SYDNEY: The 15th installment of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) launches in Sydney on Monday, with designer Lisa Ho kicking off events with a 9am runway show.
Predominantly taking place at Circular Quay, the week will include designer parades, the Emerge trade hall for accessories and the MCA Showcase for buyer appointments.
Highlights for day one include the Ginger and Smart show at 10am, themed The Transcedent. The collection draws on the spiritual world for inspiration.
“It’s about the blissful, fourth state of consciousness beyond waking, dreaming and sleeping,” said co-designer Genevieve Smart.
This translates to an easy, modern look, with summer jackets and soft, unusually shaped trousers important. Nude, eggshell, lilac and soft green are livened with injections of cerulean and crimson. Grounded tones of olive, smoke grey and dark blue give depth. Digital prints represent a state of euphoria, with diffused angles and blurred perspectives created.
Camilla will show at 12pm, with designer Camilla Franks branching out from her exotic kaftan looks to include mini dresses, oversized skirts and maxi dresses. The offer also features voluminous bloomers and diamanté leggings.
For inspiration, Franks said she went “snap-happy” with her camera, zooming in on the finite details of nature. Fish scales, feathers and reptile skins are all reflected in the patterns and shades.
“I never pull back on colours,” she said. “Fuchsia, emerald green and turquoise stand out this season.”
On schedule at RAFW for the first time will be Sydney-based designer Rachel Gilbert, at 4pm. Upcoming models Samantha Harris and Tahlula Morton will wear pieces that mix hard edges with soft, feminine elements. Hand beaded crystals, jewels, stones and sequins are a signature look.
At 5.30pm Bassike will reveal a collection inspired by the stillness of nature. The men’s and women’s offer has a minimalistic, pared-back handwriting, with clean-lined silhouettes key. A fluid colour palette sees various shades of pinks, blues and oatmeal entwined throughout.
“We have a digital yardage print that works back with nature,” said co-designer Mary Lou Ryan.
“The fabrics we have used are really an extension of what we have done in the past, with suede, leathers, jersey, shirting and denim.”
Perth designer Aurelio Costarella will show at 6.30pm, with 22 looks themed 'Talisman'. Costarella said it captures the idea of magical powers, with silk, covered jewels, feathers and leather used in the glamorous offer.
“The colour palette reflects the Australian landscape, with ochre, powered pink, terracotta and golden metallic highlights,” he said.
The day will end with a show from directional New Zealand label, Stolen Girlfriend's Club, off site at 9.30pm.
Other designers set to reveal their spring/summer 2010 looks on day one include Seventh Wonderland, Bec & Bridge, Christopher Esber, Zambesi and Lucette.
RAFW runs from May 3 to 7. For more information pick up Ragtrader's RAFW special edition, out now.