Five Things We Learnt From Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2019

Australia’s best and brightest showcased their 2020 resort collections over the past week at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA), and we’re taking notes.

From mainstays such as Aje, Carla Zampatti, Bassike, celebrity favourites Bec + Bridge, to newcomers Matteau, there was certainly much that captivated and excited us about Australian fashion.The 24th edition of MBFWA has signified a maturation of Australian fashion beyond resort wear to luxury and contemporary segments, as we witnessed easy to wear, effortlessly tailored pieces befitting of the relaxed Australian culture.

Here, we highlight the five lessons for summer style from MBFWA that will come in handy on your next summer vacation.

1. Poufy shoulders are as versatile as they are impactful

Balloon shoulder sleeves reigned supreme over at MBFWA. Hansen and Gretel and Aje played with proportions in poufy-sleeved dresses that signalled easy femininity. Over at Lee Matthews, it was mixed in with classic, tailored shirting, and at Alice McCall, a dose of fabulousness was added to the mix. Finally, the pouf shoulder took a dramatic turn in the final black gown at Carla Zampatti. MBFWA has shown that there are plenty of ways to embrace this ultra-feminine aesthetic, and it adds an attention-grabbing element to an otherwise simple outfit.

2. Go minimum for maximum effect

Yet another nod to MBFWA’s effortless practicality is the maxi length outfits that were clearly having a moment on the runway. Ankle grazing skirts were paired with cropped tops that bared their midriffs in elegantly tailored fashion over at Matteau’s runway debut, models sauntered down the runway in slinky color blocked knit dresses at Christopher Esber, while pleated florals at stole the show at Aje.

3. Neon eyeshadow is surprisingly wearable

Now's the time to put down the brown eyeshadow and embrace neon instead. Unconvinced? Just check out Bec & Bridge, where models sported accents of orange and purple neon on the inner and outer corner of their eyes. At P.E. Nation, warm orange tones were spread out across the eyelids and the lower lash lines for a creamy, sun-kissed finish. The secret lies in leaving the rest of your makeup minimal. Complete the look with dewy skin and fluffed up brows.

4. Bucket hats aren’t going anywhere

It's official, the bucket hat is a summer staple. The retro ‘90s classic seen on the runways at NYFW and PFW has now breezed its way into MBFWA at Bassike, Double Rainbouu and Hansen & Gretel. Great for casual daytime attire, the hat adds a dose of millennial cool to any simple outfit.

5. “Barely there” sandals are the optimal summer solution

Is there anything more summer appropriate than slinky, strappy sandals? Wear them from day to night, with wide leg jeans, jumpsuits or pretty summer dresses, as witnessed by the likes of Jonathan Simkhai, Matteau, and Christopher Esber. Chunkier iterations, such as in Lee Matthews and Hensel and Gretel, are also sure to please the coastal-cool crowd.

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