What people wore to Karlaidlaw’s collection launch party

Bottoms up.

Melbourne’s fashion crowd loves two things: a good outfit and a reason to leave the house. Last night, Karlaidlaw gave them both.

To celebrate the launch of the label’s AW26 collection, a packed crowd descended on the Fitzroy store for free-flowing wine, late-night shopping and what quickly became a highly competitive display of winter dressing. Guests got their first look at the new season pieces, including textured boucle jackets, shrunken wool cardigans, boleros and beanies – cold-weather staples with a distinct Karla Laidlaw twist.

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Inside, guests squeezed between clothing racks and greeted the designer, who spent the evening chatting with customers and friends. Outside, Smith Street became the backdrop for catch-ups and outfit compliments as the crowd spilled onto the footpath.

Among the familiar faces were Fashion Journal muses, models, stylists and assorted local fashion fixtures, all dressed like they’d been waiting for Melbourne’s cold snap to finally arrive. Photographer Elise Rapa was there to capture what everyone wore.

To browse Karlaidlaw’s AW26 collection, head here.