Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia was a week of highs and lows; of trends unexpected and predictable; designers new and old; swings and misses. Amid all the glitz and glamour, there were a few moments which stood out from the crowd.

Pared Eyewear Breaks the Mould

Sydney-born brand Pared Eyewear has made waves as the first eyewear brand to be a part of the official MBFWA schedule, and this year, they celebrated their fifth MBFWA anniversary with style. In an Instagram post, they explained that their innovative MBFWA showing was designed to showcase their latest collection “in a fun, innovative, and unique way” - and they certainly made good on those promises. Taking place at the grunge-meets-chic Handpicked Wines Cellar Door in Chippendale, Pared’s showing was complete with Starbucks cold drip espressos and hibiscus iced teas, a selection of Handpicked’s best wines and the endless cheese platter of my dreams. Their latest collection was scattered throughout the room for guests to admire - and of course, to take selfies with - and included fun and modern collaborations with brands like Holly Ryan, Bec + Bridge, The Salty Blonde and more. The standout moment, of course, was the performative demonstration of their sunglasses to the fantastic tune of Madonna’s iconic song Vogue. The mingling attendees were dazzled by the performative fun of the showing, cheering as five models stood in white boxes - all the attention focused on their extra-blushed faces and the pairs of glasses they put on in time with their voguing. The fun and quirky presentation, choreographed by Matthew Gode, captured the brand’s playful heart, and was a fantastic demonstration of how brands can always go an extra step to push the traditional bounds of how MBFWA should look.

FDS Innovators Present the Unexpected

One of the most exciting aspects of Fashion Week is the opportunity to be a first-hand witness to the latest in trends and cutting-edge fashion that pushes boundaries and breaks rules. The TAFE FDS The Innovators show exemplified this aspect in full; with their second-day runway featuring six up-and-comers in the local fashion industry. There’s something especially exciting about fresh faces: something bold and experimental and ingenious. There was a reason why the energy in Carriageworks’ Gallery II before and throughout the runway felt electric - we all knew what we were witnessing; the launchpad of six brilliant careers from six fantastic designers. Highlights included thigh high, golden-yellow boots by Jinay, a gemstone-emblazoned flared suit styled to perfection for label Mi’an’Mar and a selection of delicately beaded sheer blouses and skirts by George Habibeh. For a full rundown, check out our piece HERE.

Tranquil Trends at Double Rainbouu

As usual, MBFWA featured a number of shows that took place at offsite locations, from Luna Park to Bondi Icebergs. By removing themselves from MBFWA’s home of Carriageworks, with its exposed beams, cavernous warehouses and rustic brick walls, those designers took something of a risk - and not all of those risks paid off. But one particular offsite show managed to exceed all expectations, with a combination of expert designs and an on-brand location. Double Rainbouu’s United Colours of Rainbouu Resort 20 show took over Darling Harbour’s Chinese Garden of Friendship for a stunning evening show which challenged the very notion of the traditional runway. Scattered around the koi-filled lake, the trickling waterfalls and the lush greenery, models were perched on benches and rocks; leaning against pillars; standing just off the path; like beautiful accessories to the garden itself. Guests were guided around the presentation and immersed completely in the tranquil utopia of Double Rainbouu, which fit right in to the garden surroundings. Not only was the experience of the showing top-notch, but the collection displayed was also fresh, on-trend, and true to Double Rainbouu’s pre-existing brand identity. Click HERE to read our full review.