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Australian Fashion Week returned to Sydney this week. After a period of uncertainty in 2024, it fittingly kicked off with a bang. The Carla Zampatti show marked the much-loved label’s 60th anniversary with a show that comprised of 60 looks, and an after party, where editors, delegates and the who’s who of Australian fashion kicked back and celebrated.
The next day, things kicked off at Carriageworks with editors and street style hopefuls gathering at the cultural hub where the annual showcase has been hosted since 2013. This year, Councillor Yvonne Weldon AM opened Day Two of Australian Fashion Week on Gadigal Country, delivering a Welcome To Country and traditional smoking ceremony outside the building, where delegates were invited to participate before heading inside for The Frontier, a showcase of leading emerging and established Australian and New Zealand designers.
Below, see highlights from the week.
Ngali
Ngali was back at Australian Fashion Week on day three with The Yawa: Journey Collection. Wiradjuri woman Denni Francisco took inspiration from Australia’s gumtrees and the traditional country of different First Nations Peoples across Australia. Floating silky gowns featured First Nations art and storytelling and celebrated connection to Country. The palette of earthy watercolour pinks and blue was inspired by the land, sky and rivers and honoured creator spirit Bunjil. Prominent First Nation models included Cindy Rostrum, Shamaiah Sullivan and model and actress, Charlee Fraser who opened the show.
Bridal At Beare Park
Gabriella Pereira’s Beare Park runway was full of unexpected moments as the designer explored a darker sensuality with chartreuse silk and French lace garments sparkling under the lights. But one of the most stirring moments was the haunting closing bridal walk from model Rachel Waller.
Nagnata Introduces Denim
Byron Bay-born activewear label Nagnata started its Fashion Week show with a short film featuring Jessica Gomes. Along with the brand’s signature merino knitwear, Nagnata also announced an extension into denim, with slouchy jeans in red and khaki sent down the runway, along with belted skirts.
Macgraw
Macgraw pre-recorded it’s Bloodstream collection and showed it to guests at the brand’s atelier in Paddington. It was a distinctly witchy evening, guests were greeted with candlelit rooms, a balcony draped in blood-red roses and flacons of potion before the cinematic presentation.
One guest’s review? “Seance vibes.” The film may have been shot in a Church graveyard but the collection itself was delightfully girlish and romantic, albeit largely painted in shades of blood red, black and white. Puffs sleeves, lace and polka dots (a trend we’re seeing all over the AFW runways) abounded. A little Picnic at Hanging Rock a little The Shining it was a gothic take on summer dressing that had the ELLE Australia team totally charmed.
Bianca Spender Dips Into Swim
It’s rare to see genuinely fresh takes on swimwear but beloved Australian designer Bianca Spender took a bold plunge into the category that paid of. The collection, Deliquesce, was themed around water and its movement and the designer styled swimwear with sheer organza and delicate evening wear pieces. It was the perfect beach-to-bar look for those of us who veer away from boho in our styling choices.
Alix Higgins
An Alix Higgins show always somehow feels like a family affair at Australian Fashion Week, and there’s nothing quite like it to lift the spirits. Arriving on Wednesday, hump-day at AFW, the whimsical Resort collection, titled The Needle, showed a maturation for the brand.
Higgins was inspired by folk and fairy tales’ collision with the digital world. Nomadic free spirits of all ages roamed the runway, giving the feeling of a community from another time, or possibly another realm. Integrated into the collection was elevated jewellery via a collaboration with Pandora, plus mixed textiles, hand-painted fabrics and even a stirring bridal moment.
The post All The Moments You May Have Missed From Australian Fashion Week appeared first on ELLE.
