Festival runways reveal colours are the new black

FROM tartan to trenches, lacy to racy, autumn winter fashion has banished its bland stereotype with a mixed bag of ­vibrant looks showcased on the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival runways this week.

FROM tartan to trenches, lacy to racy, autumn winter fashion has banished its bland stereotype with a mixed bag of ­vibrant looks showcased on the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival runways this week.

VAMFF 2018: BRIDAL WEAR ON RUNWAY

JEN HAWKINS THROWS SUPPOR BEHIND EMBATTLED MYER

MODELS TO TAKE A LEAP ON VAMFF RUNWAY

More than 50 catwalk shows heralded in a new season of trends, with five leading looks able to be seamlessly translated from the runways into winter wardrobes.

Scanlan Theodore at VAMFF. Picture: Lucas Dawson

Hansen & Gretel at VAMFF. Picture:: Lucas Dawson

Ginger & Smart at VAMFF. Picture: Lucas Dawson

Arnsdorf at VAMFF. Picture: Lucas Dawson

Jessica Gomes showcases David Jones designs at VAMFF. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne might be notorious for going back to black when the clouds turn grey.

But pop colours stole the spotlight, with rich magenta, aqua and acidic citrus shades of lime green, orange and lemon all proving popular.

Bold jewel tones of ruby, sapphire, emerald and amethyst were also favoured by ­designers including Manning Cartell, Rachel Gilbert, Carla Zampatti and Camilla and Marc.

In the print department, ­florals were given a wintry edge with dark blooms, floral lace and pretty petal prints all blossoming in the collection of Ginger & Smart, Nicola ­Finetti, C/Meo Collective and Morrison, while Ellery and Kate Sylvester added an oriental flare to their florals.

Designs by Kate Sylvester, Scanlan Theodore, Camilla and Marc, Manning Cartell, Azzedine Alaia and Dion Lee — all from David Jones. Picture: Lucas Dawson

Designers including Bianca Spender, Scanlan Theodore and Arnsdorf ditched the ­florals for girlie gingham dresses, plaid print blazers and graphic tartan coats, all checked off on the runways.

Fashion also drew inspiration from pop culture, giving winter white a feminine makeover with frocks reminiscent of Picnic at Hanging Rock ahead of Foxtel’s new remake, while military influence added an androgynous look to other collections with heavy trenches, khaki pants and berets.

[e-mail]