David Jones launches a chic winter wonderland

A WHIMSICAL enchanted forest set the scene for the glamorous David Jones autumn winter collections launch tonight.

Gomes

A WHIMSICAL enchanted forest set the scene for the glamorous David Jones autumn winter collections launch tonight.

Models emerged from a giant antique cupboard to reveal the latest looks for the new season in front of a 300-strong VIP crowd at the On Seven space in the department store's flagship Sydney store.

Jessica Gomes at the David Jones autunm/winter fashion launch.

Guests, including Great Gatsby star Elizabeth Debicki, actors Rachel Griffith and Jessica Marais, along with first daughters Frances and Bridget Abbott, took fancied front-row seats in the theatrical wonderland reminiscent of a Tim Burton film.

David Jones ambassador Jessica Gomes opened the show in a figure-hugging red skirt and textured black cape from Ginger & Smart. She went on to wow the crowd in a flamenco-style leopard-print Zimmerman dress before closing the show in a full-length black Camilla and Marc gown.

DJ launch a chic winter wonderland

"The finale ball gown is so beautiful and chic, the leopard print was great as well," Gomes said.

Youth ambassador Montana Cox was stunning in black Michael Lo Sordo cut-out dress and baby pink coat, while fellow male ambassador Jason Dundas showed the lads how to dress for the new season in clean-cut pants, coats and suits.

Model Samantha Harris showcases designs by Collette Dinnigan at the David Jones autumn/winter fashion launch. Picture: Thorne...

While black is a perennial favourite for winter, shades of grey, crisp white and pops of pink, red and cobalt blue were seen across the more than 200 looks on display.

Newcomers to the David Jones stable Michael Lo Sordo and Christopher Esber impressed, along with Nicola Finetti showing his first collection since defecting from Myer.

Alex Perry was noticeably absent from the show despite his collection being available in-store until August when his deal with the department store ends.

Samantha Harris at the David Jones autumn/winter launch. Picture: Getty Images

It was also the final ready-to-wear collection for iconic designer Collette Dinnigan, who announced in October last year she would be closing her business.

Without Perry and Dinnigan's evening wear there were none of the show-stopping gowns we have seen in previous years, more a consistent runway of wearable and appealing pieces.

The autumn winter fashion extravaganza is a week ahead of last year and three weeks ahead of rival Myer.

Jessica Gomes models for the David Jones autumn/winter fashion launch. Picture: Getty Images

As such, the runway reflected the current warm conditions and was dominated by lighter transeasonal looks that could be bought and worn today.

Animal prints and rich hued florals, leather and lace, embellishment and ingenuous cutouts, as well as sexy feminine silhouettes are all going to be strong glamour trends for the new season.

While denim and soft luxurious knits from casual wear leaders, such as Bassike and Jac and Jack, will be coveted items come the cooler conditions.