It was an epic battle in the long-running store wars with both David Jones and Myer holding their spring/summer launches last week. The two gatherings brought out celebrities, media and VIPs in their best fashion fatigues, while they did their best to keep fashion fatigue at bay.
By Glynis Traill-Nash
David Jones launched the first attack, with a model army that fell in behind ambassador Miranda Kerr that included international sensation Julia Nobis, Jess Gomes, Montana Cox, Louise van de Vorst and Samantha Harris. When they lined up for the finale in Romance Was Born’s Marvel comics-inspired collection, it was like a row of super-attractive superheros – the department store’s secret weapons of mass attraction?
Instead of a stealth follow-up, Myer went all-out on spectacle, with an elaborate set and production that alluded to the store’s catalogue shoot in South Africa. A rope curtain hung above the circular catwalk, and four-star brand general Jennifer Hawkins led the first brigade out in one-off designs by designers including Toni Maticevski, Fleur Wood and Jayson Brunsdon, created from fabrics sourced in South Africa. The show finished with a live performance by Emma Louise, African drummers and waiters hitting the catwalk bearing trays of refreshments.
Once both battles were over, it was clear that the winners this season would be shoppers. Here are the top trends to help you plan your new season wardrobe.
Prints
If there is one overriding trend this spring/summer, it is prints. And there are two distinct ways of approaching it: clashed or matched.
If you’re new to matching top and bottoms, a printed suit is a great starting point, and you’ll find great options from Thurley’s near-neon floral (pictured) to Lover’s black and white floral. Designers including Gary Bigeni, Ellery, Manning Cartell, YB J’Aime and C&M would ask you to consider matching tops, jackets or shirts with their corresponding trousers, shorts or skirts.
For the more adventurous, you can clash prints – although it’s always worth keeping colour tones and the size of prints in a similar vein when attempting this. For inspiration, look to Jac + Jack, Camilla, Cue and Fleur Wood.
Florals
Of course, within the print category, florals are in full bloom this season. Josh Goot and Cue are embracing orchids; Zimmermann and Fleur Wood (pictured) offer more delicate varieties; Trelise Cooper and Kirrily Johnston are going bold; Akira has Japanese-inspired florals; and tropical prints are on available from Lisa Ho and Morrison.
Peplums
After prints, one of the key items this season is anything with a peplum. Love them or hate them, they’re here for a little while yet. There are varying degrees of peplum, from the very pert and verandah-like to softer variations; some kick out from tops and jackets, while others are found on dresses and skirts. You’ll find them from labels including Scanlan & Theodore, Nicola Finetti (pictured), Alice McCall and Romance Was Born.
Colour
Spring is traditionally the colourful following to the sombre tones of winter, and never more so than this coming season. You can go bold and bright, or be pretty in pastels. Look to Willow for tangerine, Bassike for sunflower, Kirrily Johnston and Carl Kapp (pictured) for fuchsia, Kate Sylvester for emerald and Morrison for deep blues.
Swimwear
Of course, a new swimsuit means that summer is really (or nearly) here. A one-piece is still a great option, whether ruffled, strapless or with cut-outs, but bikinis are more ubiquitous. Jets has glamour in abundance, in metallic Old Hollywood twist-front one-pieces, or bikinis with fringing and sequins.
But prints, again, are all over swimwear, with florals still leading the way. Animal prints, however, are having a real moment. Cozi by Jennifer Hawkins (pictured) is loving leopard print (Isola by Megan Gale adds some florals to leopard), Zimmermann has snakeprint, while We Are Handsome features zebras – including the animal behind the print.
