Last week, our fashion editor Emma Riemersma jet-setted to Sydney to experience firsthand the best in Australian fashion for Australian Fashion Week.

Models on the runway during the Blanca show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023 at Carriageworks on May 18, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for AAFW)

Amidst all the beauty and glamour, I was inspired by the conscious effort of designers to be carving out a path of creativity and striving for a more sustainable direction in their business.

The energy was infectious from the expressive street style of everyone who had come from far and wide.

It is a creative feast for the senses to take you on each designer’s journey, baring their heart and soul to present the incredible number of hours of blood, sweat and tears.

Let me take you behind the scenes for a few special moments.

Sea of dreams

Revealed off-site, Joslin’s Resort ’24 Cirrus collection showcased joyful colour and chic elegance with an unmistakable alluring holiday vibe. All this beauty and romance effortlessly unfolded among the elements on the scenic promenade at the Clovelly Ocean Pool. This location was truly an unforgettable Sydney moment.

Inspiring installation

As a lover of all beautiful design and with a passion for interiors, I was struck as I walked into the large industrial space at Carriageworks by the wood concertina-like dividers, chic minimal furniture and vessels. Some pieces were artfully tied with rope, perfectly contained and lining the runway, staged and designed by the incredible Kirsten Stanwix Bookallil. Models wandered down the runway in a state of summery bliss draped in delicate sage, apricot, powder blue and cream. Blanca are the masters of style and comfort with linen tailoring, relaxed oversized shirting and separates designed to mix and match to build your ultimate summer wardrobe.

Proudly made in Australia

On the WeWearAustralian x Afterpay runway, it was so wonderful to see Adelaide-based Katya Komarova and her bags in the designer showcase. The runway was styled by Jess Pecoraro and organised by Showroom X, which represents Katya Komarova as a brand on their all-Australian made retail platform. Photographed by Kolmin Photography. Katya photographed with Olga Bryukhovets, designer of the brand band OSSOM included in the first nations runway. The runway outfit features Jasmin Alexa shirt, Remuse top and Aaizel pant and Katya Komarova’s bag ‘Logo Basket’Bag.

What I wore

For Fashion Week, I stayed true to my style, but embraced a little more creativity and most importantly, I wore some of my favourite South Australian designers. Here (above) with friend and fellow stylist Cimon Vozzo in Sunset lover, Acler and Adelaide’s House of Campbell (styled with Camilla with Love belt). I loved styling my outfits with the effortless jewellery from Epsilon. Thinking back my outfits, they were very tame as some of the street style of the attendees looked like they were off to Coachella!

Sketch book to fruition

Set across multiple spaces within the House of Macgraw in an iconic slice of Paddington, a retrospective exhibition acknowledges iconic looks and moments from the brand’s 10-year history. New collection Samantha embodies Macgraw’s signature take on ladylike nostalgia with a completely modern attitude. I love the opportunity to see the raw sketches from the minds of talented sisters, Beth and Tessa. “This collection defines what is important to us, and our customer – making thoughtfully in Australia, sketching our collections free hand with purpose, developing and innovating new fabric and never over supplying through making only what we need. We’re continuing to refine our seasonless and refined production model, of course this is always done with a sparkly pair of heels and a twinkle in the eye.”

Discerning details

One of my main motivations to head over to Sydney for AAFW was to see Adelaide’s darling fashion label Acler launch their resort ‘24 collection after a five-year hiatus from
Fashion Week. We were greeted with an installation and an insight into the meticulous couture techniques of their masterful drapery and construction in calico form on mannequins where you could appreciate the thought process of every pleat. It felt like I was floating into the magical space, an old locomotive workshop renovated with vintage chandeliers, elegant staircase, with bespoke details in marble and gold. I was touched by the thoughtfulness and authenticity of the welcome to country from Aunty Joan Bell of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. To a chic Parisian soundtrack, one by one, each model came down the stairs and every garment blew their guests away, undoubtedly an outfit for any mood for anybody, even ready to wear for your wedding.

Adelaide represents

It was great to see friend of SALIFE Adelaide model Tayla Shaw from SA’s Finesse Models Australia strut her stuff on the runway for ALÉMAIS’. Nina Junin, evo head of brand and team from Adelaide were working hard behind the scene to create the contemporary hair looks with a strong ’80s influence. “Working with the beautiful evo haircare and styling range has enabled me to create these dynamic Bowie inspired yet modern and contemporary looks for ALÉMAIS’ opening show,” says the show’s hair director, Paloma Garcia.