MBFWA 2014 - DANIEL K

This will be our final post on MBFWA 2014 and what better way to finish than to share a show that Mino himself designed in collaboration with Vanessa Kim, owner of the brand Daniel K. It was one of the last shows of the week and anticipation was running high as the other three of us had only seen glimpses of what was to come. We loved what we saw: simple, feminine and most importantly, wearable. We are all very proud of Mino for what he created so take a look at the photos below and if you would like to see a video of the show, click here.

MBFWA 2014 - ZHIVAGO

Presented in a dark neon-lit warehouse space offsite, the Zhivago collection at MBFWA 2014 featured form-fitting silhouettes with a futuristic twist. Check out more of what we saw at the show below.

MBFWA 2014 - SONG FOR THE MUTE

The closing show, and easily one of the most atmospheric of MBFWA this year, Song for the Mute transformed the venue into a dramatic, dark space. A single stream of mist descending into the room at the top of the glossy black runway served to heighten anticipation as the guests were seated. The soundtrack of the show, consisting of base-heavy booms, electrified and shook the whole room. Male models with white painted hair showcased the black, white and grey collection. The layered looks were structured but also relaxed, with a good dose of street and sport injected into them. Fabrics were rich and textural. The show, presented by one of our favourite menswear stores in Sydney, Harrolds, closed with Lupe Fiasco walking the final look. Check out the collection after the jump.

MBFWA 2014 - AE'LKEMI

Perth label, Ae'lkemi, showed their Spring/Summer 14/15 collection at MBFWA this year. With plenty of sumptuous textures, sheer fabrics and streamlined silhouettes, the show featured a mix of luxurious embellishments with simple, sexy cuts. This year Ae'lkemi also collaborated with jewellery designer, Samantha Wills on suitably lavish jewellery to accompany the looks. See what we saw after the jump.

MBFWA 2014 - ALICE MCCALL

The Alice McCall show was another favourite on the MBFWA schedule this year and it will be remembered as the show that made it snow (last photo). The collection entitled "In My Dream We Were Flying", was a magical production that took place in a warehouse space at Carriageworks, set amongst some amazing sculptures that hung from the ceiling from what seemed to be a million wires. The colour palette ranged from softer pastels to more vibrant hues used in striking prints. We saw fresh whites, cut-out details, mesh, feminine silhouettes, fold detailing, sheer fabrics and last but not least, we saw snow. Check it out below.

MBFWA 2014 - LEROY NGUYEN

Leroy Nguyen showed a collection 'Blue Rose' that had a fresh, modern feel, strong colour palette and bold prints. Check out some of our favourite looks from the show below.

MBFWA 2014 - DION LEE LINE II

This year saw the debut MBFWA show of Dion Lee Line II, the diffusion line that carries Dion Lee's signature innovative and cutting edge silhouettes through to a slightly more pared back and casual aesthetic. Relaxed tailoring, a sporty influence and a minimal, 90's vibe ran through the Spring Summer 14/15 Line II collection. Click through below to see all our shots from the show.

MBFWA 2014 - GABRIEL LEE

One of the stand out discoveries for us from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia this year was Gabriel Lee who showed as part of the Raffles Designer Showcase. Lee's Spring/Summer 14/15 collection, entitled 'Private Performance', was inspired by the rather grisly tales of the Comprachicos and their trade in deformed children to entertain the elite of 17th Century Europe as a show of wealth. While we couldn't say we got all that, the display of ostentatious, even garish, luxury was a theme that ran through the collection, mixed with an athletic, street influence. Some of our favourite pieces from this beautiful collection featured incredible pearl beading, many over a neon floral printed silk fused to neoprene. Click through to see more of our shots from the show after the jump.

MBFWA 2014 - STRATEAS.CARLUCCI

The Strateas.Carlucci collection at MBFWA was a highlight this year, not only for the fact that there was menswear but also because we appreciated the muted colour palette and the subtle functional details in the garments shown. Thick wools and beautifully structured military jackets stood out and we loved the simple styling and minimal make up which allowed the clothes speak for themselves. Check out some of our favourite pieces from the collection below.

MBFWA 2014 - GAIL SORRONDA

The Gail Sorronda collection shown at MBFWA this year was inspired by mermaids and was a visually stunning show using bold and distinctive accessories including sculptural crowns that complemented the artistry in the label's designs. It was a romantic and almost other-worldly collection featuring tulle, voluminous silhouettes and cute prints. Check out what we saw below.

MBFWA 2014 - GINGER & SMART

We saw the Ginger & Smart 'Dualism' collection show in a stunning converted warehouse space. Beautiful reptilian prints were shown in light, sheer fabrics with red and white featuring in block colours. Lace was featured throughout the feminine but strong collection, as was the use of rose-gold, evident in zip detailing in garments, bags and accessories. Click through to see our photos of the show.

MBFWA 2014 - SERPENT & THE SWAN

Serpent & the Swan's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia show took place in a darkened room to a performance by Australian singer, Sarah Blasko, accompanied by a live harp player. The clothes were well matched to the haunting vocals with a predominantly black colour palette punctuated by metallics, stunning chain details and a rad serpent print. Click through below to see all our shots from the show.

MBFWA 2014 - MICHAEL LO SORDO

With clean lines, block pastel colours and flowing silhouettes, there was a nonchalant air that pervaded the Michael Lo Sordo collection shown at MBFWA this year. We saw loose-fitting shirts, many featuring a dramatic asymmetric collar, relaxed-fit blazers with wide-legged pants and a series of billowing silk trenchcoats in pale musk, yellow and white. All together, they added up to a collection that seemed stylish yet understated and completely effortless. Check out all our shots from the show after the jump.

MBFWA 2014 - CARLA ZAMPATTI

Carla Zampatti, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz presents designer, showed her Spring/Summer 2014 collection in the very first show of MBFWA, taking place on a Sunday evening. The collection comprised of bold silhouettes and colour choices with ranging from more streamlined cuts to more fluid and romantic shapes. The styling of the models was very slick and the futuristic headwear and leather hand accessories contrasted against a polished, glamorous yet daring collection. Check out our photos below.

MBFWA 2014 - WHAT WE WORE

DAY ONE - Photo by Sam Lee

CHIN: Zambesi T shirt over ASOS shirt and shorts, Julius Marlow shoes
DANNY: Bespoke hat from Wunderkammer, white top and black pants from ASOS, shoes from Country Road
MINO: Daniel K by Mino Kim (designed by me), Country Road clutch, Givenchy sandals, Karen Walker sunglasses, Ice-Watch
ALEX: Zambesi sunglasses, Zara T shirt and altered blazer, clutch by Oroton, shoes from 5cm

DAY TWO - Photo by Sam Lee

CHIN: Persol sunglasses, Kowtow shirt and pants, Dr. Martens shoes, Coach bag.
DANNY: Black Topshop singlet, cropped white T shirt and black jacket by ASOS, shorts by Alistair Trung, shoes by Givenchy
MINO: Daniel K by Mino Kim (designed by me) shirt and pants, Damir Doma jacket, clutch from Bali, Nike shoes
ALEX: Tube Gallery jacket, Zara pants, Karen Walker clutch, Country Road shoes

DAY THREE - Photo by Sam Lee

CHIN: Sunglasses by Graz, vest by Bassike, pants from Country Road, shoes by Dr. Martens, bag from ASOS
DANNY: T shirt by Zambesi, shoes by Julius Marlow
MINO: Damir Doma jacket, Daniel K by Mino Kim top and pants (designed by me), painted Country Road shoes, Karen Walker statement clutch, Ksubi sunglasses
ALEX: Zambesi sunglasses, H&M suit, Zambesi shirt and Tim Van Steenbergen shoes

DAY FOUR - Photo by Sam Lee

CHIN: Spectacles by Age Eyewear, white shirt by Topman, overalls by Zambesi, shoes by Dr. Martens, bag from ASOS
DANNY: Sunglasses by Prada, blue blazer by Topman, white T shirt by American Apparel, pants by Jimmy D, boots by Dr. Martens
MINO: Daniel K by Mino Kim top and pants (designed by me), Karen Walker sunglasses, H&M top, Kenzo shoes
ALEX: Topman suit, Age Eyewear sunglasses and painted Country Road shoes

MBFWA 2014 - CAMEO

Cameo recently showed their latest collection at MBFWA. Light seemed to be their inspiration with prints that referenced prisms, warped rainbows and black and white photos of old-fashioned roses. The show itself featured a runway lined with strong beams of light. Lady-like lace sat alongside modern silhouettes and sheer fabrics. The incredibly trendy collection even featured a few origami-like pieces. Check out the looks we liked after the jump.

MBFWA 2014 - DI$COUNT UNIVERSE

We were invited to attend an off-schedule runway presentation by DI$COUNT UNIVERSE while we were in Sydney which was held in a private room at the Intercontinental Sydney. The presentation was an awe-inspiring range of heavily embellished pieces from their ARTI$ANAL range, with most pieces being sold as one-offs. Guests were seated in a circular pattern all facing the middle where models got up onto a large moving silver turn-table one by one to showcase the garments from every angle. The presentation was dramatic, unique and inspiring and as a brand that has been requested by the likes of Miley Cyrus, Azealia Banks, Britney Spears and Katy Perry, it is a brand that now has the reach of millions of people around the world.  Check out our photos below.

MBFWA 2014 - KARLA ŠPETIĆ

One of a handful of offsite shows at MBFWA this year, Karla Spetic presented her collection at a swimming pool at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, just around the corner from Carriageworks. The relevance of water became clear as the models emerged and walked the edge of the pool. Pearls were a recurrent motif throughout the collection while flowing satins and watery sheer silks dominated the fabric choices. A fantastic mother of pearl print used on several pieces also informed the overall colour palette of pearlescent white, pale pink, cream, blue, silver and black. Two of our favourite garments, colour-blocked satin and sheer silk paneled dresses, also featured graphic prints of an oyster shell and strand of pearls to really drive the message home. 

Styled with pristine white Reeboks, this collection was a beautiful blend of sporty and sophisticated with just the right hint of '90s minimalism and was one of our favourites of MBFWA this year. See all our shots from the show after the jump.

MBFWA 2014 - EMMA MULHOLLAND

If there was an award for the most fun show at MBFWA this year, it would probably go to Emma Mulholland's 80's 'brat pack' inspired ‘Risqué Business’ collection, which saw models laughing and dancing down the runway to Dolly Parton's '9-5'. Pastels, neons, sequins and a unique post-it note print featured in the collection which had a slightly nostalgic feeling to it and was a reminder that once 5pm comes around, you can be who you want to be. Check out the collection below.