Presented by YEN Magazine and The Thousands, the Independent Runway was the final on-site runway show of the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. Boasting a fusion of fashion, music and art, the final runway certainly didn’t disappoint.
Opening the show was indie disco band, World’s End Press, who laid out the beats for the catwalk. Garth Cook’s collection graced the runway with glittery knits and mesh veils. With a simple palette of silver, black, green and blue, the collection reminded us of The Matrix colour palette with fitted dresses and an interesting play on traditional sartorial structure.
Following on with even darker tones was Zhivago, whose ‘biker chic x new age’ look was an absolute hit. Tight dresses, leather and strong shoulder pads featured, with silver metallic pants that looked as though they had been painted on completing the edgy runway collection. Alongside leather gloves and velvety paisley-embedded jackets, this collection showed us who the boss really was.
Trois also followed with its edgy biker look, but this time with a softer, more comfortable feel. Half moon leather gloves featured amongst the layered leather pieces and metallic gold detailing, showing us the versatility of a dark and edgy look. Black and white playful knit cardigans featuring arrow and crown patterns were a Couturing favourite and a must have this fall.
Ksubi’s collection was rebellious, fun and relaxed, with hoodies, printed jumpers and shorts, windbreakers and denim shirts. Preparing smartly and stylishly for the colder months ahead of us, but still embracing the current warmth, the collection is truly the perfect weekend wardrobe for both men and women.
Always a Couturing favourite, Tettmann.Doust’s collection proved to us again the label’s reason for such quick success. Evolving from their past two collections, the runway showed off new structures paired with old favourites; loose fitting, strappy dresses, structural blazers and of course, the full digital print lycra bodysuit (Catwoman would be proud). Graphic prints are a highlight for this label as well as unique tailoring and shapes, with an extremely skilled eye for detail that was showed off on the runway.
One Fell Swoop’s collection was simple, warm and elegant with grey woollen checkered sweaters, draped dresses and sheer white pieces. Sequins also featured, adding more to the textured collection, whilst loose black pieces tied the runway together.
STRATEAS.CARLUCCI showed off a skilled sartorial collection that featured oversized long coats, neat and loosely structured pieces, fitted sweaters perfect for autumn/winter as well as a bit of leather. Unique silhouettes and new shapes such as the cowl neck shirt stood out on the runway, depicting the perfect modern man collection.
Winners of the LMFF Designer Award, From Britten P/L, featured a unique use of denim with a frayed oversized denim blazer and tee. It was clear from the original and unique designs why they were the winners this year, as the innovative collection took over. Their signature side-panel cutout suit jackets and bottoms were paired with looser, casual pieces, creating a clean, sports luxe look on the catwalk.
Pageant again prepared us for the colder days ahead with windbreakers, matching sweatshirts and bottoms. Bright colours of turquoise and yellow popped on the runway, with the matching outfits adding a bit of fun and colour to the drearier season.
Livia Arena closed the final show with her simple and chic collection that embodied a modern day Audrey Hepburn. Elegant and beautiful with a slight edge, the collection featured sheer tops and leather cut out skirts and tops, as well as heavy coats, thick dresses and pants. Featuring our favourite colour of the autumn/winter season – wine red -the collection makes us anticipate winter even more than we already have.
The Independent Runway showcased some of Australia’s most innovative, original and exciting designers, and are very much a group to keep a close eye on.
The perfect finish to a perfect week, we hope that you’ve been inspired as much as we have!
Stay tuned to Couturing for more coverage of other LMFF events.
Images for Couturing by Wanda Chin
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