Dresses made of cushions, collars like clown costumes and veils that cover your entire head: Bizarre new trends hit the runway at the first show of Australian Fashion Week 2021 – but they ARE Covid-friendly!
- Models walked the runway with faces shrouded in fabric at AAFW on Monday
- The Sydney event was opened by Australian-British designer, Jordan Dalah
- He tacked cushions, quilts and all-over veils onto dresses for his big debut
- Kiwi model Georgia Fowler, 28, appeared with a bizarre backcombed hairstyle
Models with faces shrouded in fabric and bodies weighed down with enormous bows walked the runway at the opening show of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week on Monday.
The 25th annual event at Sydney’s Carriageworks was kicked off by Australian-British designer Jordan Galah, who used wacky distortions of Victorian clothing as inspiration for his striking Resort ’22 collection.
Touted as ‘one to watch’ by industry commentators, the newcomer from Central Saint Martins – London’s most elite fashion school – tacked padded cushions, quilted blankets and full veils that cover the entire head onto dresses for his AFW debut.
Models walked the runway for Jordan Dalah with faces shrouded in fabric and bodies weighed down with enormous bows at the opening Afterpay Australian Fashion Week on Monday
The Australian-British newcomer tacked padded cushions, quilted blankets (pictured) and veiled head coverings onto dresses for his AFW debut
One of the most theatrical pieces was a full body leotard (pictured) that stretches over the head in a style reminiscent of a living playing card from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland
One of the most theatrical pieces was a full-body leotard that stretches over the scalp in a style reminiscent of a living playing card from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.
Other designs looked like modern takes on clown collars and knights’ armour, with heavy chainmail replaced by shimmering silver chiffon.
Since launching his label in 2018, Dalah has played with history – particularly the Tudor and Victorian periods – to create clothing that blurs the lines between fashion and fancy dress.
The up-and-coming star, who trained as an architect before changing career path, is known for his love for costumes and craftsmanship – all evident in his inaugural AFW extravaganza.
Other designs looked like modern takes on clown collars (right) and knights’ armour (left), with heavy chainmail replaced by shimmering silk
Closing the show was Dalah’s muse, Kiwi model Georgia Fowler (pictured), who is expecting her first child with boyfriend, Nathan Dalah, later this year
Models sported bizarre bouffants and gowns that ballooned outwards at the hem
Closing the show was Dalah’s muse, Kiwi model Georgia Fowler, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend, Nathan Dalah, later this year.
The 28-year-old showed no signs of putting her career on pause as she sported a bizarre backcombed bouffant and an equally voluminous floral dress.
The Victoria’s Secret star had her chocolate mane teased within an inch of its life to achieve a towering quiff that commanded attention as she sashayed down the runway.
Fashion designer Camilla Franks (pictured) stunned in a white tuxedo in her first red carpet appearance since having her ovaries removed
Former foreign minister Julie Bishop (pictured) looked chic in a navy blue ensemble with a lace top as she stepped out to attend the show at Carriageworks in Sydney’s Eveleigh
Off the catwalk, former foreign minister Julie Bishop sat in the audience dressed in navy blue trousers and a glittering bell-sleeved top.
The retired politician posed for a photo alongside Vogue Australia Editor Edwina McCann and fashion designer Camilla Franks who was making her first official appearance since having her ovaries removed.
The Celebrity Apprentice star, 44, stunned in a white tuxedo following the lifesaving operation.