Skin-Baring Sensations, Denim Delight, and Big Sunglasses: A Recap of Australian Fashion Week’s Hottest Trends
YouKhana Runway, Source - Getty Images
May, a fashion fanatics' favourite month of the year, is wrapping up following the 27th Annual Australian Fashion Week.
Through the vibrant assemblage of celebrities, industry luminaries, and a crowd of ever-so fashionable social media influencers had ample opportunities to show off their best looks so that all of us stuck at home could imagine ourselves in their place.
Our favourite brands Aje, St Agni, Anna Quan, and Bec & Bridge were among the brands showing this year alongside the gracious welcoming of some fresh faces including Wackie Ju, Haulier, and Joseph & James.
The week started with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country that was led by Brendan Kerin from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council before industry aficionados made their way to the first of many runway shows of the week, Lesleigh Jermanus’s ‘Alémais’.
If you’re like us, we’re sure you were also sat, keen-eyed, keeping up to date with all the street style looks emerging from the infamous event location, Carriageworks, it is undeniable how much we love seeing the diverse interpretations everyone creates compared to one another.
Here are our top 3 favourite style trends that we spotted from our couch during the 2023 Australia Fashion Week:
Skin Baring
In a time where the #freethenipple movement is ever-so-present, skin-baring designs were seen on every corner during the week, our favourite look being designer Anna Quan’s bejewelled white naked dress.
Designer - Anna Quan, Source - Getty Images
Double Denim
There’s no denying that the infamous double denim look was everywhere during AAFW. Showing no signs of going out of style, jackets, jorts, maxi skirts, and bodices were seen alongside denim rosettes, attendees were having fun with their denim and you best believe it has inspired us to continue doubling down on our denim.
Aje Resort 24’ Collection, Source - Getty Images
Overzealous Sunglasses
It’s time to set aside those minuscule spectacles and unleash the allure of your beloved bug-eyed lenses.
Newcomer LADYPWRZ Graced the scenes with fashion favourites like celebrity fashion stylist Jamie Azzopardi starting the industry's favourite week in an all-pink ensemble paired with LADYPWRZ's Malibu Barbie Sunblocks. The Melbourne-based brand launched in 2023, is designed for daringly bold and creative people who love to stand out from the crowd through their style, this is a small-Australian business to look out for in the future.
Jamie Azzopardi wearing Lady PWRZ, Source - @lemonslens _
Among the groundbreaking fashion movements emerging from Carriageworks, one particular highlight that holds a special place in my heart is Alcer’s mesmerising jewellery line and sculptural collection!
Alcer, the renowned fashion brand, enthralled audiences with the unveiling of their latest jewellery collection, contemplating their exquisite sculptural collection. The Resort ‘24 collection exuded an awe-inspiring aura, paying homage to the artistry of fine textiles and impeccable draping. The runway became a stage of elegance with vintage chandeliers casting a soft glow, enhancing the opulence of the grand balcony and staircase, the sites were quite literally, breathtaking.
Designer - Acler, Source - Getty Images
Another undeniably unforgettable moment from AAFW was the debut show for YouKhana. The audience was left in awe as designer Nathaniel Youkahana showcased the true artistic nature of fashion, despite the beauty and intricate craftsmanship of the pieces, the show itself broke away from exclusivity and stiffness.
Designer - Youkhana, Source - Getty Images
It is undeniable that this show was one of the most vibrant and community-driven shows of the week, drawing enthusiastic fashion who vibed with the electrifying runway experience. The pumping soundtrack, fierce models, and overall visual display created a truly iconic atmosphere!
As always, Australian Fashion Week was full of brash, bold, and buoyant looks that captivated a display of style and creativity like no other. Showcasing the hottest upcoming trends, AAFW has left all fashion enthusiasts eager for more!
From skin-baring designs that embraced body positivity to the timeless appeal of double denim, the week celebrated brands of all sizes from industry favourite to new kids on the block. We can’t wait for next year!