The launch of Myer’s autumn/winter range last week left us wanting to do two things: watch Saturday Night Fever and go shopping — not necessarily in that order.


The procession of dazzling disco-inspired pieces and ladylike silhouettes in all manner of leather, lurex and lace in the Melbourne store’s opulent Mural Hall was, above all, eminently wearable (the same cannot be said of a good many catwalk shows). And wearable most certainly doesn’t have to mean daggy duds, muumuus and tracky dacks.

Winter fashion is just a little bit more egalitarian than barely- there summer wear: it flatters all kinds of body types and doesn’t exclude the very large proportion of us who cannot or should not bare our torso or reveal even a hint of lower butt cleavage.

Sure, we concede it was Jennifer Hawkins cantering down the catwalk in those fitted white Toni Maticevski flares but the cut and the luxurious fabric means they’ll look almost as good on all those of us with slightly less equine pins. The rest of his opening chapter of the show was equally compelling — most notably a white embroidered frock with a voluminous skirt, which is our tip for the sold-out-before-it’s-rolled-out item of the season.

Yeojin Bae conjured some major American Hustle/Studio 54 raunchy glamour with a form-fitting dress featuring audacious side cut-outs. Not for those with a faint heart — or a paunch.

Yeojin Bae's fitting dress with side cut-outs & Aurelio Costarella's Dauphin dress.


Local gem Aurelio Costarella’s Dauphin dress, with a deep V-neck, circle skirt and a hint of magenta on the inner hem, was the ultimate example of trans-seasonal glamour, and his floaty watercolour-print dresses — a bustier version and one with balloon sleeves — were another winter must-have.

Sass & Bide appeared to make something of a departure from their usual heavily- structured repertoire with an emerald kimono- style wrap contrasted with leather skinny pants. The rest of the range was classic S&B, with chest-baring peplum bodices and close fits.

Young Sydney designer Johnny Schembri perpetuated his fondness for bonded crepe and mesh with a series of edgy designs, including another play on the motorcycle jacket. The By Johnny range sits at the more affordable end of Myer’s designer price range.

Hawko wowed in a yellow print jumpsuit by Arthur Galan AGS, whose winter range features lots of tone and texture: primary colours, leather, chiffon and ruffles. Jayson Brunsdon’s brocade suiting, including fabulous form-fitting, flared high-waisted pants, a matching vest and a rocking silver jacket, was pure 70s. Cool.

From the international designers, the stand-out for us was the super- elegant London-based label Preen (and a spectacular Christopher Kane leather biker jacket).

Cue has also picked up on the 70s vibe that was on display overseas late last year, with patterned tunics, faux fur, flares and jumpsuits, while Karen Walker’s cute, casual gear naturally fitted into that retro space.

The same goes for her compatriot, New Zealander Kate Sylvester, whose teal leather tie-waist dress had all the sparkle of a vintage store diamond with the new-car smell. She also featured loads of prints, including paisley — which is enjoying a long-deserved comeback.

Kylie Radford and Richard Poulson were there to see their Morrison label feature almost at the climax of the show. Their easy style translated beautifully into culottes, draping knits and topnotch tees.

The show finished with an Alex Perry extravaganza, featuring no fewer than 17 dresses. There was everything from a prom-style gown through to mini flip skirts and a gold gown sporting an enormous bow. Gorgeous Perth model Tiah Eckhardt brought some sexy curves to the catwalk, and looked fabulous in a plunging black Perry number.

Alex Perry's gold gown.


Most of the shoes in the show were high spikes by Tony Bianco and, thankfully, there will be plenty of pointy toes around once summer rounds out.

The autumn/winter designer range by Myer is instore now, see myer.com.au.

 

Images:http://www.myer.com.au/shop/mystore/women

 

© The West Australian

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