Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia has officially kicked off.
Here is our first preview of the resort collections - before they hit the runway.
DANIEL AVAKIAN
As a child of the 90s, Daniel Avakian’s collection is a nod to 90s minimalism. Inspired by style icons of the decade such as Kate Moss and Carolyn Bissett Kennedy, the collection spans to around 60 pieces with a core focus on dresses, which Avakian believes is “the most versatile piece of clothing in a wardrobe and our best selling category.” Garments have been constructed using natural fibres such as silk and wool with styling elements leaning on lightweight layering reminiscent of mid-late 90s styling. As the era tinkered on the inception of digitalism with the birth of the internet and mobile phones, the collection rests on an infusion of fashion and technology.
BEC & BRIDGE
Bec & Bridge’s Resort ’16 collection incorporates a diverse offering of 40-45 looks across its ready-to-wear and swim range. Described as “a dichotomy of structured woven fabrics and fluid silks, metallic ombre and Indian cottons” its wide use of fabrics have been paired with design techniques including pleating, shirring, knotting, lacing and embroidery. Bec & Bridge designers Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston believe that the creative process from design to the runway have been driven by a narrative. “We have been envisioning a tribe of stomping fairies which is how we have been describing the collection in the design room. We have been inspired by an Indian midsummer night’s dream, which will be a strong influence throughout the range.”
P.E NATION
Activewear’s new kid on the block, P.E Nation will present its debut MBFWA collection ‘Our Sport’. Inspired by 90s urban street culture, the range will span 50 pieces from leggings, crops, oversized tees, puffers, bomber jackets, swimwear and swears coined as both activewear and leisurewear. The label has adopted a variety of fabrics into the collection including nylon elastane for moisture wicking, compression technology and resistant nylon spray for the jackets. Soft lightweight jersey, French terry, power mesh, neoprene and bonded cottons also feature prominent, putting the luxe into sports luxe.
MANNING CARTELL
Manning Cartell’s Resort 16/17 collection ‘Diaphonous’ has been described as where “utility meets femininity”. It has set out to merge modern romanticism with industrial elements such as bold graphic stripes paired with clashes of vibrant colour, rich textures and patterns and layering as a styling component.
MISCHA COLLECTION
Misha Collection’s Resort 17 collection ‘Misha Gold’ is the Melbourne’s labels foray into MBFWA. Certainly not shy to enter the spotlight, the collection will also unveil its 15 look premium, high-end capsule range designed and produced on home soil. Using Italian lace, Japanese satin and quilting, garments have been constructed using intricate design lines, trims, hand embellishments from India, corsetry and lingerie techniques. Expect to see evening dresses, pantsuits and sets grace the runway, showcasing angular and elegant lines.