New season trends bloom as Melbourne Fashion Week catwalk awash with colour

Melbourne Fashion Week took a sophisticated feminine swing as some of Australia’s leading designers showcased their latest looks for the new season.

Melbourne Fashion Week models Courtney Bartaby and Yeon Hee Ko on the catwalk. Picture: David Caird

MELBOURNE Fashion Week took a sophisticated feminine swing on Wednesday night as some of Australia’s leading designers showcased their latest looks for the new season.

Rebecca Valance and Carla Zampatti were joined by labels including Thurley, Megan Park, Rachel Gilbert and Yeojin Bae in the first Premium Runway at the historic Melbourne Town Hall.

Valance, who has recently opened her first Melbourne flagship store, is excited to be a part of the annual fashion celebration.

“I am originally a Melbourne girl so it feels good to be returning to my roots and partaking in local activity. This Spring Summer 2017 runway collection includes perfectly articulated separates and structured silhouettes inspired by all things glamour in the Mediterranean,” she says.

Models Yeon Hee Ko and Courtney Bartaby on the Melbourne Fashion Week catwalk. Picture: David Caird

The second Premium Runway brought together Australian and New Zealand labels for a dynamic show presenting day-to-night looks for spring summer from designers including alike McCALL, búl, gorman, Kate Sylvester, Kuwaii and LIFEwithBIRD.

MFW stylist Kate Gaskin says bold, block colour will feature prominently for spring summer

“It’s a welcome change from the dark tones and monochrome of winter. Feminine silhouettes and florals are also very prominent,” she says.

“Tailoring is also key across dresses and suiting. Flattering to the form, a well-fitted tailored garment can be dressed up with heels and statement jewellery for evening events or garden parties, or paired back with flat sandals and a casual tote bag for day.”