While temperatures in the high 30s brought heat to Melbourne Fashion Festival, so did the city’s style set. This year’s iteration of Australia’s largest consumer fashion event was electric. The “see now, buy now” runways offered infinite sartorial inspiration, but equally, there were plenty of eye-catching street style moments.
Jana Pokorny, the stylist behind the opening runway, says it’s important to be discerning when it comes to trends. “I try not to think about fashion in terms of trends … I think about pieces or styles that have longevity and work for the wearer in making them feel great and help to express their own personal style,” she tells Broadsheet. As we head into the autumn and winter months, here are the fashion trends we think are worth your time.
All tied up
It was hard to miss the sheer number of ties that made it through the Fashion Forecourt during the week. Whether they’re worn classically with a crisp collared shirt or styled more experimentally (one attendee made a boob tube from a handful of ties), the accessory adds a masculine edge to outfits. “I love them, [they’re] something I am always drawn to,” Pokorny says, pointing to a look by Macgraw which saw a double-breasted suit paired with a skinny black tie.
Ahoy, sailorcore
Nautical nods were spotted on this year’s runways. National Designer Award-winner Amy Lawrance had models top their crowns with sailor hats, and the winner of the National Designer Award’s People’s Choice award Lovaan sent oversized neck ties down the runway. Brisbane designer Gail Sorronda brought out petite Peter Pan collars and pussy-bow detailing.
“Nautical styles have real longevity and never date,” Pokorny says. To bring sailor-inspired fashion into your own wardrobe, Pokorny recommends trying a striped Breton top styled under a blazer or with a pair of high-waisted wide-leg navy pants.
Dive into aquamarine
Perhaps it’s partially thanks to pop star Addison Rae’s single, but aquamarine is trending once more. The light blue-green hue added refreshing pops of levity to local labels’ autumn/winter collections. Take cues from Manning Cartell’s and Viktoria & Woods’ evening gowns or from festivalgoers donning the bright shade. “I would pair these tones with neutrals like camel, taupe or brown for a sophisticated palette,” Pokorny adds.
Boho is back
Crocheted lace, bell sleeves, paisley prints – boho chic is back, baby. At Melbourne Fashion Festival, we saw Sydney-based resortwear and swim label Boteh rock its signature luxe holiday pieces. Romance Was Born’s pre-autumn Prom collection saw a doily-esque floral material grace the runway, and Aje showed a white layered lace long-sleeved dress.
“A whimsical lace blouse paired with faded wide-leg jeans and layered pendants is an elevated everyday look,” Pokorny says. And considering that ’60s bohemian style was closely intertwined with the hippie and anti-war movements, it’s no wonder this countercultural trend is rearing its head once again.
