Bay.

A pistachio hued playsuit with knife pleats look fit for the boudoir, batwing sleeves, cascading ruffles and femininity are sure to garner plenty of attention. A muted aquamarine, sateen, cropped blouse featured scalloped flounce and hem. This was accompanied by a midi skirt complete with thigh high split which was softened and sweetened when  teamed to the blouse.

Mouth watering shades of gelato continually dominated the collection and were evident on flirtatious, frolicsome garments brimming of polished nonchalance. White aspirin dot mesh appeared on a transparent, round neck, long sleeved, waisted maxi dress. Embroided rosette triangle bralet and high waisted knicker accompanied the look. An oversized envelope clutch with kitsch digital print accessorised the look. Wonderland actress, Emma Lung wore the ebony version to the TV Week Logies Awards. Lung was present at the show and gushed of her love for the collection. She is clearly 'Team McCall'.

A neoprene, sculptural, cocoon blouson in ice blue came complete with digital print by US-based collage artists Beth Hoekel and Eugenia Loli. Images comprised of 'bejewlled hands swirling through cosmic skies'. This was twinned to an iridescent, sky blue, scantily clad skort, modelled by Rachel Rutt. Pop Art connotations continued to creep in with peony hued lips, bows, telephone and bread plastered throughout a sweetheart neckline, bouffant sleeved romper. Sheer arabesques included a cropped tulle blouse with water lily embellishment twinned to matching fishtail midi skirt.

By Courtney Jones.