Words by Rebecca Dale
Adelaide fashion festival has ended, the blush veil has fallen. Mandarin and peach coloured
Mercedes-Benz left Torrens Parade Grounds leaving trails of the past week, resonating
smoke from the past week of joyous events celebrating South Australian fashion labels.
The festival began on a cold wednesday evening, the wind pushed against the white
marquee protecting the guests from is harsh touch. Luckily, the wonderful McCafe served
guests with free coffee, hot chocolates and delicious macaroons.
Excitement filled the air while we waited for the doors to open and let us join Paolo
Sebastian’s interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. At 5:30pm, once everyone had
taken their seats, the Adelaide symphony orchestra started. Laying out the scene,
rhythmically the models came into light, dressed intricately as if she walked from the 1890s
Russia. Gracefulling gliding down the runway. Paul Vastiff’s intricate designs and
imagination come to life, the The Atlier’s seamstressing handwork. One after another the
models enchanted the audience with their increible gowns, outlining different themes within
the nutcracker. The orchestra transported you into a magical world, the fabrics came to life
and the atmosphere tasted like honeydew. Unlike other years where the Paolo Sebastian
collection has been met on the runway with fanciful decorations whisking you away into paul
vastiffs imagination. This year the runway was simple and empty, but this only empowered
the dress to contrast with the boring surrounding, the couture was the focus and there was
no disappointment there. Although i was excited to see the runway dressed up, laced with
trees and rose petals such as the past years. Paolo Sebastian’s 2018-19 AW Couture
collection was breathtaking, Adelaide symphony orchestra only enhanced the experience to
an extent i cannot describe.
Once the show ended, we were herded back to the white Marquee, the bass thumping
through our veins and the bright lights dragging us back to the real world. We’re not in the
19th century russia and we can’t just walk around in delicate fabrics that barely hide womens
nipples. Luckily to help ease the pain, Wicks Estate and 2KW bar were there to help with
their spectacular concoctions inspired by the festival. A glass room situated in the centre of
the marquee, filled with silver and rose coloured balloons, guest lined up to have their
photograph professionally amongst them. Situated next to the packed hair and beauty salon
was the vibrant orange Mercedes-Benz 4WD, driven onto a foot of sand. It’s a mystery how it
got there. But nonetheless, Adelaide Fashion Festival really outdid themselves this year.
Couture Culture presented by Burnside Village, started off Thursday the 18th of October,
elegantly gracing the runway, the handpicked models glazed the stage in stunning gowns
from Australian Couture labels. Fillipwithanf handpicked the beats, thumping through our
veins, on the edge of our seats to see the next design appearing from the mist. Caleche
Bridal premiered their new collection, a SA based designer with a passion for classic bridal
enhanced for the modern woman. Lace dripped from the runway, modest but fierce couture,
buttons, collars, and pockets. Greta Kate with her elegant stylised collection. Atelier Milano
took us back to 17th century Italy, with bold colours, puffy sleeves, floral embroidery and
large headpieces, perfect for a picnic by the Arno river on a bright summer day.
The lights dimmed once again and the screen lit up with Couture+Love+Madness. Slowly
delicate designs floated around the room, showcasing Cristina Tridente’s new collection.
Intricate floral designs dripped from te gowns, illuminating the beauty of nature and the
human body. Exciting yet daring designs of seemingly dismantled and redesigned vintage
dress took the runway.
As a finale for the Couture Culture show, Cristina Tridente showed her new label within
Couture+Love+Madness, tridente. The face of AFF, Hollie from Finesse Models floated
down the runway in Cristinas “cloud” dress, strategically sewed cloth so it captures the wind
as Hollie walks. The dress blows up mystifying the viewers, model after model waltzed
wearing brightly coloured “cloud’ couture, each with different shape and fitting. The texture
and vibrations of the “cloud” captivated the audience leaving many in a trance. When the last
model was engulfed in mist the lights turned on and the guests started to filter out. But i was
stuck. Lost in that moment of tranquility and artistry, i can’t describe the feeling. Just like
mist, my memory faded and the show blurred into one as if i was waking up from a dream. I
longed for the lights to dim and be transported back into the world of couture, love, and
madness.
After maybe a few too many coffees, we were back in the seats, dim blue lights blurring my
vision. The SA designer showcase, was exalted up and coming talent. Artists from all around
South Australia came and demonstrated australia rich talent. The collections all enlightened
a new feature of the state we all love, embracing our culture and hunger for fashion. Starting
off with Athleisure themed designs, gym and couch ready clothes with some futuristic
sunglasses. Stephanie Chehade, with her revolutionary style for the chic city girl. Harvey the
label, brightly coloured and elegant. Daisy Says the label, with simplictics and dainty polka
dots and frills. Tiff Manuell, bright abstract prints all handpainted, handmade and one of a
kind.Georgy Collection, powerful looks with a sexy edge. ALPHA-BE, Australian Fashion
Label, innocent and floral designs, with frills. Julie white, tropical and exciting unisex prints.
Robbieingo, everything pink, white and beach ready. Binny, stole the show with their swee
illustrations and garden styled clothes. Creative headpieces from Mimi-jane Millinery, From
rompers to swimwear, the showcase had our wardrobe set, not an item of clothing i wouldn’t
wear. Truly this showcase has proven the value of supporting local designers and artistry
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