Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) kicked off with an ode to arts and crafts: as Roy Lichetenstein inspired the pop art Romance was Born showing and hand-crafted daisy head pieces bobbed around at Gail Sorronda. Another highlight of Brisbane-based Sorrondas 'Oh My Goth' presentation was the culmination of fashion and film - with the feature shot on location at Mt. Tambourine.
I headed backstage as Camilla ran through the final stages of preparation, witnessing a wonderland of just-plucked floral headpieces and cherubic child models waiting for their run-through. Montana Cox, Ollie Henderson, Louise van de Vorst and Rachel Rutt were among the fresh faced horde of models directed by legendary creative director Mark Vassallo, as stylists weaved feathers and braids in the final moments. As the models began lining in show order, I raced to the front of The Tent (the biggest showing venue at MBFWA) to take notes at the runway: a technicolour, nature lovin' delight.
Next up was Miss Unkon, where femininity reigned supreme in the form of ruffle sleeves, sheer fabrics and pleat skirts - hardened with the inclusion of metal arm cuffs and spiky top knots. The show opened with The Runaways song 'Cherry Bomb', which has been conveniently stuck in my head for the past two days.
Sydney label Flowers for a Vagabond teased asthma sufferers by setting off a smoke machine in a confined space, but the presentation was another standout showing. Models peeked through towering tree branches and man-made plastic fringing and cuffs offset the Where the Wild Things Are vibes.
If I had to play favourites, couturier Bowie lit up The Theatre with a series of ethereal gowns in a muted palette of creams and white, while choir girl music and soft lighting had an almost-creepy effect.
I'll be posting more MBFWA observations from the Overseas Passenger Terminal over the next few days, stay tuned!