SYDNEY: Ellery will be last to hit the runway on day two of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW), following a packed schedule of catwalk shows.
camilla and marc will lead the charge at 9am, followed by Zimmermann, which will present a pure, fresh and ordered look for summer 2010. Column silhouettes will allow for elongated, loose shapes, with full-length dresses, wrap-pant suits and linear cut swimsuits offered.
“As the collection evolved we started to work with lines and geometric shapes and melded these with naturally beautiful elements,” said designer Nicky Zimmermann.
A progression of tonal colours will start with black and white, moving through to shades of lilac, aqua and sherbert.
“Prints feature a gradation of shapes or lines that grow as they run down the body,” she said.
Meanwhile emerging label Flannel, which is scheduled to show at 5.30pm, will capture the spirit of adventurous women such as Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Designer Kristy Lawrence has layered silks, zephyrs, fine jerseys and linens to create a lightweight, easy-to-wear style. Glomesh, washed silk velvets and leather with fringing detail will be included. Vintage touches will shine through the 170-piece range, with hints of lace, embroidery, fur, ribbon, wooden buttons, raw stitching and hand embroidering.
For RAFW veteran Nicola Finetti, shades of pink and yellow will be balanced with classic black and white at the 6.30pm show. Finetti’s signature cocktail dresses will reveal a more feminine, soft approach, yet structure and tailoring will remain. Lots of fabric folding, tucking and rouching have been used to create depth in the garments, with leggings included to balance out silhouettes. The 30-piece offer will also include tailored jackets and trousers. Silks, cottons and stretch fabrics will be key.
Directional label Friedrich Gray has an evening slot, showing at 7.30pm. Designer Ben Pollitt has drawn on the stark, monochromatic and linear work of US installation artists Richard Serra and Banks Violette to inform the look.
“It is minimalistic with high-quality fabrics and shapes that speak,” he said. “It has a combination of tight-fit garments and straight-line figures. Some jackets have tight arms and loose bodies for contrasting.”
The 30-outfit men’s and women’s range will feature neon white and high gloss black, balanced with ice grey. Silks, lightweight leather, cotton, viscose and wool all appear in pants and jackets.
Adding glamour to the day will be Alex Perry, with a show at 8.30pm. Inspired by a hot Arabian summer, silks, tulles and lace will inform the looks. Red carpet gowns will have asymmetrical columns of gold floral lace, with sunset shades, rose gold and dusky pink shades a feature.
The Ellery show at 9.30pm will reveal a collection that brings tailoring and structure to summer style. Designer Kym Ellery said the collection is themed on the zodiac, with gun-metal trims, crystal embellishments and colours reflective of star sign traits.
“Warm greys, creams and subtle metallics are broken up with ‘Scorpian’ burnt oranges, ‘Leo’ acids and ‘Aquarian’ teals,” she said.
Metallic linen, soft, sheer jerseys, leather and fine silks will all be included.
“I have used some beautiful Italian fabrics. We have also found and used some fantastic Japanese and Australian wool jerseys.”
RAFW runs until Friday May 7. For more information pick up Ragtrader's RAFW special edition, out now.