David Jones has added nine new brands to its portfolio for autumn/winter 2023, with a runway show taking place at its Bourke Street store to mark the new season.
APC, Beare Park, Body by Victoria Beckham, Farm Rio, Jonathan Simkhai, JW Anderson, MM6 Maison Margiela, Michael Lo Sordo and Stone Island have been onboarded to the department store's brand portfolio.
The collections feature a mix of relaxed and tailored pieces including oversized shirting, three-piece suiting, coordinated sets and Y2K dressing.
David Jones GM of womenswear, footwear and accessories Bridget Veals confirmed the autumn/winter season would also see bright hues, hyper tropic prints, voluminous silhouettes and extreme embellishment.
”When it comes to looking ahead, fashion this season is all about joyful expression with relaxed yet refined approach to dressing. The innerwear-outerwear trend is particularly strong, with corset detailing, body suits and translucent fabrications. We continue to see utility detailing and lots of layering which is perfect as we transition into autumn.”
David Jones GM of menswear, childrenswear, home and AV Chris Wilson confirmed there has been a notable post-pandemic shift in trends.
“From a trend point of view, the influences of post-pandemic-driven trends remains strong with colour blocking looks adding a playful edge to minimalist styling. Suits are reborn with designers taking an innovative approach to tailoring, liberating looks beyond the boardroom.
“Our new season runway is a fantastic opportunity to show our growing portfolio of designers with brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balmain, JW Anderson, Hugo Boss and Maison Kitsuné, exemplifying our premium menswear offering here at David Jones."
The runway show was headlined by Australian model and former David Jones fashion ambassador Megan Gale, with 600 guests in attendance. The event included an archival exhibition of historic pieces, including a vintage Dior gown in recognition of the fashion house showing its collection outside of Paris for the first time at David Jones in 1948.
Designers in the runway show included Acler, Aje, Alémais, Anine Bing, Anna Quan, Balmain, Bassike, Bec + Bridge, Bianca Spender, Carla Zampatti, Camilla & Marc, Camilla, Clea, Jac + Jack, Ginger & Smart, Jonathan Simkhai, Isabel Marant Étoile, Maticevski, Rebecca Vallance, Matteau, Rachel Gilbert, Leo Lin, Michael Lo Sordo, Rag & Bone, Scanlan Theodore, The Frankie Shop, and Viktoria + Woods.
Menswear brands such as The Academy Brand, Alexander McQueen, AMI Paris, Anthony Squires, Balmain, Calibre, Paul Smith, Palm Angels, Joe Black, Canali, Dolce & Gabbana, JW Anderson, Hugo Boss, Saba, Scotch & Soda, M.J. Bale and Versace were also featured.
Rachel Gilbert closed the show with Gale wearing its timeless 'Fauve Gown’.
David Jones operates 42 locations across Australia and New Zealand as well as an online store.