The 28th of August 2015 initiated the start of one of the highly anticipated events in Australia, Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. Returning Ambassador of 2014 and renowned model, Ashley Hart, was thrilled to represent her stylish hometown once again for the 21st birthday of MSFW.
The week created a dream-like atmosphere within the fashion capital of Australia; it featured distinct floral patterns, elegant silhouettes, bursting colour palettes and crisp tailoring for both men and women. From the emerging runways and established brands to the Australian masters of design, an aesthetic and theme was captured for spring 2015.
Vogue’s Fashion Night Out kick-started the week alongside Emporium Melbourne’s Little Bourke St Runway as apart of MSFW: Shop the City weekend. The free event welcomed the entire city to get a glimpse of what was to come.
Ashley Hart officially opened the event cutting a rope made out of vines on the dim-lightened, whimsical runway. The dream had begun with a relaxed mood and serene tone, encapsulated by an ambience of leaves, vines and flowers.
The 30th of August announced the beginning of the runway shows, up first, the emerging designers. RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles, Box Hill Institute, Kangan Institute, Holmesglen, Fashion Masters and Whitehouse Institute of Design were all featured amongst the two emerging events. These runways showcased the success stories of the future, their talent surpassed expectations with creative, daring and artistic designs.
These designs showed the pure talent of the upcoming creative’s. The pieces did not reflect spring 2015 as such, but the work and dedication of the students and of the individual’s style and vision. This type of fashion takes on a form of art, which requires full attention and appreciation of the designer’s creative process.
Megan Edwards, a student of RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles, featured crisp, layered silhouettes, contrasted with the use of shape and line. Edwards tied her designs into the event by referencing spring 2015 colour palettes and silhouettes.
By Tuesday September 1st, it was time to announce what will be in stores and ready for purchase. Alannah Hill showcased its upcoming season from 12:30 to 1:00pm; the hearts of anyone sitting in the runway or behind a computer would have melted instantly. It was completely lovable, whimsical, and feminine and captured its synonymous brand aesthetics perfectly aligned with spring 2015. Forever New held a show from 5:00 to 5:30pm, featuring unmissable colour palettes, elegant silhouettes and crisp, classic fabrics ideal for the rising temperatures. Both of these shows will undoubtedly inspire the spring racetracks of 2015.
Australia’s top designers revealed their latest collections at 7:00pm on September 1st for the Opening Gala runway, which was the first of six. Fashion fanatics made their way over to the Melbourne Town Hall over four incredible evenings, to witness the remarkable creations of Australia’s most desired designers. The spring/summer ready to wear collections were shown by Akira Isogawa, Aurelio Costtarella, Carla Zampatti, Christine, Craig Braybrook Couture, Gwendolynne, Jasongrench, Nevenka, Nicolangela, Rachel Gilbert and Zhivago.
The designs varied from structured and stiff with block colours, to relaxed 70’s inspired dresses with intricate cut outs and embroidery. There was more than enough throughout this show to take you from day to evening and from evening to a late night out.
Imagine one of Nevenka’s relaxed, summer ready dresses, paired with a wide brimmed hat. Then, later in the evening wearing Carla Zampatti’s vibrant pink strapless peplum and tailored cobalt blue pants, which is also paired with matching pink heels; the outfit needs no more and no more needs to be said.
Zhivago’s take on the classic little black dress featured lace and mesh designs contrasted against one another for an elegant and flirtatious finish to end the night.
The Contemporary and Modern Love designer runway shows, on September 2nd, paraded modern shapes, pastel colours and varied prints from playful to more refined. From Alice McCall, Manning Cartell and Bec and Bridge in the Contemporary show, to Gorman, Limedrop and Leonard St in Modern Love, all felt sophisticated yet free and ready to be taken on an adventure into the city.
By September 3rd, men’s fashion trends were ready to roll out. Spring 2015 is celebrating vibrant coloured tailoring ranging from an abundant mix of styles to appeal to every man. Tuxedo styled jackets, double-breasted jackets, short sleaves, classic colours and feature contrasting patterns were just some of the desired runway looks.
Each was styled to fit with the cool, sharp aesthetic with black circular sunglasses, a range of newsboy caps, fedoras and tailored shorts. Calibre, M.J Bale and Jayson Brundson are just a few of the names to keep an eye out for this spring.
The Jack London and GQ runways also maintained the clear aesthetic for men this spring/summer. With a range of contrasting, vibrant colours displayed on various styles of blazer, the look is finished once again with hats, sunnies and printed ties and pocket squares. These runways have raised expectations this spring; every man will be smart, stylish and cool with the help of irresistible collections.
As the spring party season comes around, the fashion industry corresponds accordingly to cater all our fashion wants and needs. The Spring Carnival runway displayed a range of gowns inspired for the racetracks and garden parties of 2015. Every look was elegant and sophisticated whether it was body skimming, tailored or relaxed and free. The spring motif was implemented through the use of lace, popping colours and subtle floral patterns.
The headpieces were thought provoking and a definite conversation starter. From overly large hats, to feather headbands to crown-like pieces, every design will inspire each individual differently, which is the beauty of fashion. Thurley kept to its roots with flowing gowns featuring carefully cut out designs. Jayson Brunsdon mixed masculine and feminine with coloured business blouses and black lace circular skirts. White Seude kept it minimal with body skimming lively coloured fabrics, but creating a focal point with the hat-turned-fascinators. These are just some of the looks and designers featured on the Spring Carnival runway, all perfectly on trend and breathtakingly eye catching.
The final day of MSFW, the 4th of September, went out with more than a bang. Dangerfield was first up from 12:30-1:00pm; with a rock n roll 1960’s mod approach. This approach widens the demographic of spring 2015 for the man or woman who has a bit of an edge, although the collection still tied in with the overall theme due to the colourful prints, energetic colours and makeup featuring the consistent winged eyeliner and rosy cheeks. Dangerfield contrasted with the delicate collection showcased by OnceWas. The designs were bold, but with a subtle colour palette, predominately including black, navy and the classic summer combination of light blue and white.
For the final show, it was time for the Resort collections of Duskii, Easton Pearson, Franks, Isla, Megan Park, Stella Jean at Christine, Suboo, Trelise Cooper and We Are Handsome. These shows took the audience from the previous whimsical forest, to a coastal dream. The designers’ visions exude a love for travel and warm temperatures through bold prints and glamorous beach attire. From sunrise to sunset, the bold, bright and breezy designs are ready to be taken away, wherever your dream may take you.
From the first day to the last, Melbourne Spring Fashion Week never disappoints. Each designer and brand brought its own original aesthetics to the runway, but remained tied in with the main themes of spring 2015. Don’t be afraid to wear bright, bold, sophisticated and attention grabbing pieces this season, whether it be for a cocktail evening or Melbourne Cup. The 2015 runway has inspired beyond just its audience and certainly delivered the wow factor, until next year.
