he second instalment of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week’s Designer Runway Series last night saw a youthful group of local designers launch into warm weather fashion. Bright, energetic and confident, this was an inspiring show of emerging and established labels moving up the retail ranks.

Alice Euphemia, the vivacious retail hero of emerging fashion, brought its bold personality to the runway with a collection celebrating the new season and its 15th birthday. Colour was key, with candied, pink sequinned ensembles from Romance was Born perfectly clashing with sharp citrus ensembles from Magdalena Velevska. Emma Mulholland’s lizard green beaded mini skirt was almost too cool with a lime green backpack.

Above’s mantra is that of integration – their designs should fit seamlessly into a wearer’s wardrobe. This see’s them obsess over pattern and fit to create the perfect pieces to last a lifetime. Their new collection gave this direction a floaty summer feel with cropped organza jackets and sheer white overlays contrasted with structured separates in carefree cornflower blue. An A-line linen dress adorned with miniature vials of wattle was a sweet touch of Australiana.

Perth-born, Melbourne-based designer Carly Hunter’s collection took a richer turn with cotton wrap dresses and skirts in deep rust, contrasted with slim fitting pants and maxi dresses in a monotone print. Overall her’s was a down-to-earth range that breathed a little contrast into the line-up.

LIFEwithBIRD’s minimal-is-more aesthetic saw complex feats of construction transformed into fluid and powerful lines that complement the body. Fitted shorts and cropped tops were mixed with flirty draped jackets in lilac and marbled prints.

A punchy, Frida Kahlo-inspired collection from Manning Cartell saw vivid neon colour combined with quirky textures and photographic floral prints. Sporty cropped outerwear and cut-out details featured, with a China-like motif in white and blue a crisp contrast.

YB J’aime, Yoejin Bae’s new line, injected a flirty sense of femininity to the show. The French-inspired label showcased a collection full of crisp tailoring and 1930s-style prints. Masculine shirting was juxtaposed with vivid embroidery in scorching pink and green.

Bring on spring!

MSFW