VAMFF recap: Runway 2

At Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

On night two of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, local labels reigned supreme.

Runway two was the VAMFF debut for Hansen & Gretel, as well as the recently resurged Arnsdorf. Also on show were Acler, Anna Quan, By Johnny, C/MEO Collective and Morrison.

While we may be heading into the cooler months, Acler opened proceedings with a display of thigh split skirts, off-shoulder tops and mini dresses. Looks were accessorised with wide-brimmed hats and leather black gloves, while cinched waists and wrists added volume to crisp white shirting.

Arnsdorf was next up, slowing things down to the soundtrack of a Bon Iver cover. The brand opened with a white, almost bridal maxi dress, following looks with plenty of berets, plaid pant suits and white linen suiting. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, 2018 is the year of the power suit.

The pace picked back up with Fremantle label Morrison, kicking things off with lots of floral prints, ruffles and high boots. A subtle marine theme also played out, with ocean blues paired alongside gold starfish earrings and necklaces.

Anna Quan taught everyone a thing or two about shirting, reinventing styles into dresses, maxi styles and asymmetric off-shoulder silhouettes. Details also included contrast stitching and various pinstripe colourways.

First timers Hansen & Gretel celebrated femininity, with a range of soft, floral dresses paired with fuchsia pink berets. The label also experimented with the ‘pyjamas as fashion’ trend, with playful button-up styles worn seamlessly against flowing skirts. Big tick.

Up next was C/MEO Collective, and let me preface this by saying it was a real ‘phones up’ moment. A cherry mini dress stole the attention of just about everyone, complete with sharp, flared shoulders, a fluted skirt and a jacquard print. Also of notable mention was the brand’s daisy pink looks that took me right back to being five years old (in the best possible way, thank God I can shop this runway).

For the finale, Vince Staples boomed throughout the Royal Exhibition Building.  Along came By Johnny.

The label took influence from sportswear this season, showcasing pleated mini dresses, bomber jackets and visors courtesy of Ford Millinery. Let’s just take a minute to talk about the bomber jackets. Emblazoned with ‘Johnny’ on the back, they arrived in emerald as well as the classic By Johnny polka dot. After an ‘army’ of models paraded out wearing them, it’s safe to assume everyone in the audience is going home to buy one. Heck, I want five.

By Johnny continued to play ball with sweatshirts (a new look for the label) alongside its signature fluted dress styles. Details included exaggerated stitching along seams, pearl beading and black angular sunglasses to finish it all off.

As the last of Vince Staples’ ‘Opps’ rings out, it’s the end to another show. See you all tomorrow in my new By Johnny bomber.

vamff.com.au