Myer goes troppo for fashion launch
An old train workshop in Sydney was transformed into a tropical wonderland tonight as Myer waved off winter early.
Jennifer Hawkins opened the spring/summer 2015 launch at Carriageworks, slinking down an all-white catwalk as a soundtrack of waves and birdsong played and enormous metal "punkah" palm-frond fans waved overhead. She also led out a band of bathing beauties in a tropical-print bandeau one-piece and kaftan from her Cozi range.
WA's own Nicole Trunfio made a special roundtrip to wear an elegant, gypsy-style black dress for her friend, former model-turned designer Gail Elliott, whose label Little Joe Woman was one of six new designer acquisitions showcased by the department store.
British-born Elliott, who counts Cindy Crawford, Yasmin Le Bon and Elle Macpherson among her loyal clients, said she was proud to be part of "the Myer family". "It's a great Australian brand to be involved with."
Former Project Runway Australian contestant Johnny Schembri, who is the youngest new foal in the Myer stable, debuted a colourful collection from his by johnny label with lots of bright crepe and bold prints.
Alex Perry, who parted ways with David Jones last year, was undoubtedly the star of the show, with Hawkins wearing his form-fitting, sleeveless pink and white lace dress to open the elaborate show, and a sequined "serpent" gown for the "white hot" closing. Perry, who is making a deliberate pitch to younger women, said Hawkins had handpicked the "sexy" closing gown, which revealed plenty of skin.
Myer Spring Summer 15 fashion launch. Picture: Lucas Dawson
Kris Smith and a band of bearded and buff boys were kitted out in a procession of polos, ankle-grazing cargos and blazers, and every possible permutation of denim teamed with Nike sneakers and brown brogues.
Celebrity guests included Rebecca Judd, who will soon return home for Perth Fashion Festival's tribute to the late Ruth Tarvydas, and Samantha Jade, who was making her first public appearance since the death of her mother, Jacqui, in June.
Among the trends Myer is spruiking for its "90 Days of Summer" campaign are wearable art and a pastel palette of "sorbet" tones.
Perth designer Aurelio Costarella's bright geometric maxis and a block-coloured jumpsuit livened up the runway, as did Toni Maticevski's high-vis orange gown. Morrison stuck to muted, floaty frocks and trousers while an international showcase had Hawkins poured into a black and silver crystal gown with a daring thigh split by French fashion house Balmain.
Models had coifs sprayed pink and blue and sheer, golden summer faces by Napoleon Perdis and accessories included bouquets of baby's breath and sea-themed starfish accents.
