Fashion weekend is Australia’s answer to the trade fairs of Europe, it is an industry presentation and a shopping experience rolled into one big hall of fun. For three nights and three days Sydney’s Royal Hall of Industries becomes a hub of fashion, cosmetics, technology and wine…what more could we possibly ask for. Over one hundred and twenty labels set up their individual stands, lining them with little trinkets and interior design pieces that reflect their labels identity
Beauty bars from make-up to GHD hair and Essie nail bar splice up the fashion action, offering make over’s and hair styling to go with your brand new outfit. There is even a, Hypoxi bar, where you can design your body, it certainly looked intriguing and the concept was good, but the closed in tunnel appeared a little daunting. The Tempus Two wine bar seemed like a much more comforting choice.

Thursday night, the 12th of November, saw the opening of the event with three parades, which will continue to run throughout the weekend, to the theme of a summers day. It begins with Beach Days, parading the seasons sizzling swimsuit silhouettes before unveiling the myriad of vibrant colourways, prints and pretty day dresses for the Long Summer Days. The final parade moves on into those Hot Summer Nights, featuring industry favourites including Marnie Skillings, Natasha and Nicola Finetti, who all display their best, ‘off into the sunset’ outfits.

Nicola Finetti

Nicola Finetti’s stand out, structurally detailed little black dress, closed the evening completing the summer journey from the cultural staple, swimwear, to traditional elegance with a contemporary twist.

The weekend is a banner under which every label within our vast industry is welcome, from the up and coming to the well and truly established. There are great bargains available yes, but the true value of this event is in the opportunity it provides for designers to showcase their label to the public as well as to the industry. It is a rare opportunity to see every facet of the industry lined up next to each other in a harmonious presentation of varied creation.

Rhiannon x.

Photography. Yann Audic

Video. UnseenTV