It feels like a frenzied time for Australian fashion, with Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) beginning next week, and the flurry of shows, collections, campaigns and pop-ups that go along with it. While we will be bringing you along to all the AAFW highlights next week, here's what you may have missed this week to bring you up to speed.
The Australian Ballet presents three-part Balanchine masterpiece Jewels, set to premiere in Sydney and Melbourne
The Australian ballet will debut their performance of Jewels, a plotless, abstract three-part ballet from revered choreographer, George Balanchine. Each act intends to distil the artform to pure movement, emotion and is distinct in style, set to music by three different composers: Gabriel Fauré for Emeralds, Igor Stravinsky for Rubies, Piotyr Illich Tchaikovsky for Diamonds.
The performance is currently staged at the Sydney Opera House until 20 May, and will head to the Arts Centre Melbourne from 29 June to 8 July.
Tiffany & Co. celebrate at the Sydney Opera House
Luxury jewellers Tiffany & Co. celebrated their latest high jewellery designs with an intimate dinner and after-party at the Sydney Opera House. The Diamonds and Wonders collection is a bespoke curation of more than 30 rare pink diamonds acquired earlier this year.
Guests like Aisha Dee, Nicole Warne, Montana Cox and Sarah Ellen were treated to special performances by EGOT performer Jennifer Hudson, and a set from British DJ Benji B.
Burberry debut their first swimwear collection
The heritage British fashion House has released their debut swimwear campaign Burberry Summer, which seeks to pay homage to the warmer months soon to transpire in the northern hemisphere (and already sorely missed down under). Inspired by adventure, and with a nod to the House Check, the collection is a curation of swimwear, shorts, robes and beach totes, perfect for your next tropical vacation or Euro summer trip.
COMMON HOURS host debut runway show pre-AAFW
COMMON HOURS hosted its debut runway show pre-AAFW last night in Potts Point. The collection, entitled AlleyCat, is "A place to lose yourself, even just for one night, to fill your veins with a sudden rush of possibility; an invitation to come as you are," says founder Amber Symond. Based on Symond's memories of the namesake bar owned and operated by her parents during the 70s and 80s, the collection is a reflection of elegant punk sensibilities.
Post-show, attendees were invited to attend a Don Julio 1942 house party, with music director Dan Lywood providing an explosive soundtrack of post-punk, punk and new wave 70s and contemporary tunes. Tacos were paired with Palomas and Margaritas in a throwback to the original AlleyCat bar atmosphere – while also providing an elevated take on the classic house party.
LOEWE toasts the opening of their newest retail destination in Melbourne
LOEWE opened their bricks-and-mortar destination at 161 Collins Street in Melbourne, toasting the occasion with an in-store cocktail event and after party. Soundtracked by DJ Dijok Mai, friends of the brand like Sophie Wilde, Lyndon Watts, Lana Wilkson and Eloise Russell were welcomed with champagne and canapes, before hitting the dance floor at neighbouring bar, Movida Next Door.
The Spanish retailer will stock its full range of leather goods, accessories, eyewear and jewellery at their newest destination.
Langham Gold Coast x Bulgari High Tea
Gold Coast's Langham hotel will be hosting a High Tea event with Italian jewellery purveyors Bulgari in their beautiful Palm Court dining space. The special collaboration will occur over the month of May to coincide with Mother's Day.
Andrew McLaren, Managing Director of Bulgari Oceania, said in a statement that "Bulgari is delighted to bring a touch of the contemporary Italian Art of Living to The Langham’s signature afternoon tea offering this May. We look forward to immersing guests into the world of Bulgari at one of the most exciting new luxury properties in Australia.”
Net-A-Porter exclusively launch The Row's Pre-Fall 23 collection
Luxury online retailer Net-A-Porter have exclusively pre-launched the latest collection from The Row, offering a selection of their Pre-Fall 2023 bags and runway collection. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's fashion label have fast become the epitome of elegance and craftsmanship, a favourite of celebrities and Succession characters alike.
“We are so excited to have the early exclusive of The Row’s PF23 bags and shoes runway collection and offer our customers the opportunity to be the first to discover the brand’s exquisite styles. We love the new flat shoe silhouettes which speak to the brand’s uncompromising style and quality. The exclusive midnight-blue Sofia crossbody will add an elegant finishing touch to any outfit and bring a timeless piece to our customers’ wardrobes,” says Libby Page, Market Director of Net-A-Porter.
Sheraton Grand has partnered with two Indigenous Australian brands to celebrate AAFW
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park has partnered with two ethical and sustainable Indigenous Australian brands – art and clothing label Miimi & Jiinda and contemporary fashion label Ngali – to celebrate AAFW. Throughout the month of May, they'll be serving up a fashion-forward High Tea with sweet and savoury treats that pay tribute to the country's Indigenous culture and native ingredients.
On the menu is house-cured salmon gravlax blini, bush tomato chutney and mountain pepperberry, mini meringues filled with passionfruit Kakadu Plum curd, and Dark Chocolate cups with Wattle seed Ganache and whipped cream. You can book a spot at one of the upcoming sittings via their website.
Lucy Folk drop new collection of specs, sarongs and bags
Lucy Folk has dropped a new collection of sarongs, bags and eyewear just in time for our mass migration to warmer cities. Championing deliciously summery hues of cherry reds, acqua blues and chocolate browns, they'll be the perfect last-minute pack before you dip off for that much-anticipated Euro summer trip.
The brand has also rebooted their collaborative partnership with Italian artisan Corto Moltedo for the launch of their limited-edition Visage bag, which comes in three new premium leather colour ways.
Images: one, two, three.
