The first couple of days of Australian fashion week are always a mixed bag when it comes to identifying the key trends that will make their way into our wardrobes. It takes a full week of shows to select the key pieces for spring/summer, but early indications show the tuxedo suit is a key trend after the Ellery and Carla Zampatti shows.
Tuxedos are elegant, effortless and empowering. There is simply nothing not to like about this look, which works for all ages and was modelled for Ellery by Gemma Ward and Emma Balfour.
Tuxedos look great in black, but each designer adds their own touches. Zampatti’s features satin lapels, while Ellery tuxedos are double breasted with oversized buttons.
But it’s not all black. There was plenty of white in the Tome show on Monday via a series of clever variations on the crisp cotton white shirt, running from collarless with apron ties to oversized shirt dresses with architectural lines to rival the sails of the Opera House, along with backless variations that were spliced and diced at the rear.
Tome also checked off the new trousers trend, which this season comprises both flares and culottes. Skincare range founder, Lindy Klim, showed how to wear culottes in the Tome front row in a chic three quarter length navy pair teamed with an oversized white cotton shirt.
Model Tanja Gagic – sitting in the front row – spiced up an another understated Tome look 70s touches, including Farrah Fawcett hair and Studio 54 worthy makeup. Flares require a little more effort to pull off, especially when they come in lace as with Tome, in bold brocade or skinny tubular knits by Strateas.Carlucci and with paillettes and beading in the Bec & Bridge show.
While flares are arguably the best known fashion statement from the golden era of 70s glamour – turtlenecks, bell sleeves and fringing also made their presence felt on the runway.
Strateas.Carlucci showed some covetable turtlenecks, which offer an easy way to update your summer wardrobe for winter. Simply pop one under a sleeveless dress or a light blazer and you’ll sail through the cooler months in style.
Seventies fashion icon Veruschka was the inspiration for Bec & Bridge’s range of plunging gowns and silky wrap tops gathered gently at the wrist or featuring billowing bell sleeves.
Handkerchief-hemmed dresses came in rust and terracotta while a draped wine coloured jumpsuit and dresses shot with threads of silver and gold offered a sparkling take on evening wear.
