Day two at Carriageworks at AAFW 2021 was a buzz of excitement at this year's Next Gen show which celebrated the newest designers to watch in fashion, Erik-Yvon, Aaizel, Outfaced and Replica Project. I went backstage to see the models and designs up-close and will share my favourite moments from each.

Aaizel

Aaizel is the Melbourne born label from designer Minhee Jo who designs with a sustainable DNA where fabrics are consciously sourced and cut in-house to prioritise minimum waste. I hadn't been introduced to Minhee's work before and enjoyed experiencing the feminine silhouettes that included sophisticated puff sleeves, strapless dresses, two-piece tailoring in beautiful shirting and pants and spirited details. The earthy colour-story to her refined minimalist garments reflect her passion towards art history and architecture. Aaizel is already reaching heights of success with a sustainable capsule collection for Net-A-Porter and collections stocked with Harrolds.

Superstar Sabah Koj wears Aaizel backstage.

Our very own Majestic issue fashion assistant India Stiblj, backstage at Aaizel!

Tess Angel in two-piece tailoring for Aaizel AAFW 21!

Erik-Yvon

Melbourne based designer Erik Yvon designs with inspiration from his Mauritian heritage which excited today's runway with attitude and flair in print on print pieces in playful silhouettes. The stage direction saw Erik's illustrations on his clothing re-created into the movie graphics on the runway, it was a fresh burst of individuality styled in a refined silhouette, I'm excited to see more!

RUSSH Majestic issue face Nylow shining backstage in Erik Yvon.

Prints on prints on prints with IMG model Alice Yang.

#Pictures #Prints and #Pants

Replica Project

Amanda Nichols from Replica Project was a highlight for me in the show, the collection was a considered story communicated through relaxed, tailored drapery in sophisticated silhouettes of skirt suiting. I loved the prints in the head scarf story repeated through the show, the Replica Project women felt like an elegant individual who presented confidence and attitude whilst being completely covered head-to-toe.

Amanda comes from a design background in couture atelier and experience as a costume cutter for Hollywood films such as Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby- the story-telling in her design work was received with considered taste and genuine thought- definitely one to watch!

Alice Yang wears Replica Project.

Nylow being my Spring uniform inspiration.

Outfaced

The show ended with a bang with designer Megan Taylor's Outfaced. The Whitehouse design graduate creates gender-neutral, non-conforming clothing that was a really fresh style of electric printing. I loved the print-matching socks, bright pink-hues and patterns on patterns worn in silhouettes of bike-shorts, sweat-style shorts and double-layered tops. A really fresh voice and stylistically considered show to experience.

Sabah Koj

Prints on Prints and bike-shorts worn by NZ model Harry Barclay

RUSSH majestic may issue favourite Bakhita Lual.