‘Double cappuccinos and barely there dresses’: Inside secrets of Australian Fashion Week

Qweekend fashion editor Annabel Falco went inside Australian Fashion Week as she reveals the biggest hits and misses on the catwalk.

It’s that time of year when seasons and fashions noticeably change and Afterpay Australian Fashion Week provides the perfect arena for the trends and designers we will ultimately invest our time, money (and judgment) into for the seasons ahead.

I flocked to Carriageworks with the rest of the fashion crowd to decipher the shows and report back with what’s hot and what’s not. Armed with enthusiasm, double cappuccinos and Loewe labels, we descended on to the Carriageworks setting to witness the trends and designers that would ultimately shape all of our spring/summer wardrobes.

Bec and Bridge sequins low slung waistline on the catwalk.

Low-slung waistlines were encouraged, with industry heavyweights Bec + Bridge, Henne and St. Agni delivering stylish examples. Apparently, the trick is to balance the exposed lower tummy with slouchy cuts and oversized outerwear. Deconstructed suiting was also a key takeaway, with dressed-down details such as raw hemlines defining the new corporate dress code. Wear your blazer backwards and complete the look with a briefcase and thongs. Congratulations, you’ve nailed the spring/summer 24 fashion brief.

Cocktail hour will see sequins and sheer fabrics take over with Aje, Alemais, Erik Yvon and Michael Lo Sordo sending their own version of the “barely there” dress down the runway. While the hemlines and necklines were modest, the fabrications were very much all or nothing. If it doesn’t “bare all” then it must be embellished, embroidered or encrusted. Cheers to that!

A model flaunting a green number during the Bianca Spender show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023 at Carriageworks on May 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/WireImage)

For those who prefer a more classical approach to their closets, Albus Lumen, Joslin and Macgraw paved the way for our feminine shoppers, favouring whimsical maxi dresses, embroidery, twin sets, soft tailoring, delicate florals and preppy collars. While the colour palettes were still relatively neutral, there was colour relief in the detail with sorbet accents in the form of a headscarf, ribbon or applique.

Accessories also had a moment with belt bags, mismatched earrings, statement clutches and flat shoes completing our new season ensembles. In terms of beauty, less was more with the likes of Bianca Spender and Anna Quan embracing unkempt waves, relaxed ponytails and the occasional slick-back.

Models walk the runway during the Aje show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023 at the Sydney Modern Project on May 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images for AAFW)

Maggie Marilyn went one step further and sent her models down the runway wearing nothing but Emma Lewisham face serums on their faces. The overall takeaway was refreshing. Less time spent covering, contouring and curling. More time spent enjoying the moment.

If the 2023 Afterpay Australian Fashion Week shows are anything to go by, this summer will see us minimalists by day and maximalists by night where fabulous fashion is less about statement cuts and colours, and more about the actual styling, accessorising and confidence behind our clothes.

Whether you embrace low-slung pants and mismatched earrings or coloured silk and sequins, there is a fun fashion path ahead for everyone and I personally can’t wait to shop it.