The biggest fashion event on the Australian calendar kicked off for another year last night in Sydney – with a few clear changes this time around, including a new date (starting in May instead of April) and with a clear focus on Resort collections.
The home of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Carriage Works has been transformed into a style haven, housing fashion’s finest – not only on the catwalk, but also out on the streets with its annual flock of fashionistas and celebrities in creations as forward thinking as those on event models.
Launching MBFW for 2016 with his sublime “Resort 17” collection, Toni Maticevski is no stranger to adding drama to his shows and garments in equal measure. Since launching his label in 1999, Maticevski has continually crafted designs that are out of the box and at times provocative.
Last night’s collection was true to form, with Maticevski showcasing floor-sweeping garments, bustiers and bondage-style accessories courtesy of jewellery designer Ryan Storer. The gothic theme carried through the entire collection, and not only had those present in rapture but also entertained those around the world thanks to a 360-degree camera on the catwalk and backstage and live streaming.
“The cameras give a unique perspective to the show as people are going to be able to view a 360-degree view of the runway, therefore bringing them a model’s perspective which introduces a new dimension to the show,” says Maticevski.
This year MBFW is also showcasing local talent from New Zealand. One designer who has the fashion world’s eyes on her at the moment is Auckland-based Georgia Currie, the creative force behind the brand Georgia Alice. Relatively new on the scene, Currie has solidified her label as one not to be ignored. Which is kind of hard to do when you have global icons like Solange Knowles wearing your garments.
This is Currie’s first-ever solo show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Her collection, which showcased on day one, was inspired by Swiss artist Mai-Thu Perret’s 17-year project The Crystal Frontier. The audience was treated to an array of beautiful, undone and simple silhouettes, paired with voluminous, over-sized sleeves and slouch wide-leg pants – the perfect combination to any laidback look this season.
The Kiwi designer also enlisted the help of another well-loved local brand, Meadowlark Jewellery, to create a range of accessories to embody the look and emotion of Currie’s current collection for the fashion week showcase.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runs from May 16th – 20th
