Iconic Destinations to Dream-Come-True Fantasy Collections: Our Australian Fashion Week 2016 Day Two Wrap-Up

Only the second full day of fashion week and already designers are putting on breathtaking shows unlike anything seen before. From iconic destinations to dream-come-true fantasy collections, the designers stepped it up by enabling the audience to join and even become part of their fantasy world collections. The stylistic looks went from relaxed chic to fairy-tale fabulous with the final collection proving to be epic.

 

#Diaphanous #ManningCartell

A photo posted by MANNING CARTELL (@manningcartell) on May 16, 2016 at 4:51pm PDT

Manning Cartell’s resort show took fashion to the next level with a killer show right under Sydney’s famous harbor bridge. Think relaxed chic and picture light, loose and glamourous. The sister design trio, Cheryl, Vanessa and Gabrielle Manning focused on a line-up of slinky satin dresses, palazzo pants and deconstructed utility jackets. It’s safe to say the fantastic collection smartly matched the fantastic location.

Karla Spetic Runway 2016 / Photo by Ashley Mar

If you haven’t been to Dubrovnik, all you have to do is take a look at Croatian born Karla Spetic’s collection and feel right there. Picture sunny vibes, oceanic views and island colours. The designer came to Australia in 1993 and is now based in Sydney. Debuting at fashion week in 2008, Sceptic’s designs are inspired by her beautiful European hometown of Dubrovnik.

The collection was predominantly white and purple, dotted with pieces in a lavender print. Lavender however commonly underrated floral colour in fashion delivered a majestic feel. The whole performance was polished and permitted a postcard picture-frame of her Croatian inspired hometown. Navy also featured, as well as light loose sheer fabrics. Footwear was simple, flat and on fleek.

By Johnny Runway 2016 / Photo by Ashley Mar

By Johnny was an absolute stand out. You know you’re in for a treat when you’re standing in front of a unique outdoor setting featuring a white inflatable runway under an enormous industrial like hanger setting. The look to take away from this collection is cool, relaxed and luxe. Designer Johnny Schembri gives created a thoughtfully-constructed collection of relaxed and feminine summer holiday dressing.

Staying true to Johnny’s signature fabric manipulation, there was plenty of printed pleats that create an optical illusion when they move. There was a mix of contrasting fabrications used to bind hems for a fluted finish, and delicate cotton embroidery anglaise bonded with glue to form a spectacular structure.  The collection depicted fullness and movement, reflecting the ease of the season.

From celebrities such as Bridget Malcolm, Rachael Finch and Bambi Northwood-Blyth to designers, fashionistas and excited onlookers, By Johnny had the whole crowd cheering in awe and surely thinking By Johnny that was good.

Bec and Bridge Runway 2016 / Photo: Ashley Mar

Bec and Bridge has been a well known fashion label not only because of it’s gorgeous styles and trend setting collections but also because celebrities like Miranda Kerr and Kim Kardashain-West just can’t seem to get enough of it (similar to every other girl interested in fashion)! Designers Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston’s collection focused on an Indian inspired theme, featuring white, mustard yellow, cream, bronze and rust shades as well as paisley print and off the shoulder cuts.

As the aroma of magic, creation and musk incensed the air, the audience was treated to a unique performance from an Indian family dressed in traditional clothing painting decorative Rangoli flowers on the floor with white chalk. Models were able to strut their stuff to the likes of MIA, Major Lazer and other modern Indian inspired songs, which really captured a funky vibe of creation, tradition and inspiration.

 

A photo posted by alice McCALL (@alicemccallptyltd) on May 17, 2016 at 3:38pm PDT

This creative, unique display was like stepping into the world wonderful of Alice McCall. Set at Porteno, a popular restaurant in Surry Hills, models covered head to toe in the designer label performed their own rendition of Alice McCall’s world. In one corner there was a colourful pink set with bright props and girls delicately draped in lace, playful and flirty was the feeling, think Lolita meets Alice in Wonderland.

The other corner saw a more seductive and suave setting, with the girls dressed in black and lace, cheerful yet cheeky as they acted, posed and interacted with the photos. Instead of a typical runway show Alice McCall decided to utilise one room to capture her imaginative collection. From short, cute and kinky to long, elegant and magical; the world of Alice proved to be an enchanting way to see the new designs, themes and inspirations for the clothing label. 

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Follow our ongoing coverage of Australian Fashion Week 2016 here.

Photos: Ashley Mar for theFashionSpot Australia.