By Keeva Stratton
Having spent over ten years as a regular feature of the Australian fashion scene, Ruby Smallbone has gained both a strong and loyal local following. This support was evident when her latest collection ‘Il Valiero’ was released today in front of a packed house at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.
The collection began with elements of her signature contrasting style – triangular shapes were formed through the juxtaposition of prints against solid fabrics. Jackets with cropped sleeves and tailored shorts over tights embodied casual chic, and by using a warm palette of blacks, mushrooms, nutmeg, reds and ivory, you got a real feeling of summer – even on such a cold night.
The collection was both form fitting and feminine. Short skirts, cutouts, crossed backs, lace and leggings gave it a sexy edge. Draped silk and gathering featured in the short evening dresses, which added a real element of class. Following such a display of refinement, Smallbone’s diversity as a designer was confirmed with a series of wild dresses that appeared to have been shredded. This heightened drama offered the perfect end to a show that offered a vast range of looks.
Australian supermodel Alyssa Sutherland, April Rose Pengilly (daughter of rock legend Kirk Pengilly), former Australian model Annalise Braakensiek, and RESCU’s own guest blogger and makeup superstar Napoleon Perdis, made up the front row. And when Smallbone greeted the crowd at the close there was a real sense of warmth and appreciation for this consistent figure of Australian fashion.