Image credit: Liz Sunshine

As you sit front row at Australian Fashion Week this year or wander the cemented tracks outside of the iconic Carriageworks precinct, if something catches a glint in the autumnal light, it’s probably a metallic bag. Or shoes, or a vest, or even a full-blown blouse or skirt. During a week rife with prints, textures and colour palettes, it appears that it’s the iridescent lustre of metal that is speaking to designers and guests alike this season. 

While the coming of the more subtle, metal hardware trend was predicted earlier in the year courtesy of the international runways—think small brassy buttons, chains and eyelets—at our own homegrown fashion week, its dominant brassy materials that have become the stars of many a collection or street style ensemble.

Acler resort 2025. Image credits: Indigital

At Acler’s presentation, metallic was the addition that every look needed. Taking centre stage as the primary accessory, the bright sheen of gold flashed at every opportunity. In a knotted heel; a crumpled knee-high boot; a stiff circular bag; larger than life statement earrings. For Acler’s creative duo Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto, golden metallics was the answer to the monochromatic ensembles in their new collection, adding the right touch of loud, brassy glamour to the resort runway.

Bec + Bridge resort 2025. Image credits: Indigital

Then, at Bec + Bridge, the edgier illusion of silverware and glassy foil. The perfect example of how metallics can exist as an embellishment or as the focal sartorial point, the use of the bright material varied on Bec Cooper and Bridge Yorston’s runway. From pointed knee-high boots, to a mini purse, to a button-up shirt, shining silver was the main character. As decorative bra-like cups on a blouse, and the waistline of a pair of trousers, a playful spot or sliver.

Rory William Docherty resort 2025. Image credits: Indigital

And on the debut runway of Australian Fashion Week newcomer Rory William Docherty, there was a no holds barred approach to this burgeoning trend. Between a daring, sculptural dress reminiscent of glistening Alfoil and a bubble skirt that toyed with the idea of brass copper naturally oxidising into a green tinge—followed by a similarly treated blazer and boxer shorts—metallics poked through in smaller ways, too. A shoulder bag, a printed vest, and even a simple yet striking silver business tie to close the show. 

Image credits: Liz Sunshine

Outside of the shows, guests gave a guide to styling the trend in a number of looks. Whether it’s a classic golden mini tote that livens up an all-black fit, or a contemporary black shoulder bag adorned with silver pebbles to complement an already-vibrant outfit, a metallic bag is never a bad idea.

Image credits: Liz Sunshine

Image credits: Liz Sunshine

Then there are those applying the metallic design codes of Rory William Docherty and Bec + Bridge to their ensemble itself. Shimmering skirts complete with tassels, silvery shorts and a silky skirt set have brought metals to the forefront of street style looks.

Image credit: Liz Sunshine

Image credit: Liz Sunshine

A metallic shoe is always a good idea, too, to add a golden or silvery bounce to your step. Easy to pair with all manner of wardrobe items be that a pair of denim jeans or flowing skirt, the beauty of this statement is that there’s nary a print, colour or silhouette that can’t be stylishly complimented by the glistening glow of a metallic accessory.

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