Australia fashion week 2022: 10 key shows

There were more than 50 shows and presentations at Australian fashion week, but which clothes will actually make it into our closets? We asked the people who make the decision – fashion buyers from Australia and abroad – for their top picks of the week. Their choices range from sleek swimwear and lightweight tailoring to party season options for guests on wedding circuit and exhibitionist at the club. Spyridon Gogos

‘Designer Jordan Gogos has a unique point of view about what fashion design is – and could be. The theatrics felt perfectly part of the overall presentation, not introduced merely for dramatic effect. The location at the Powerhouse museum was a highlight and the collection was a certainly a step forward from his show last year. The fits on the garments were well-considered, particularly given the diverse cast of models who wore them.’ – Eva Galambos, Parlour X

Photograph: Rex/Shutterstock

Esse Studios

‘Designer Charlotte Hicks incorporated pieces from the past four years, encouraging us to rethink our approach to newness. She feels strongly that [clothes] should stand the test of time and should be passed down to future generations, and the overall aesthetic was elegant and refined. This was also reflected in the location at the Opera House. A Grecian, elegant one shoulder dress in a burgundy silk chiffon was a standout, and I also loved the contrast of the finale look: a sheer top and sequin embroidered overlay skirt. It felt very special.’- Lisa Ruffle, Moda Operandi (US)

Composite: Mark Metcalfe/Getty images

Michael Lo Sordo

‘I loved the glamour, sexiness and versatility of the tailoring, mixed with the beautiful diamanté finishing on the straps. The use of embellishment was almost seamless, delivering garments that could be classified as jewellery.’Bridget Veals, David Jones (Australia)

Photograph: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Romance Was Born

‘Always a highlight for me on the Australian Fashion Week schedule – Anna [Plunkett] and Luke’s [Sales] talent is boundless. This collection was particularly polished, cohesive, and immaculately styled. Held in the Ken Done gallery, thanks to their collaboration with the artist, it was refreshing and a nice break to have a gallery presentation.’- Eva Galambos, Parlour X (Australia)

Composite: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Bianca Spender

‘Beautiful bold colours and pastels, which was really refreshing to see. The inclusion of contemporary dancers masquerading as models aligned so perfectly with the feel of the collection. The dancers were so seamlessly integrated into the show, representing the fluid movement of the collection. It was confident, elegant and sophisticated and I particularly loved the silk suiting and backless satin dresses.’ – Bridget Veals, David Jones

Photograph: James Gourley/AAP

Erik-Yvon

‘I was captivated by the casting and mesmerised by the genuine joy and celebration of both the models and guests. Each model really owned their outfit and wore it with pride and confidence. It was inspiring to see all shapes, ages, bodies, personalities and backgrounds celebrated in such a natural way, where everyone was truly comfortable, included and empowered. The aesthetic was club kid meets Rainbow Bright, in the best possible way. The pieces that appealed to me included the rainbow mesh and jersey dresses, as well as the sunset hued knitwear.’ – Holly Tenser, Browns (UK)

Photograph: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images

Matteau

‘Matteau founders Peta [Heinsen] and Ilona [Hamer] have such a clear vision for their customer. It was lovely to see their take on bold prints, as it can be hard to find print for minimalists, but they were presented and executed in such a chic, pared back way. The collection felt designed for real women of different shapes and sizes and catered to every element of their wardrobes. Each garment felt easy to wear and elegant. I loved the khaki cargo pants and the black beach-to-bar dresses but my favourite look was the polka dot finale gown.’ – Jenni Thompson, Matches Fashion (UK)

Composite: Stefan Gosatti/Dan Himbrechts/EPA/Getty images

Wynn Hamlyn

‘Distinct, edgy and fun but at the same time, very wearable. The collection struck a great balance of forward-thinking design with commercial pieces and there was a fantastic amount of bold colour. It felt like the type of international designer runway you would expect to find at Paris or London Fashion Week and the location worked with the pieces.’ – Eva Galambos, Parlour X

Photograph: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

St Agni

‘[A] spin on the clean 90s – reminiscent of Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow back in the day. The aesthetic was minimalist, with plenty of monochromatic staples. Standout moments included the sophisticated white tailored short suit and the grey sheer slip dress, as well as the cut-out open back detailing on tops and dresses, all made from knitwear that has an exceptional hand-feel.’- Holly Tenser, Browns

Photograph: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Aje

‘This collection had so many looks that cater to women on the wedding guest circuit – dresses and separates that feel sophisticated, yet still young and fun. There were also fantastic options for brides. It was an elevation of their evening offering that didn’t veer too far from the whimsy and femininity the brand is known for. This show fits into the category we like to refer to as “True Cruise” at Moda: bright colours, bold prints, fun silhouettes – all with an ease that makes their pieces irresistible to the client who is always jetting off on vacation.’ – Lisa Ruffle, Moda Operandi

Photograph: Mark Nolan/Getty Images