David Jones Spring/Summer 2022 is store’s first runway show in four years

Fashion is back. After a four-year dry spell, department store retailer David Jones has dusted off its runway. See all the photos from the fashionista-filled launch.

Fashion is back.

After a four-year dry spell, department store retailer David Jones has dusted off its runway.

Sydney fashionistas donned their best glad rags for an intimate showcase of the Spring/Summer 22 collection.

The glitz was on as guests including Vera Blue, Natalie Roser, Erin Holland, Pip Edwards, Charlotte Hicks and Bianca Spender made their way into in the gallery on level nine of DJ’s Elizabeth Street flagship store.

Speaking to Confidential ahead of the catwalk, Aussie model Victoria Lee said she would hold up her trailing silver Maticevski gown to avoid tripping on the ends in her teeny tiny stilettos, while former foreign minister Julie Bishop debuted fresh locks.

Celebrities flock to David Jones’ spring/summer fashion launch

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It is every model’s worst fear – a wardrobe malfunction.

Top Aussie runway star Victoria Lee says that despite many years in the game, she still gets nervous ahead of hitting the catwalk.

“Every single time,” the former Victoria’s Secret model told The Daily Telegraph. “But I think that is good because you want to be nervous.

“I really care and I want to have a great show, everyone puts so much work and effort into putting on a production and so it is fun but also nerve-racking.

“It doesn’t get easier but I have more fun, I am more comfortable in the nerves.”

Victoria Lee wears Toni Maticevski, Tom Derickx wears Balmain and Versace, Magnolia Maymuru wears Solace London, Nathan McGuire wears Calibre, Fernanda Ly wears Leo Lin, at the David Jones Spring/Summer 22 Runway Rehearsal. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Confidential hears Bishop, who is newly single after ­splitting from long-time boyfriend David Panton, ducked to the salon just hours before the event.

“It’s a post-Covid recovery haircut,” Bishop told Confidential. “After we went into lockdown I let my hair grow and then it became so easy but I managed to get an appointment with Scott Sloan, whom I have a great deal of respect for, and he cut my hair so I’m ­feeling great.”

Of her new single status, Bishop added: “I’m very busy. I spend a lot of time at the ANU as chancellor, I’m doing a lot of speaking engagements and attending fabulous events like the David Jones launch.

“As always I keep busy.”

Julie Bishop shows off her post-Covid cut at the David Jones Spring/Summer Wonderworld Campaign launch. Picture: Julian Andrews

Musician, model and former AFL player Tom Derickx had his friends and new girlfriend, Aurelie Pinar, in the audience to support him on the catwalk, but said he expects more banter and less applause when he is back on the building site next week. Derickx works in construction when not on the modelling circuit.

“I’m feeling good, excited … it has been years since we’ve done this in Sydney,” he said.

“I just think it is really fun, and so different; yesterday I was on the tools and today I’m wearing this (Balmain) shirt (and walking the runway).”

Victoria Lee was joined by actor Magnolia Maymuru and model Fernanda Ly as the main stars of the catwalk, alongside male models Nathan McGuire and Tom Derickx.

“Four years is such a long time,” actor Magnolia Maymuru said of the fact David Jones last Spring/Summer event in Sydney was in 2018.

Originally from Liverpool, Ly meanwhile is based in New York and has fronted international campaigns for the likes of Dior.

She has walked runways for Louis Vuitton, Kenzo and Moschino.

“The energy is really important at a fashion show,” she said. “Everyone is very excited.”