Sydney Fashion Week Recap
Source: Bondi Born
After a hiatus of live fashion shows and year-long Zoom calls due to pandemic-related restrictions, officials from the Australian Fashion Council decided it was time to celebrate fashion again by hosting one of the first mask-less global runway events since the pandemic began.
Hosted in the most fashionable capital of Australia, the Sydney Fashion Resort 2022 show featured ninety-seven Australian and New Zealand brands. This included established labels such as Zimmermann and Romance Was Born — as well as bright young talents like Jordan Dalah and Jordanes Gogos. On top of the live runway shows, the five-day Fashion Week event consisted of fashion films and talk programs.
As for the designs? One word: phenomenal!
The creative boom of designs displayed in Australia’s creative scene reflected the type of exuberance and spontaneity that we might get to witness when Covid-19 is a memory and not an everyday reality.
Runways were filled with dreamy florals, dramatic silhouettes, body-baring suits, voluminous gowns, ivory monochromatic styles, and statement tees with messages about saving the planet.
To truly celebrate the return of Aussie fashion week, we’re rounding up and spotlighting the eye-catching looks from all the standout shows. Consider it your sneak peek at looks that will define the upcoming fashion trends.
Bondi Born Resort 2022
Slinky dresses and softly tailored sets in rich fruity hues were the order of the day at the Bondi Born show. Held on the edge of Sydney Harbour, guests watched models walk by with the iconic Opera House serving as a magnificent backdrop.
Creative director, Karla Clarke showcased designs that echoed a significant Sydney aesthetic — sporty, modern and bold. Think headbands, one-piece swimsuits, breezy jumpsuits and beach-ready dresses. Crafted in eco-certified Bulgarian hemp and Portugese organic linen, the locally made resort collection is a summer must-have.
Jordan Dalah Resort 2022
Jordan Dalah made a fun statement with his flamboyant and whimsical silhouettes that looked like they came straight out of Alice in Wonderland. Models paraded in sleeping bag shift dresses with hoop skirts, leather jackets with exaggerated sleeves, and puffed sandals. Though new to the Australian fashion scene, Dalah has managed to demonstrate his mastery of using tactile textures like leather, wool and silk to create dramatic silhouettes.
Kitx Resort 2022
Kit Willow unveiled a resort collection that prioritises protecting the ocean. Graphic tees that reference the famous movie poster Jaws signifies Willow’s commitment to protecting the planet. Beyond the activism graphic tees, her ocean-inspired range features jerseys made from discarded fish nets, playful denim hats and knotted dresses.
Romance Was Born Resort 2022
Romance Was Born transported its guests to a fairy-tale dreamland with its magical carousel rides, twinkling rainbow lights, whimsy sequins, candy-coloured ensembles and delightful laces. Designed by duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, the ‘Arts & Crafts’ collection is a glorious explosion of etheral florals and fanciful dresses.
Centring the collection on Sustainable fashion, Romance Was Born made one message clear: re-using, recycling, and repurposing can be extravagant.
Christopher Esteber Resort 2022
Ever flattering and always chic, Esber’s 2022 collection was no different. Inspired by the Japanese notion of ‘Wabi Sabi,’ his 44 piece range celebrates the philosophy of imperfection and impermanence.
Ruched silk dresses fastened with dozens of delicate drawstrings, and tailored trousers arrived in a muted colour palette — mainly blacks, pastel blues, and whites.
The entire collection cements Christopher Esber as a master designer that is at ease with his craft.
Zimmermann Resort 2022
Zimmermann’s resort collection was a showcase of sublime summery fashion — an ode to the great Australian summer holiday. The ideas of joy, optimism and escapism (key pillars to the collection) were perfectly translated into the dreamy designs.
There were Flounced printed Ombre gowns emulating the breath-taking hues of sunrises and sunsets, full-skirted dresses beautifully embellished with fabric flowers, pearlescent wedge heels and crocheted raffia bucket hats.
The label also added vintage travel posters from the ‘40s and ‘50s by James Northfield that were printed on carry-all totes, mini dresses and silk slips.
Yousef Akbar Resort 2022
Saudi Arabian-born designer Yousef Akbar focused his resort collection on the idea of restraint and freedom. Show-stopper goddess gowns, pillowy silhouettes and showers of sequins were all a nod to Akbar’s Middle Eastern background. “I have been living outside my home country for so long. So, often I feel nostalgic and homesick,” Akbar said to GRAZIA.
Moving away from the sweatpants and house slippers that has defined the past twelve months, Akbar has graced us with vibrant and dramatic pieces that are perfect for throwing on post-lockdown for a sexy night on the town.
Shop our picks below.
Christopher Esber
REVERSED HALTER DISCONNECT RUCHED DRESS
Esber’s chic designs have been spotted on the bodies of fashion It-Girls like Zendaya, Dua Lipa and Adisson Rae —and it’s hard not to see why. This ruched halter dress will make you look instantly sleek. Pair with white square toe heels for the perfect summer outfit.
Zimmermann
Cassia embellished metallic underwired bikini
Zimmermann ‘s gorgeous bikini set has us longing for the beach. Made from metallic stretch fabric, the mesmerising hue will shimmer perfectly in the sun and is guaranteed to look great on your spray tan.
Manning Cartell
Sweet Obsession Slip Dress
This slip dress is just begging to be added to your summer wardrobe. Wear yours with aviators while lounging by the pool.
Rebecca Wallace
AMEIGO LONG SLEEVE MINI DRESS
After a year of being deprived of dressing-up, Rebecca Wallace’s electric pink sleeve dress is here to bring back some much-needed glam in your life.
Alice McCall
Mexicola Mini Dress
In our opinion, this Alice McCall mini dress is a definition of a summer dream. The puffed sleeves and the groovy ‘60s inspired print are perfect.
Oroton
Peyton Sunglasses
Sleek and elegant, Oroton’s oversized sunglasses are equal parts protective and pretty.
Kitx
ENDANGERED KOALA TEE
Advocate for animal rights in style with Kitx’s koala graphic tee.
Edited by Kieryn Alexander
