Modest and midi: Our favourite local labels making knee-length skirts
image via @par___moi/INSTAGRAM
words by fashion journal
What do mid-length skirts say about modesty and economic times?
Last week, Prada debuted its Spring/Summer 2027 collection at Milan Fashion Week and it was, in every sense, an homage to the power of a good skirt. The latest offering by creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, it featured 63 skirts in an array of colours, prints and silhouettes, demonstrating an endless number of ways to style them, from a plain T-shirt and coat to nothing but a bra.
It even inspired people to break out their own skirts in celebration of ‘Prada Skirt Day’.
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All the fanfare has us thinking about our own relationship with skirts. From maxi to mini, the topic of hemlines in fashion has long been conflated with finance. Popularised in the 1920s, the ‘hemline index’ theorises that skirt lengths rise and fall with economic conditions. When there’s a boom, skirts get shorter; when the economy slows, hemlines fall.
Though there’s some variation, a quick look at many of the recent Fashion Week runways suggests we’re sitting somewhere in the middle – hemlines aren’t definitively short, but they’re not floor-length either. Instead, the humble midi-skirt is having its moment, offering up some sort of happy medium.
Whether it’s a sign of recession, a pull towards modesty, or something else altogether is up for debate. Nevertheless, there’s something appealingly noncommittal about a knee-length skirt. It’s easy to move in, cool enough for spring dressing and, most importantly, Miuccia Prada-approved. In celebration of all things skirts, find our favourite local labels making midis below.
Après Studio
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Sydney-based label Après Studio is widely known for its love of plaid, ruching and ruffles, and its Alice Ruffle Skirt is a celebration of this and more. Featuring an elastic waistband and orange trim, it’s made from a lightweight cotton, ideal for spring dressing.
Permanent Vacation
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From mini to midi, Melbourne label Permanent Vacation knows the power of the skirt. Though it’s hard to choose favourites, its mid-rise Refract Skirt features a structured silhouette, while its black Orbit skirt is classic, versatile and a fraction shorter for those who want to bare more leg.
Deiji Studios
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Based in Byron Bay, Deiji Studios’ clothing blurs the line between leisurewear and outerwear. Featuring loose silhouettes and natural fibres, its collection of midi-skirts is lightweight and designed to be effortlessly thrown on.
Ess.Bee
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Naarm-based label Ess.Bee is known for its menswear-inspired silhouettes, clever tailoring and perfected basics. Its Off Set Wrap skirt is a fresh take on the classic midi-skirt, featuring an asymmetrical cut, pocket and side-split.
Par Moi
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Made to order with love by Ashiya Omundsen in Naarm, everything at Par Moi is made from deadstock fabrics. Soft and romantic, its Lucia Skirt features a low-rise bias cut, while its Ava Skirt is a mid-rise style, with an elasticised, ruffled waist.
Emily Watson
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You won’t find straight cuts or traditional styles at Emily Watson. On the contrary, the Australian designer is known for her subversive shapes and styles, whether that’s with ruffles and asymmetry or bows and ruching.
St Agni
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On the other hand, St. Agni’s pieces are classically utilitarian and minimalist. Some styles lean more formal, like its leather and Utility wrap skirts, while its new Pointelle styles are softly delicate.
Toilé Studios
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Melbourne-based label Toilé Studios is known for its transformative and reversible garments. Its Micro Shorts come with detachable midi and mini skirt panels that can both be worn front-to-back, giving you the choice between a pleated or clean A-line skirt.
Find more from Milan Fashion Week here.
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