Fashionistas rejoiced in May this year, as the 22nd Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was held, showcasing the latest styles and trends from the leading fashion houses of the world. Featuring a new date in winter this year, most days were filled with sunshine, a selective global audience and of course, new (and classic) fashion trends. Even though most of the collections won’t be dropping until later this year, you ought to be prepared for when they do, knowing exactly what kind of styles, colours and body parts to showcase. Scroll down to see the main trends and fashions Looksmart loved from Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
1. Political and personal statements
Image via Cocktail Revolution
Clothing has always reflected how we feel inside, and has acted as a way of expressing who we are. However, this fact has now been taken to the next level: garments with political statements, personal feelings, ideals and moods were all over Sydney’s fashion week, whether on tees or bags.
2. Converse shoes
Image by Vogue
The ultra-classic Converse is definitely not going anywhere anytime soon. The shoe was well-spotted through the streets on Fashion Week, combined with either long pants, shorts or dresses. Comfortable and stylish, Converse are perfect for hitting the streets.
3. The bare shoulder look
Image via Elle
You’re wearing a coat – but you kinda aren’t at the same time. Even though it makes more sense when you actually try it out, celebrities were spotted rocking this trend, wearing their jackets beneath their shoulders to show off their skin, and then draping them over their shoulders for extra warmth.
4. Adorned hips and waists
Image via Vogue
As well as keeping your pants in place (obviously), belts are an amazing way to add a little extra ‘something’ to your outfit, defining both your waist and hips. At Sydney Fashion Week, plenty of hips rocked a statement belt or a tie, featuring either pearls, leather or incredible, eye-catching length.
5. ‘Beyond a statement’ accessories
Image by Vogue
Accessories have always been about making a statement, however at Sydney Fashion Week this year, this was taken quite literally, with people showing off large, colourful and unique pieces of jewellery. Bold bracelets made of ceramics, plastic and rose gold were used almost as a second sleeve extension, with large, flashy rings of opal, amethyst and classic chunky silver adorning fingers.
6. Activewear
Image via The Sydney Morning Herald
Long live the leggings! Australia certainly knows how to deliver quality and innovative designs when it comes to activewear. Designer Garrett Neff presented a collection that featured activewear pieces, as well as other brands, including L’urv, Nimble Activewear, Seafolly, Tone, HUNTRLND, and more.
Some of the innovative new designs included tights with strategically-placed perforations, gold and pink bomber jackets, deconstructed tracksuits and sports bras, complete with mesh and splicing.
7. Oversized shirt cuffs
Image via Cocktail Revolution
According to Fashion Week, slim and sleek sleeves are a thing of the past. Oversized shirt cuffs are not going anywhere, and they will certainly add extra personality to your entire outfit. Just make sure you pair them with a sleeveless jacket for added shape and definition!
8. Swimwear
Image via The Sydney Morning Herald
Another Aussie favourite, swimwear was another fashion taking centre stage at Sydney Fashion Week. This year, tailored swimwear in soft, salmon colouring stole the show. Other trends were resort wear incorporating floral prints and loose, shift-style dresses. There seemed to be a high interest in swimmers this year – as this was one of the main reasons the event was held in winter as opposed to spring, like previous years. All the swimmers that hit the runway at Fashion Week should be expected to hit the stores from September onwards, in preparation for your summer wardrobe update.
9. Black leather jackets
Image via Cocktail Revolution
Black leather jackets are a statement and classic piece that you can team with virtually anything to add a bit of edge to your look. However, although the material remains steadfast, it’s the shape of them that shifts with the trends. This year, as opposed to oversized designs, leather jackets were seen a bit more fitted, sometimes sporting a unique detail, like studs, patches or even pearl embellishments.
10. Gender-neutral collections
Image via Elle
Gender-neutral garments have been around for a couple of years now, and we can see why. The looser fit, free-flowing and breathable materials and innovative designs make gender-neutral clothing a great option for everyday wear and suits. Channel your inner androgyny by purchasing a standard pant suit, and then having it tailored, to ensure it still accentuates your shape and doesn’t leave you looking boxy.
11. Faux fur
Image via Cocktail Revolution
Perfect for the winter, faux fur will give you the warmth you need to cosy up in the chillier months, while also adding a stylish statement to any outfit. This trend was heavily worn by women and men during Fashion Week, with some even sporting super neon-bright colours, standing out amongst the midst of the more neutral black, gray and navy fur jackets. And before you ask – the fur was definitely faux!
12. Logos everywhere
Image via Vogue
In life, it’s always important to show who you stand with, and this is especially true within the fashion world. While designers have never been shy about heavily showcasing their brands and logos on their garments and accessories, this was a noticeable trend during Sydney Fashion Week this year. Designer logos were placed front and centre on handbags, belts, tops and more.
13. Winter white
Image via Vogue
If you thought white was a summer colour, then think again, because Sydney’s Fashion Week was all about white shades. Seen on pants, jackets, shoes and tops for both men and women, the stunning photos of the models and attendees showcase that white can truly be worn in any season.
Taking inspiration from Australian fashion
Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this year was everything we could have hoped for. With a mix of classic, fresh and innovative designs, plus celebrity and high-end fashion designer attendees, the event was both entertaining and enlightening. And now that you’re up to date with all the latest trends, you’ll know what to keep an eye out for next time you hit the shops.