The David Jones Spring Summer fashion launch was set to be an event filled with glamour, frivolity… and swimwear- and it certainly did not disappoint!
The event marked the debut of Jessica Gomes as the new face of David Jones, stepping into some pretty big shoes after the success of Miranda Kerr. But Gomes absolutely sizzled on the runway, finishing the Camilla show in a show-stopping jewel encrusted leopard print full piece, as well as walking for swimwear labels Isola and Jets, which showed off her killer curves splendidly.
In attendance were Gary Pepper Girl Nicole Warne and Lara Bingle, as well as Australia’s leading fashion editors and stylists.
Presenting collections at the launch were host of emerging designers and respected fashion names including Ellery, Josh Goot, Dion Lee, Carla Zampatti, Akira, Collette Dinnigan, and Alex Perry, along with swimwear by Isola, Zimmermann Swim, Jets and We Are Handsome.
Stand-Out Trends for Spring Summer
White on White on White
Yep, time to invest in some NapiSan quick- white is white hot this summer. The trend found its way into Collette Dinnigan’s collection in classic, drop waisted and lace dresses, and at Willow in swishy, romantic chiffon gowns. At Lover, the skater dress got a luxe makeover, in intricate lace, whereas at Bassike the order of the day was refined casual, with gentle cotton basics. Alice McCall decorated her white dresses with psychedelic swirls and lots of flouncy layers. The summer neutral.
Embellishment:
Whether it was girly and fun, with sequins and sparkle, as at Bianca Spender, or high glamour, as at Rachel Gilbert and Collette Dinnigan, bling will be a big thing next season. Camilla, queen of the goddess kaftan of course did it best, with sequins and jewels encrusting her glorious pieces, which extended from the vibrant prints we know and love, to a more refined and demure colour palette of rainforest greens and softer pastels. But there was still a lot of drama. The bold maxi dress with jewel-encrusted bodice and the bejewelled leopard print swimsuits that Gomes strode out in the final moments were exquisite and oh so Sydney.
Cut-Outs
The perfect way to show some skin without giving it all away, cut-outs appeared everywhere. At Alex Perry the cut-outs were subtle and ladylike, adding a little extra something to the sexy black dresses. At Dion Lee, they were razor sharp and dramatic, much like the cut of the modern, utilitarian dresses and suits. At Jets, full-piece swimsuits featured zig-zag cut-outs that added a sexy edge, carrying on from the trend for clever detailing in full-piece swimwear over teeny-tiny bikinis.
Bold Prints
Eastern-influenced and refined at Ellery, bright and bohemian at Camilla, and a candy-coloured keleidascope at Romance Was Born, prints will be everywhere this Spring/Summer- all you have to do is decide what works for you! Ginger and Smart featured some peppy geometric florals, as did Eastern Pearson, with bold graphic patterns in orange and navy. Akira used simple sketched florals to adorn his breezy summer dresses, whilst We Are Handsome debuted new variations of their uber cool tiger face screen prints- on swimwear and chiffon shift dresses. At Zimmermann, both bikinis and tea dresses were realised in hazy, dusky delicate 70s florals that channelled a vintage vibe. Finally, Tigerlily chose the hippy route, with rainbow prints and fringing.
Rescu. Loves:
We absolutely adored the Camilla men, in their blue batik harem pants and voluminous shirts and shorts- so very excited to see these bold looks on the backs of some fashion-forward Sydney men this summer.
One thing we are not so sure about are the birkenstocks, that appeared in black and white at Bassike. Are Birkenstocks an (anti) fashion trend again? We are not so sure about this one…
We are also very excited about Jessica Gomes as the new face of DJs- she has curves, attitude, and she sure knows how to turn heads! Team Gomes. Watch our interview with the super star below…
