Some of the best fashion is born from independent labels, and at the VAMFF Independent Runway, a selection of the best designers walked their unique visions for Autumn/Winter under the strobing lights. In the spirit of independence, the show began with a performance from indie R&B artist, Oscar Key Sung performing his latest single, ‘All I Could Do’ ahead of the looks taking to the runway.
Christina Exie kept her collection gothic chic, with exaggerated coats, vests, and jackets draped over delicate chiffon dresses. Kept entirely monochromatic, the collection is crisp, minimalistic, and textural. The use of the bleeding fabrication combined with the dramatic silhouettes of the coats and capes make for visually stunning pieces; think Wednesday Adams with a Vogue subscription.
Emma Mulholland‘s hyper coloured take for A/W read as the perfect uniform for the bad girl-turned-cheerleader. The preppy cuts of the sweaters and mini skirts are toughened up by bold prints and hair-metal logos, and the inclusion on matching backpacks were a quirky touch. Definitely one to watch for the young and wild at heart.
Neo Dia, compared to the other designers, walked a fairly conservative collection, but while there were classic shapes the injection of neon purple and mixed textures added a fresh take. One of the stand out looks was the strapless pencil dress (above). With the moulded neckline and the embroidered waist, the little black dress has been reimagined.
Tettmann.Doust played with proportions, walking relaxed fit trousers, slouchy leather tees, and body con midi dresses in graffiti-esque prints. The bold colours of the print added a playful edge to the pieces, and the leather pieces are classics for anyone’s wardrobe.
Deconstructed suits and relaxed fit trousers were the look du jour shown by From Britten. Slim collared shirts and oversized letterman jerseys rounded out the collection. While not for everyone, it’s always great for a label to be bold enough to exaggerate a menswear silhouette.
Garth Cook reimagined winter whites, with drop waist shapes fabricated in chiffon and patent leather. Texture was the big feature throughout the runway presentation, with organza cut and sewn to create volume, and polished cotton to add a sleekness to the pieces. One of the standout looks is the slouched, drop waist dress (above), an easy winter piece with just the right amount of whimsy.
Kathryn Beker balanced structured shoulder pads with asymmetrical hemlines to create striking looks. Keeping to a gold , dusty pink, black and white colour palate, the looks are delicate, feminine and winter ready. The appliqué adds an interesting edge to the pieces, and updates the silhouettes.
One Fell Swoop showed a romantic take on the season; mixing delicate draping, minimalistic silhouettes and lush, earthy tones. Not quite oversized, but just shy of form fitting, the pieces are perfect to layer during the transition into the cooler weather. Stand out? The emerald green shirt dress (above) is easily a new winter classic.
Taking cues from Balmain, Zhivago added a strong shoulder with sexy body con dresses in luxe fabrications. Velvets, sequins, and quilted cotton make up the textures of the collection, and the colour palate is monochrome with a touch of jewel tones. The exaggerated shoulders and tight fit invoke throwback 80s glam – without the overteased hair, of course!
To see more of the looks, click through the gallery below.
Images courtesy of Lucas Dawson Photography
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