From runway to retail: The FJ team shares their favourite looks from Melbourne Fashion Week so far

The pieces we’re adding to cart.

As an official media partner of this year’s Melbourne Fashion Week, the Fashion Journal team has attended an array of dynamic runways, workshops, panel talks and pop-ups across the week. Admittedly, Melbourne Fashion Week is also an entirely valid excuse to revamp our wardrobes, taking inspiration from the curated selection of talented local designers showing on the Naarm stage.

For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

To celebrate this year’s stacked program, the FJ team has pulled together a list of our favourite pieces from the runways that you can shop right now. Scroll on for bubble skirts, elevated tailoring and the new way we’re wearing denim.

Ella Taverner, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Manager

Karlaidlaw Ems Bag Pink Medium

I’m really loving big, bright accessories at the moment, particularly as we head into warmer weather. I’ve never gravitated towards pink when it comes to dressing but was entranced watching a model storm down the catwalk at last night’s Underground Runway with this very camp Karla Laidlaw bag in tow. I love the juxtaposition of the candy-floss pink against the distressed leather and am always a sucker for anything adorned in silver hardware.

Get it here.

Izzy Wight, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor

Maroske Peech Cream Bubble Skirt

I spotted a bit of a bubble skirt revival on the Underground Runway last night, and I’m absolutely here for it. While I know it originated from the ’80s, for me, a bubble skirt is reminiscent of getting ready for a school disco in the late 2000s – in the best possible way. This contemporary, ultra-mini take on the trend from Melbourne designer Maroske Peech is playful, yet still very wearable.

Get it here.

Collective Closets Mpito Vest in Black Linen

Come summer, I’ve decided a vest will be my new versatile wardrobe staple. In particular, this black linen one (ideally paired with the shorts) from a slow fashion label I love, Collective Closets. Featured on the opening Le Meridien Runway on Day One, this fully lined vest has an adjustable tie detail at the back, so you can pull it in for more shape. I’m picturing it with a flouncy miniskirt and knee-high cowboy boots for a more dressed-up look.

Get it here.

Cait Emma Burke, Fashion Journal’s Editor

Karlaidlaw Zipper Tee

Yellow is one of my favourite colours to wear and I find it works with a surprising array of other colours. I’ve had my eye on this Zipper Tee from Melbourne label Karlaidlaw for a minute now, and seeing it on the Underground Runway last night confirmed that I need it in my wardrobe. I’m particularly drawn to the different ways you can style it depending on which way you wear the zipper and whether you have it zipped up or left loose. We love versatile garments!

Get it here.

Posture Studios Compression Top in Sky

The Fashion x Theatre show, unlike a traditional runway, showed us what the designers’ creations look like when in the full range of movement: dancing, stretching, running and climbing stairs. In the case of Melbourne label Posture Studios, the dancers were flipping, kicking and faux-fighting, showcasing the stretchy comfortability of the Compression Tops they were wearing. I’m very fond of a mesh for its layering abilities, so I’m particularly keen on adding the Sky colourway to my wardrobe.

Get it here.

Georgi Woolcock, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Coordinator

Strateas Carlucci Vertebrae Lunar Top

Unsurprisingly, the Strateas Carlucci standalone runway was filled with the transeasonal, genderless pieces that the label is known for. I’m a fan of any unique silhouette in a neutral colour, so this textured crop knit naturally caught my eye. It’s currently only offered in the black colourway online but is definitely on my wishlist for next year’s winter wardrobe.

Get it here.

Kahe Tell Me No Jean in Green with Envy

For anyone who falls victim to the waistband gape with baggy jeans (myself included), these jeans from Kahe were designed with us in mind. When this look stepped onto the runway they immediately caught my eye – between the seam detailing and impeccably relaxed yet flattering silhouette, it was enough to mentally add them to cart. The green tint makes the pair unique enough to justify purchasing yet another pair of baggy jeans, but isn’t strong enough to limit their versatility in my wardrobe.

Get them here.

Bronte Winner, Fashion Journal intern

Maroske Peech Lilac Gathered Leggings

When Maroske Peech’s lilac gathered leggings flitted down the Underground Runway, it proved leggings can look sophisticated when done right. They tick every box for me – comfort, a pop of colour (I live in Melbourne, my whole wardrobe is black, duh) and texture in all the right places. I’m particularly obsessed with the gathering around the hem of the foot, and the silhouette is reminiscent of my cherished flared yoga pants.

Get them here.

Browse the Melbourne Fashion Week program here.