Arnsdorf Spring 2011 RTW

This outstanding Spring 2011 collection by Arnsdorf (designer Jade Sarita Arnott) was a clear stand-out when it was shown at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, June 2010 in Sydney. Arnott the talent who created Arnsdorf studied a Bachelor of Creative Arts and the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and then studied Fashion at RMIT, both in Melbourne, Australia. This collection had echoes of Phoebe Philo for Céline, with the neutral and earthy tones shaped into a sharp and sleek tailored aesthetic. The materials are luxurious and the designs themselves absolutely perfect in terms of cut and suitability to the female form. It has an understated femininity about it which makes it a real competitor to brands particularly in France. The pink, grey, white and mauve shattered print is perhaps the most impressive feature of the entire collection and would be a very smart fashion investment.

Visit Arnsdorf's Official Website

Plus, an interesting interview with Arnott on The Blackmail (blog)

Photos taken by Lucas Dawson, many thanks

Ginger & Smart Spring 2011 RTW

This Spring 2011 RTW Collection by Ginger & Smart was shown at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week on May 3rd, 2010 in Sydney. The designers behind the label are Australian sisters Alexandra and Genevieve Smart. What I found particularly engaging with this collection is the unique dye/paint style prints and the dressing up of particular wardrobe staples like the humble white top and turning it into a beautifully draped dress (see the first photo). It combines femininity with strength and a modern edge. This collection once again demonstrates the ability of Australian designers to match European standards of tailoring and drapery. I particularly like the transparent cream/beige pant suit, just classic.

Visit Ginger & Smart's Official Website

Photos taken by Lucas Dawson, many thanks

Jayson Brunsdon Spring 2011 RTW

Australian designer Jayson Brunsdon's Spring/Summer 2011 collection was shown at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney on May 5th, 2010. It was a stunningly unified collection where simplicity and a light colour palette combined to create a feminine elegance of equal high quality to the European shows. I am drawing attention to this particular designer because he is one of the few Australian designers I regard very highly, he understands tailoring and precision, and this collection's aesthetic reminds me of the brilliance of Phoebe Philo's Céline Spring 2010 RTW collection. Of course, Brunsdon's work this season also has a certain nostalgia in it's style and prints/colour palette - evocative of Australian fashion in the 1950s-1960's. I don't think there is much more to say except, please enjoy the beauty of his work.

Take a look at Jayson Brunsdon's Official Website

Photos taken by the wonderful Lucas Dawson, many thanks.

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring 2011 RTW

Frida Gustavsson

Frida Gustavsson

Kendra Spears

Magdalena Frackowiak

Sigrid Agren

Snejana Onopka

Toni Garrn

This Spring collection by Massimilliano Giornetti (his second collection for women at SF) was not a standout in terms of originality or innovation. What was striking was how well Giornetti designs clothes for the everyday. All of this collection was simple in design, but the tailoring was perfect and everything was cut to precision. It is also remarkable that this collection covers boho to well-tailored suits. Clearly Giornetti's work in men's fashion at Salvatore Ferragamo has helped him to become an extremely versatile designer. Whilst I would not get too excited about this collection, I do believe that recognition must be given to this luxurious and sleek aesthetic.

Christopher Kane Spring 2011 RTW

Jessica Stam

Alana Zimmer

Carla Gebhart

Charlotte Benson

Esme Wissels

Fabiana Mayer

Frida Gustavsson

Julija Steponaviciute

Keke Lindgard

Tali Lennox

There was a very interesting and mixed aesthetic at Christopher Kane but the themes that accented the collection throughout were the strong lines, lace and bright colours. The two-piece suits which look like that vinyl material you would see in your grandma's house or as a table cloth were actually made of an altered leather. It's questionable as to who could pull this look off (especially the above) in an everyday sense but the creativity demonstrated is enough to turn a blind eye to its faux ready-to-wear status. What results is a beautifully feminine, tailored, bold and fairly original collection.