MFW in Caledonian Lane
Last night kicked off the first of Melbourne Fashion Week’s free street runways with a unique spring summer show that coincided with Vogue Fashion’s Night Out. In the cold air of a winter’s night, the fashion set rugged up in thick coats, knee high boots and heavy woolen scarves. Caledonian Lane, on any other given day home to some of the city’s best spring rolls, became Fashion Week’s first evening street runway. it played host to DJs, bubbly and bright blue lights, as some of Australia’s most established designers came out to play.
ARNSDORF
Showing how sustainable fashion can in fact be both stylish and timeless, each Arnsdorf piece is loaded with transparency and purpose. Made in Collingwood, it’s latest collection is an extension of romanticism – crisp whites, limes and lilacs coming together in ruched, gathered and delicate fabrics. Off the shoulder tops and ruffled dresses fulfil a lust for summer. “When you dress to reflect both your style and your values, you feel confident about presenting yourself to the world in a cohesive and authentic way,” says designer Jade Sarita Arnott
Jac+Jack
Synonymous with high-quality basics for the modern wardrobe, Jac+Jack have been designing their premium pieces for over 15 years. Their usual palette of muted, earthy tones has been replaced with brighter hues of purples, limes and pinks. While their loose and relaxed silhouettes remain at the forefront of their designs, Jac+Jack have incorporated a subtle speckled pattern as well as pleats. On this street runway, it was all paired with mini bags by Oroton.
bassike
Belted jumpsuits and dresses are contrasted against relaxed, slouchy shapes in bassike’s latest collection. Cinched in waists are a focal point across the creamy tan colour palette, occasionally broken up with pops of pastel pinstripes. Complete with bucket hats, this is your go-to European summer look.
Viktoria & Woods
Comfort is key this summer. Viktoria & Woods’ commitment to effortless and pared-back designs shines in their latest line. Elasticated pants, loose denim jeans and relaxed trench costs all nod towards a chic yet casual mood.
Calibre
For the first menswear designer of the night, Calibre’s contemporary suiting took a more laidback approach. Light grey linen blazers, red suede jackets and thin bomber jackets were paired with crisp floral Italian cotton shirts, white sneakers and leather bum bags.
sass & bide
Proclaiming their dedication to “the strong, the obscure and the beautiful,” sass & bide have been creating their cult-followed garments for two decades now. Their latest collection is all sparkly denim suits and pants with shiny buttons and zips. On the runway, accessories by APM Monaco included miniature cross body bags and wide brimmed black hats.
Scanlan Theodore
Scanlan Theodore designs for the intelligent, fearless and spirited woman. The brand’s devotion to elegant clean and modern design is reflected in their new line where work wear meets the night. With tan and navy A-line staples, splashes of bright yellow and leopard print unexpectedly intertwine.
alice McCall
Always playful and feminine, alice McCall’s signature craftsmanship continues to elevate, even in its 15th year. A wide variety of styles are embedded into this line, from soft leather dresses with industrial hardware detailing to bright purple layered tulle dresses and voluminous, sheer sleeves. There’s even the inclusion of quilted, embroidery-like florals.
M.J.Bale
Quality is M.J.Bale’s defining trait. For this spring summer collection, the continuing trend of comfort marries well with impeccable style. Pinstripe sets, polos and linen blazers are coming in cool tones of blues, tans and the occasional checked print. M.J.Bale always have fun with their runways and in this MFW street runway offering, they played with contrasting ties and pocket squares.
DIIDA
This is slow fashion, made well, made locally. DIIDA’s latest luxury ready-to-wear collection is eye-catching, to say the least. Take their metallic green and salmon structured pieces with gold tread glistening in the light. Or their repeated use of polka dots, white silk and sheer sleeves. Stealing the street runway show was their deep V-neck liquid metallic jumpsuit.
Manning Cartell
Sisters Cheryl, Vanessa and Gabrielle Manning pride themselves on Manning Cartell’s ethical production of luxurious pieces. Their newest line plays with neon green, ruched silk and attention to detail. Intricate skirts adorned with printed text and water colours featured on the street, along with striped suits with barely-there floral details.
Photos: Hannah Guyer
To see MFW opening night runway, tap here.
