Just One Look: Our Favourite Outfit From Every Australian Fashion Week Show

Australian Fashion Week brings together some of the industry’s most celebrated names. With packed schedules and even fuller suitcases, we’ve spent the past five days attending more than a dozen shows each. That’s hundreds of looks seen from the runway.

At almost every show, there was a moment we’d glance at each other and silently agree: this was the look of the collection. So we’ve rounded up our standout outfit from every designer – the ensembles that made us sit up, take notice and instinctively reach for our phones.

Buluuy Mirrii

The burnt-orange satin fabric brings a levity to this matching suit. Its strength lies in its simplicity; the waistband-less culotte pants paired with cuffed sleeves and a subtle, decorative jacket clasp give direction to the flowy ensemble.

– Maggie

Van Ermel Scherer

I love how effortless this kaftan looks and feels. The movement of the silk crepe parallels the feeling of the artwork created by Wiradjuri Ngiyampaa and Barkindji artist Lizzy Stageman. It’s the “most spectacular piece” in the collection, according to founder Verity Van Ermel Scherer. 

– Maggie

Maticevski

Maticevski is a master of sculpture and construction. I love the interplay of fabric and proportion in this look. The slouchy silhouette of the Glimmer sweater layered over the pearlescent sheen of the Lustrous top works beautifully with the movement of the Blitz skirt’s leather fringe. My favourite detail? The reversed sweater collar peeking out at the back.

– Gitika

Beare Park

The styling made this look. The tomboyish boxy V-neck T-shirt and cotton pants were pulled perfectly together by the black mesh off-the-shoulder top. Some strategic pinning breathed new life into the black-and-white look. 

– Maggie

Carla Zampatti

Chartreuse is still the colour of the season. There’s strength in the softness of this tonal look. I love the tunic’s high collar paired with super sleek, slim-legged pants. “From the instant Gabrielle [Braga] put it on, we knew it would become a key look of Spring ’26,” says design director Tanya Eamon-Beattie. “It speaks to the balance of opposites – structure and fluidity, with satin falling in a way that feels both effortless and intentional.”

– Gitika

Commas

This washed-denim drill workwear set epitomises what I love about the men’s resort wear label, Commas. “The set has the ease of workwear reframed for the coast,” Commas director Emma Jarman says. Its lived-in feel makes sense for the lifestyle label; its patina only adds to its character. Paired with a collaborative Helen Kaminski bucket hat and a collaborative Vermeer Studio necklace, it’s a lovely reminder of the joy of cross-industrial creative partnerships.

– Maggie

Rose Guiffre

Rose Guiffre is a name to watch. Her collection stood out to me at The Frontier show. I love the combination of old-school sequin embroidery with Guiffre’s signature, straw-like 3D-printed tassels in this coat-like dress. “I am interested in sensation and the language of touch, drawing from my own experience with Raynaud’s syndrome,” Guiffre says. “It has made me aware of my hands and of the body’s shifting relationship to texture and feeling. In many ways, the work becomes both a confrontation and celebration of that awareness, expressed through an emphasis on intricate handcraft and labour-intensive techniques.”

– Gitika

Paris Jade Burrows

My standout designer from The Frontier showcase was Paris Jade Burrows. I adore her gothic and avant-garde approach to fashion; it’s both whimsical and nostalgic. “The look is inspired by the prints of [French illustrator] Gustave Dore that were created for the Violence Circle of Dante’s Inferno. It is created from distressed leather intended to resemble tree bark, the lace and flesh-toned corset are the body being turned into a tree,” Burrows says.

– Maggie

Bianca Spender

It was hard to pick just one look from Bianca Spender’s show, but my mind keeps coming back to the quiet power of this taupe jacket and shorts. It’s a fresh take on the funnel-neck jacket, worn open with ease. “This jacket was one of the first pieces we designed for Resort 27, and it really set the tone for the collection,” Spender says. “I love exploring the different ways this jacket can be worn – it’s suiting, but it feels relaxed and adaptable rather than rigid.” The curved gathered detail at the back adds subtle movement, and the Bermuda shorts hit at exactly the right length. A clear Dinosaur Designs pendant hangs from an invisible thread against the model’s bare chest. For me, the look captured the show’s “quiet rebellion” mood.

– Gitika 

Courtney Zheng

I loved the moment this look came down the runway. The way the model’s curls blend into the fur-trimmed jacket, which then turns into the floor-length skirt pooling at her feet, is effortlessly sultry. Plus, I love the undone beauty brief here; it nails the morning-after look.

– Maggie

Aje

This chocolate brown midi was a standout for me, thanks to its slinky proportions. A sequined bubble silhouette drapes down to a feather-lined hem. There’s structure and ease here – it makes a statement without doing too much. And I love the styling, punctuated with red heeled sandals. 

– Gitika 

Hansen & Gretel

My first thought when I saw this look walk down the runway was, “How Gisele Bundchen”. Hansen & Gretel’s collection injected a playful sense of colour that still felt restrained. I loved the ruched detailing of the bikini, the tiny blue bow and the wide statement shell belt.

– Gitika 

Alix Higgins

Alix Higgins has created a world that is so distinctly his own. For his fifth AFW show, there was a mix of old, new and outlandish. I can’t help but be drawn to one of his more signature looks – a double-layered tee with magenta velvet shorts. The perfect amount of playful and sweet.

– Maggie

Esse

Another favourite. Esse’s silhouettes felt powerful, elevated and sexy. Fine fringing was a common theme across this collection, but I especially loved the movement of this deep burgundy straight-cut top. It was pared-back yet playful, offering just the right amount of drama. 

– Gitika

Nagnata

Nagnata’s show began with a powerful ensemble of dancers before models walked down an industrial runway. Its collection updated signature silhouettes in new colourways, like plum. I liked the contrast between these two-tone jeans and this V-neck sweater. Blue stripes punctuated the look. 

– Gitika

Farage

The opening number of the Farage show was like a breath of fresh air. The baby blue tie and shirt (peeking out from the sleeve cuffs) gave the double-breasted suit jacket a feeling of lightness. But what I loved the most was the asymmetrical pocket detailing. A nice touch that proves Farage doesn’t take itself too seriously. An honorary mention goes to the silk neckties seen in many of the looks. I want more!

– Maggie

Atte

The TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio show showcased the phenomenal skill and creativity of four student fashion designers. A highlight was this ensemble by Tate Boswarva, who explored the female body as a landscape, inspired by clothing’s physical contours on one’s skin. There’s this incredibly naturalistic quality to this modern outfit. I love the way Boswarva is able to play with soft shapes and statement details.

– Maggie

Karla Špetić

Set inside a chapel to the sound of a live piano, Karla Špetić’s show had a pared-back approach to texture and cut. The Croatian Australian designer reworked blazers and everyday staples into deconstructed silhouettes, including this black blazer-turned-vest with detachable, cut-out sleeves. It was the styling that made the look: a lace playsuit layered beneath a gingham corset.

– Gitika 

Mariam Seddiq

Mariam Seddiq has refrained from indulging in her love of colour this year. In an act of confidence, the Australian-made label’s newest collection is stripped of saturation and instead focuses on silhouette and fabric. I love this chainmail-esque top crafted from sequins. Its exaggerated turtleneck and extended sleeves add another dimension of drama.

– Maggie

Christian Kimber

I felt relaxed as we watched Christian Kimber’s resortwear show; it felt like we were poolside, Mimosas in hand. The Melbourne menswear label delivered on the holiday brief, with relaxed tailoring elevating the entire collection. This was easily our favourite look. The suede bomber jacket’s hardware and finishings make it markedly more considered than others in the market, and the cargo pants, with their sizeable pockets and drawstrings, feel lived-in yet luxe. 

– Maggie

Iordanes Spyridon Gogos

Jordan Gogos’s collection was extremely extensive, but the Greek Australian artist has never been about restraint. His patchwork and multi-referential work came across best in this floor-length, sleeveless dress, combining green mesh with a heavyweight patterned fabric, brought together by a paper-chain-style rope detail.

– Maggie

Alberta Bucciarelli

My pick from the Next Gen show is emerging Sydney designer Alberta Bucciarelli. Her innovative work in the knitwear space is fresh, directional and vibrant. This two-piece set embodies the Oceana collection; her materialisation of marine life is beautiful and moving.

– Maggie

Lee Mathews 

Lee Mathews built its Resort ’27 collection around its runway setting – the showroom of Australian furniture distributor Anibou, known for rare European designs. Rather than concealing construction, the collection celebrated the hand of the maker, with raw hems, exposed finishes and calico detailing.

This white halter-neck ruffle gown stood out. Originally designed by Mathews as a custom engagement dress for a client, it carried a quiet sense of intimacy. The bride’s reaction from the audience was as tender as the movement of the gown itself.

– Gitika

Nicol & Ford

Elizabeth Bay House’s Regency-style interiors were a perfect fit for the glamour of Nicol & Ford’s show. Designers Katie-Louise and Lillian Nicol-Ford drew inspiration from the archives of Australian queer painter Adrian Feint, known for surrealist floral works. As this painterly silk gown descended the grand staircase, I knew it was an instant favourite, styled with an extravagant peacock blue feather headpiece. 

– Gitika 

L’Idee Woman

L’Idee Woman delivered on glitz and glamour. Taylor Hill and Shanina Shaik were among the high-profile names who walked the show, showcasing the eveningwear label’s signature styles. This chartreuse Reine gown was the look of the night; its dramatic bubble hem and long skirt create maximum drama. Styled with slicked-back hair, a black cape and toeless tights, there was no shortage of edge.

Gary Bigeni

No one brings more joy to AFW than Gary Bigeni. Audience members have grown to expect a kaleidoscope of colour from the Sydney fashion designer, but this year’s range elevates the gender-neutral label to a whole new place. “I feel very differently about this collection – it feels [like] a culmination of my maturing as a designer,” Bigeni says. These khaki patent pants, paired with a button-up shirt featuring a hand-painted design, feel exciting and cheerful.

– Maggie

Ngali

The official closing runway show of Australian Fashion Week, Ngali brought its signature approach to storytelling through pattern. This two-piece set felt like a slight departure from the Melbourne-based label’s more tailored silhouettes. The airy palette of colours and draped fabric felt almost ethereal. 

– Gitika