Fashionising.com > Clothing > Fashion Designer Collections
Kuwaii at Debut, Fashion Exposed Melbourne 2009
It wasn't all that long ago that we were admiring the burgeoning labels that made it to the finals of Fashion Exposed's Debut contest in Sydney this year. Now, with the Melbourne fair just around the corner, twelve more budding design talents are about to be unearthed.
Victorian-based label Kuwaii is one of the Melbourne 2009 finalists; her intelligent yet minimal, striking yet simple garments comprising a coherent collection that shows much promise.
Evil Twin: effortless rock-chic for Summer
Sitting somewhere between the grunged-up luxury of Alexander Wang and the cool simplicity of American Apparel comes Evil Twin; a label that's set to strike it big in Australia's arena of mainstream affordable fashion. And while these oh-so-now pieces are not ideal for long term wardrobe investment, it's their accessibility and affordability - coupled with an inherent cool-factor - that makes them so appealing.
As far as trend pieces go, Evil Twin's Spring/Summer 2009 collection warrants many a mention. Ripped denim boyfriend shorts tick some major trend boxes; a cutaway dress is neo-grunge heaven; and the oversized tee-dresses are the type that can be thrown on for an effortless look in any situation.
Debut collection from Ann Zed
In a city where made in P.R.C. with an attitude problem is labeled as "fashion" and a loosely covered bite off a well established Parisian couture house is blindly accepted; Ann Zed has defied (if not defiled) the norm to show that all is not lost with Melbourne's fashion scene. The Melbourne school of fashion graduate chose Jim Morrison as her inspiration for her debut collection at Eve night club last week. Although not as literal as other collections, the spirit of rock and punk was still prevalent.
Cutaway trend: Friend Of Mine, Spring/Summer 2009
If you're looking for some simple yet striking trend pieces for Summer, then new Australia label Friend Of Mine is worth a look. Our favourite parts of the debut collection are the effortlessly sexy cutaway pieces in block colours and simple fabrics. Leather mini-skirts scream rock-chic while cut-off cotton cropped tops are a casual take on the exposed midriff trend.
Lingerie as outerwear in Christian Dior Couture
The influence of lingerie on Christian Dior's Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009/2010 Couture collection is undeniable: and we must confess, we're in love. Some of the more subtle outfits in the collection bring the sheer trend and lingerie as outerwear trend into perfect harmony, balancing the sensual hint of what lies beneath with vintage elegance and modern flair. Unembellished suspender stockings peep through from under sheer skirts in an effect that is boldly sexy yet somehow unassuming; even the shoes in the collection are lingerie-inspired, with straps resembling bra fastenings.
S.LOVE: 2009 debut collection
Picking up a piece that is hand-crafted or individualised in some way is always an extra special shopping experience. We love S.LOVE's debut collection for its gorgeous dresses and scarves - in which each piece is hand-painted. The overall effect is of soft, sophisticated pieces with an edge, that ultimately tie sweetness and sexiness together.
Anna Sui collection for Target 2009
Taking its cues from hit TV show Gossip Girl, Anna Sui's collection for Target features bright colours, neck bows, and girly minidresses. The collection hints at Sui's signature quirky style, but will sell for a fraction of the price at Target stores US wide.
Savant Spring/Summer 2009 collection
I can confess to having a bit of an obsession at the moment with cage designs and harnesses, being one of the greatest things to come out of the bondage trend that has swept through the fashion world in 2009. I was only just the other day admiring a leather cage piece by Es-Trella; and now label Savant have also caught my eye for their divine pieces of a similar nature.
ae'lkemi VIP launch: Winter 2009 Collection
Thursday evening's double date with chic sophistication and edgy leather pieces saw Perth's finest '09 winter collection being unveiled at the ae'lkemi flagship store in Claremont.
Once again, designer Alvin Fernandez managed to stay true to his style while spicing it up with a few current trend twists. "The ae'lkemi woman will still wear a delicate feather and lace cocktail dress, but this season she is wearing it with a black leather jacket," Fernandez said. Also showcased on the night were the luxurious in-store jewelry designs by Annmarie McGinn, which also added to the chic sophistication yet edgy with soft leathers.
Alexander Wang: Resort 2010 collection
Moving further away from the ripped stockings and zip-up boots that really brought grunge into the 21st century, Alexander Wang puts a sophisticated spin on his 2010 resort collection. Though overall the cuts are cool and relaxed, some more sharply tailored pieces also make their way into the mix; as do some effortless goddess dresses and draping minis. Though the casual sophistication takes a different turn, Wang's signature style shines through from start to finish - and we're pretty sure the oversize lattice knits will be a big hit.
