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 - 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.

MBFWA 2014 - AURELIO COSTARELLA

Aurelio Costarella impressed again with a lavish collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, inspired by the photography and subjects of Man Ray and the silhouettes of 1920's and 30's Paris. Feathers, tassels and elaborate beading added luxury and sparkle to otherwise clean and pared back forms. Colours ranged from chic and elegant black and white, through to shocking pink and orange. Check out all our shots from the show after the jump.

MBFWA 2014 - MATICEVSKI

We were in awe after witnessing the Toni Maticevski runway show at MBFWA this year which was a departure from the designer's usual evening wear. What we saw was a collection that was sporty and sculptural while remaining formal and dressy, evidence that the use of neoprene can still result in a beautifully elegant evening feel. The skilful manipulation of fabric and use of different textures including metallics, prints, and colours that ranged from soft pinks and greys to a bold coral was a feast for our eyes. The finale walk had a surprise twist which created a bit of a stir among show-goers, including ourselves. The first model emerged for her final walk holding a single flower petal in her mouth. She was followed by the models each holding slightly more than the last, finishing with the last model holding a branch-like bouquet in her mouth. Dramatic? Yes.

MBFWA 2014 - HARYONO SETIADI

The Haryono Setiadi show was one of our favourite events on the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia schedule this year. The production was strikingly simple, in a white studio space with high ceilings and natural light pouring into the room. The fabrics used in the collection floated on the models and had an origami-like quality in regards to the intricacy and folds in the designs we witnesses. With a clear water theme running through the pieces, the colourful hues and ethereal sheer silhouettes were bold yet soothing at the same time. Check out the collection for yourself below.