The curtain rose on Australian Fashion Week with a nostalgic yet fresh presentation by Albus Lumen. The brand's Resort 25 collection, aptly named 'Rebellion,' was a homage to the timeless beauty of reworked classics. Marina Afonina, the creative force behind the label, took an innovative approach by revisiting and transforming previous designs, infusing them with new life in front of an audience of 600 fashion aficionados.
One of the most enchanting moments was the ethereal appearance of models gliding down the runway as if walking on air, their feet adorned with the most delicate silk ballet slippers, a testament to the brand's attention to detail and commitment to luxury.
Marking their inaugural appearance at Australian Fashion Week, the Melbourne-based label Viktoria & Woods made a memorable impact. Their collection was a masterclass in the fusion of 90s-inspired minimalism with contemporary, effortless chic. The runway was graced with an array of sleek, elongated silhouettes, sophisticated suiting, and captivating evening attire that captured the audience's imagination.
Notably, the brand's innovative take on footwear, pairing leather knee-high socks with strappy open-toed heels, hinted at the resurgence of a once-forgotten fashion fad, adding a bold statement to their already impressive debut.
Australian Fashion Week has long been a platform for shining a light on the industry's rising stars, and this year was no exception. The Next Gen show, backed by DHL, unveiled a fresh crop of designers poised to take the fashion world by storm. Among them were Amy Lawrence, Emily Watson, House Of Campbell, and Potirakis, each bringing their unique vision and innovative designs to the forefront of the fashion scene.
Their collections ranged from avant-garde to classic, with each designer showcasing a distinct flair that promised to shape the future of fashion. This segment of the event not only celebrated the talent of tomorrow but also underscored the importance of nurturing new voices in the industry.