Style & beauty - May 2009

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week

Although this year's Rosemount Australian Fashion Week Spring Summer 2009/10 may not have held up to the a-list standards of previous years (gone were the chauffer driven cars, VIP bars, goodie bags packed to the brim), the standard of Australian fashion has triumphed in the face of global economic crisis.

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Notable absences of some of Australia's most distinguished designers gave an opportunity for emerging Australian designers to showcase their designs which lead to a balance of seasoned style and a fresh approach.

Some key trends emerging from the spring summer 09/10 trends were muted tones, soft and flowing fabrics, satin, 70's sexy glamour, short short dresses and skirts, tailored lines in shoulders, jackets and shorts, belted waists and pleating.

Jayson Brundson

Stay tuned in coming months for additional coverage of trends and designer showcases for spring summer trends. For now, here is a review of some of the favourite shows from Australian Fashion Week.

Jayson Brundson
Despite his recent illness, Jayson Brundson's collection showed he is one of Australia's masters of style and glamour. In previous years, Brundson's inspiration have been style icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Maria Callas but this year his muse was closer to home - his mother. The result was a collection of soft and feminine clothes in shades of mint, champagne and white. With a combination of the sultriness of Ava Gardner and the elegance of Grace Kelly, Brundson featured high-belted waists, pleats, silk collared shirts, capri pants, trenches and floor-length house dresses. The high-waisted silk shorts were to die for and will be the look du jour come summer. Some say this is Brundson's best collection.

Gail Sorronda

Juli Grbac
Soft and pretty was also the order of the day for local girl, Juli Grbac, although structure was thrown in by way of jackets, collars and structured shoulders (commonly called the Balmain shoulder). In yummy shades of dove grey, soft pink, lavender and café au lait, Grbac's collection will have fashionistas' cooing in delight. The collection heavily featured silk satin in jackets, shorts and dresses and one of the stand-out pieces was a floor-length silk satin dress in dove grey which I'm sure we're bound to see on a red carpet somewhere in the world. Love the Barbarella/Elle McPhersen inspired hair! An a-list collection that will please I'm sure.

Gail Sorronda
Another local girl, Gail Reid, was inspired by exotic birds for the latest Gail Sorronda collection. Reid produced a feminine collection that brought the flapper look of the 1920's into the 21st century. With gorgeous feathered headpieces atop flapperesque hair, the collection featured feathers, beading, bows, ruffles, tulle, silk and sweet polka dots. Using her signature black and white the collection combined a nostalgic garden party theme with a modern and directional twist. Loved the very short white tulle polka dot dresses.

Lisa Ho
Lisa Ho's spring summer collection was an offering of several iconic looks finished with key summer trends. The collection conjured up sexy 70's girl on a modern day safari. Inspiration from the 70's came in the form of jump suits, halter necks, ruched jersey and palazzo pants and safari nuances showed in animal prints, belted and structured jackets, shorts and pants. Key trends came in the form of pleats, muted colours, silk and chiffon. Ho also included graphic prints, vibrant peacock blue and olive green (which she did in a heavenly jumpsuit). Overall I think die-hard Ho fans will be very happy with this very wearable collection.

Esma Versace Styling and Events p 0417 442 616 e versacestyle@ozemail.com.au