Circular Quay became a runway of its own this week.
Crowds gathered along Sydney’s waterfront as Australian Fashion Week returned to the Museum of Contemporary Art for its 30th anniversary.
The event brought together designers, media, models and industry guests for five days of runway presentations and events.
On Wednesday evening, Karla Špetić unveiled her COMPOSE Resort 2027 collection inside Saint Barnabas Chapel.
Before the guests poured in and the runway lights switched on, the Karla Špetić show was already underway behind the scenes.
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- Models walked through final rehearsals ahead of Karla Špetić show
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- Photos: Bronte Harb
Inside the off-site venue, models moved through final rehearsals as photographers lined the runway, preparing for the show.
Outside, Australian Fashion Week attendees gathered around the venue dressed in statement pieces, turning the arrival area into a street-style showroom before the runway had even begun.
Attendees gathered outside the show: Content creators Alyssa Harper (left) and Josh Obliga (right). Photo: Bronte Harb
For many attendees, memorable runway shows are defined by originality and strong creative identity.
Attendee and content creator Annika Nielsen said shows become memorable when designers present familiar concepts in unexpected ways.
“I think when it’s seeing something different,” she said. “Using your creativity to turn them [designs] around and make them into something new.”
Špetić’s collection featured soft neutral tones and sheer fabrics.
The designs included several garments incorporating visible pattern markings and exposed construction details, creating a contrast between transparent and opaque elements throughout the collection.
Inside the show: Models walk down the runway in Karla Špetić Photo: Bronte Harb
Nielsen said the pattern-inspired elements stood out throughout the show.
“I think the average person doesn’t know much about fashion, and to know that every single outfit came from a piece of paper, I think is just really cool,” she said.
Content creator and editor Lily Van said memorable collections often reflect a clear sense of the designer behind the work.
“You can definitely see a part of them in what they do,” she said. “You can tell when it’s their line.”
Van said the layering throughout the collection was one of the strongest visual elements on the runway.
“I really loved the layering, the way that it was so meticulously layered in such an intentional way,” she said. “It really came through in a beautiful blend.”
Show attendees: Annika Nielsen (second to the right) and Lily Van (far right). Photo:Bronte Harb
Both attendees said individuality remained important in an industry heavily shaped by trends and social media.
“With so many trends and how fast the cycle is with social media nowadays, I do think it’s important now more than ever to have distinct things that you like as a person,” Van said.
Nielsen also said the industry needs to place greater emphasis on real diversity and representation.
“We need to make and show clothes for the average consumer and not the unattainable,” she said.
Main image by Bronte Harb.
