A roundup of the best shows at Sydney Fashion Week Resort 2022
In one of the first full fashion weeks held since the COVID-19 pandemic, the who’s who descended on Sydney for the Sydney Fashion Week Resort 2022 and L’Officiel was on hand to catch the biggest shows by prolific designers of the region. While photographers snapped street style outside the shows, the runways were filled with florals and bold colours. The message was clear: it’s time to celebrate.
Day one finished with a touch of whimsy at Romance Was Born. Designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales transported audiences to a fairy garden set, centred with a showpiece carousel ride. Bo Peep-esque bonnets, beaded headwear and copious floral appliques completed the fairy tale.
In fact, the dresses were so heavily embellished that they audibly jingled over the din of speakers blasting a Roxette cover. Afterall, the pair did make history as the first Australian designers inducted in the MET with their inclusion in the Camp: Notes on Fashion exhibition.
Returning to earth, wearable clothes with a nod to the 1970s took centre stage at hometown label IXIAH’s show. Entitled Joi de Vivre, the collection emphasised environmentally-conscious fabrics and light summer dresses, two passions of the label’s designer Krystel Davis-English.
She also had possibly the coolest cast of models seen all week, and former L’Officiel Malaysia cover star Astrid Holler closed the show.
Bold hues and sculptural finishes were the order of the day at Afghan-Australian Mariam Seddiq’s Cerulean show. In an inspired collaboration, Mariam partnered with stylist Claire Mueller and graffiti artist RJ Williams to craft the hand-painted flowers and vibrant colours that accentuated her designs.
Some dresses looked to have been artfully splashed with neon paints, while an array of orchids completely enveloped the bust area of an orange strapless gown.
On Day four, monochrome minimalism and sharp tailoring made an impact at new label NON +’s first runway show. Held at Sydney’s famed Icebergs club overlooking Bondi Beach, guests sipped champagne as models circulated the room, with Australia’s most iconic beach serving as a magnificent backdrop.
Later that night, resort wear label Aqua Blu transformed the runway into a lush tropical paradise. Models of all ages and sizes paraded in palm and floral printed ensembles, swimwear and breezy dresses paired with adorable raffia bags. Designed by Kristian Chase, the crowd went wild for his finale look: a daring satin coat with matching underwear.
Outside the shows, chic leather trench coats and statement footwear were essential for a cold winter’s week of street style. Prada’s re-edition nylon bag and Bottega Veneta’s padded cassette remain the handbags du jour, while Telfar’s ubiquitous shopping bag helped accessorise some of the edgier street looks.
