There had been weeks of build-up… Could it be better than last year?
The anticipation was finally put to rest tonight when the doors flew open for the official opening night of Fashfest at the award-winning Canberra Airport.
The industrial venue was lit with light – bringing with it a celebrity nightclub feel. Music comprised of deep beats filled the air and the media wall was buzzing with camera flashes snapping away as a parade of Canberra’s best-dressed made their way into the venue. Among them were some of Canberra’s most fashionable people – a true reflection of our fashion community, all coming together in one way or another for one of our biggest events.
Before we knew it seats were taken, the lights grew bright and the music started as the models hit the catwalk for Swimwear. It was a cheeky start, with models dressed in collaboration between digital printing and fashion design. The collection was a bold rebuff of the cool Autumn air for a few minutes, heating us up for the talent to come.
WND.LND hit the runway next – A quirky but super cute label by designer Zoe Brown. This collection was colourful and innovative – appearing much more accessible than previous collections – and each model showcased the WND.LND aesthetic perfectly.
We saw a feminine and sophisticated new collection by label Reneira – designed by sisters Tailya & Danielle Blom who used embroidery and splashes of colour with restraint, while developing a cohesive collection split across two definitive styles.
It was great to see the next crop coming through as well as the CIT Fashion Graduates each tested a concept as part of their graduating collections. Each displayed an impressive depth of thinking – proving again the quality coming from the school under the direction of Steve Wright.
Each example was each as innovative as it was wearable. The show-stealer involved who models exchanging, reinterpreting and re-approriating separate pieces designed by Georgie McWilliam, whose concept of ‘clothes for travel‘ promoted the versatility of individual pieces to keep your luggage light.
Next we saw The Darling Sisters – Darla and Blossom showcase their fun, flirty and pin-up style vintage collection which was full of colour, polka dots and 1950s-style cuts. They also showcased a Swim collection, which was both adorable and sexy! Frills and cute bows aplenty!
Collections by Adam Liew, Aleen Yusef, Bronson Takin and Gather & Stitch hit the runway under Stagelabel – the digital shopping platform which is home to many emerging fashion labels. The pieces were very on trend with lots of detail and even featured some very cool male fashion.
Last but definitely not least, Rockstars and Royalty showcased two collections of stunning gowns – one with a dark gothic feel and the other more soft, glittery and girly – and made for a ‘rockstar’ way to end the evening
We can’t wait for night two!
