Anticipation and excitement carried over into the second night of Fashfest at the National Convention Centre. The theme of ‘The Inventor’ was brought to life through creativity, innovation and originality as designers stunned and awed onlookers with their series of masterpieces.
Each collection was transitioned by a variation of moody, jazzy and, one could even say, mechanical sounds delivered by DJ Ced Nada, saxophonist Julian Fung and rapper Tak-Un-Da.
When searching for inspiration, one place the inventor can look is to nature. Phillippa Soutberg’s Recollection consisted of bright, creative and exotic prints with leafy shapes used to create an edgy and modern look. More specifically, Recollection was the product of inspiration from Australian bird life and was entwined with practicality and modern cuts to create original and beautiful pieces.
An “I’ll do what I want” attitude came to mind when taking in the collection from BM Designs, but also with a touch of femininity. Flowing materials and earthy tones portrayed an inventor who is wild and free like the wind. What stole the show, however, were the stunning and art inspired headpieces that intrigued and wowed the audience. Each individual headpiece told its own story through colours, shapes and angles.
A little elegance and a lot of confidence was reflected in Simone Perele‘s lingerie collection from Stephanie’s boutique lingerie in Canberra. The French lace designs were breathtaking to say the least and brought sexy and feminine together in an altogether harmonious way.
By combining mystery, culture and history with florals, vertical lines and religious silk patterns, Neda Alamohammed created brilliance. The Hana apparel collection was wild and structured with bronze face masks and wire headpieces that were reflective of the ‘immigrant’ theme. Netting was used throughout the pieces – it created beautiful dimensions when combined with the silk and floral prints.
Confidence is key when delivering a new idea as might the inventor do, and there was no better way to depict this than through the Belle Bird collection. Monochrome, slimming lines, flattering folds and structures brought boldness to a new level. These pieces specifically displayed the modern independent and confident woman in her most flattering light.
Next we were taken far away to an exotic land with Bronwen Stead‘s millinery collection. There was a definite wow factor from these pieces involving feathers and glitter in their most classy setting. They entailed a stylish festival vibe with a sense of Victoria’s Secret.
The Label, by graduate Emma O’Rourke, was breathtaking and inspirational to say the least. Monochrome was taken to a celestial level with soft materials and elegant lines to draw the eye downwards. These pieces had an endlessness to them that I’m sure left a beautiful lasting imprint in everyone’s minds.
Mimetic brought a new and edgy lift to the business look. If this collection could speak it would be saying, “I am in control and ahead of the game”. A reinvented and sped up version of Sia’s Chandelier suggested these outfits could be worn through work and into the night to party. The jazzy sounds of the saxophone, monochrome colours and smoky eye makeup also reinforced the serious side too.
The finale of the night could not have been more spectacular with a jaw-dropping and breathtaking collection from Rockstars and Royalty. When Victorian period femininity met modern funk and edge, the result was incredible. Soft pinks, whites and tulle were used to portray innocence and purity, while a touch of hot pink here and bright red there brought the ‘rock’.
All-in-all, The inventor was very much present at Night 2 of Fashfest. We can’t wait to see what Friday night brings!
_________________________________
