Walking into Gallery One at Carriageworks for Tigerlily’s Resort 2020 was a breath of fresh air - stepping from the hot early-afternoon sun into the vast, nearly empty warehouse. At the centre of the space was a brightly lit runway, filled with abstract white sculptures and lush green plants. A sounds-of-nature soundtrack accompanied the scene, as guests filled the room, taking up the limited seats and spilling into standing areas.

The wide runway was somewhat no-frills; taking place directly on the concrete floor which had a rain-soaked effect created by set designer Benjamin Fountain. San Pellegrino-touting waiters circled the floor until all were seated and the lights dimmed. From the far corner of the space, a model approached, and as she hit the main catwalk, the lights flared back up and the show by Creative Director and stylist Jolyon Mason began.

Aloha State was a celebration of everything Tigerlily does best: resort wear in bright, fresh colours and pretty prints. Linens and florals featured heavily, as did flowing pants, frilled skirts and woven accessories including oversized bags and hats. Personal favourites included macrame skirts and dresses, a pastel yellow co-ord set and a simplistic yet perfectly tailored hot pink suit. The designs aren’t necessarily groundbreaking for the well-established brand, but it’s their signature style, and as usual, it doesn’t disappoint - although I’ll admit I was saddened by the lack of any iconic Tigerlily swimwear.

The models were styled with dewy faces and accented blushing cheeks by makeup director Lara Srokowski and wet-looking hair by John Pulitano, to match the set of the runway without detracting from the garments. Booming, surprisingly bass-heavy music by Gary Sinclair accompanied the runway presentation, but suffered from sometimes clunky mixing and editing, and perhaps didn’t always match the “prettiness” of the designs on display.

When it comes down to it, there’s a beauty in perfecting and then sticking to your own style and brand, and Tigerlily has accomplished that well in their Resort 20 show. It’s a successful welcome back to the brand’s partnership with MBFWA after a seventeen year break, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.