Australian supermodel, Victoria Lee, joined fellow David Jones ambassador Jessica Gomes on Wednesday afternoon at a rehearsal for the eagerly anticipated Autumn/Winter 2018 Collections launch in Sydney.
The stunning duo stormed the catwalk at the Australian Technology Park alongside host of models, including Mali Koopman, Jordan Barrett and Jenella Powell, in a sea of over-sized suits, feminine florals, racy lace pieces and eye-popping prints.
The new collection channelled a darker vibe than the previous launch, with exotic flowers and plants stamped on dresses, highly structured bags and effortlessly edgy designs.
Despite this, colours were also a focus, with bold greens, injections of red and pops of pink all recurring themes on the runway.
Australian supermodel, Victoria Lee, joined fellow David Jones ambassador Jessica Gomes on Wednesday afternoon at a rehearsal for the eagerly anticipated Autumn/Winter 2018 Collections launch (the pair pictured with Jordan Barrett during the Zimmermann finally)
The stunning duo stormed the catwalk at the Australian Technology Park alongside host of models, including Mali Koopman, Jordan Barrett and Jenella Powell, in a sea of over-sized suits, feminine florals, racy lace pieces and eye-popping prints
Pictured left is a tweed six button jacket and tweed mini skirt from Balmain ($3,399 and $2,499 respectively) while Jessica Gomes is pictured right in a $849 military playsuit by Carla Zampatti
The show opened with a glimpse into the Balmain collection complete with one shoulder mini dresses and black and red numbers before models hit the runway for AJE and Carla Zampatti in an array of simple blouses and Carla’s signature black crepe pieces.
Bianca Spender designs saw models donning georgette blouses and a striking crimson satin dress while those walking for By Johnny rocked edgy emerald bomber jackets and playful mini dresses.
The main womenswear trends highlighted in the show ranged from tailored jackets and powerful ‘no nonsense’ suits to classic asymmetric designs, pretty pleats and statement colours sure to make a sartorial statement no matter the occasion.
As a result, the designs were divided up into four succinct categories – ‘Night Garden’, ‘Strong Suit’, ‘New Classic’ and ‘Steal the Show’.
Jessica Gomes rocked a $799 two piece grey suit by Rebecca Vallance – the model proving the power suit is set to be a wardrobe staple in the coming months
Victoria closed the show in a stunning $2,950 laced flip dress by Zimmermann
The new campaign is aptly named ‘Take the Leap’ – a theme designed to inspire people to ‘challenge the boundaries of their personal style, break through their reservations, step up to the edge and leap into something new’.
According to David Jones’ Director of Clothing and General Merchandise, David Collins, the new season showcases the new bold trends on offer for the ‘milder’ months.
‘The autumn winter season is all about finding different ways of expressing yourself. We’re asking people to push their boundaries and take the leap in a new direction,’ he said.
‘A strong injection of colour and prints including stripes and checks feature heavily in this season’s buy, meaning there has never been a better time to add some flair into your wardrobe.
The designs were divided up into four succinct categories – ‘Night Garden’, ‘Strong Suit’, ‘New Classic’ and ‘Steal the Show’
Victoria, the department store’s latest recruit, was announced as a new ambassador shortly after her stint in the Victoria’s Secret show in November while Jessica celebrated her fifth year as an ambassador
‘With striking colours such as emerald green, fuchsia and bold red making up the palette for the season, it is a move away from the traditional muted, dark tones we see on the runway at this time of year.’
Victoria, the department store’s latest recruit, was announced as a new ambassador shortly after her stint in the Victoria’s Secret show in November while Jessica celebrated her fifth year as an ambassador.
Featured designers included Zimmermann, Dion Lee, Ginger & Smart, Camilla and Marc, Thurley, Alice McCall, Camilla, Manning Cartell, Rachel Gilbert and By Johnny.
Featured designers included Zimmermann, Dion Lee, Ginger & Smart, Camilla and Marc, Thurley, Alice McCall, Camilla, Manning Cartell, Rachel Gilbert and By Johnny
Macgraw, Kate Sylvester, Aje, KitX, Bec & Bridge, Rebecca Vallance, Carla Zampatti, Jac + Jack and Bassike also appeared on the runway.
The models all rocked a chic, minimalist hair look designed by Aveda’s Creative Director to reflect a ‘strong, elegant beauty that is still willing to push the boundaries’.
‘We wanted to create a hair look that complimented the bold trends that are showcased on the David Jones runway as well as what we have seen on the couture runways,’ Aveda’s Creative Director for David Jones, Terri Robertson-Kirkwood, said.
‘The hair embraces a feminine and beautiful women, but who still has an edgy and bold side to her. We have been seeing a movement away from controlled and contrived hair for a few seasons now, the hair is now more relaxed, healthy and touchable.’