Hosted on-site at Carriageworks, Oroton showcased it's Resort 21/22 collection called The Optimist.

Optimistic indeed, it was a grounding show that could awaken even the most disconnected from the deepest melancholia. It was a breath of life and energy. A joyous show that painted a picture of a springtime vacation somewhere far from here.

Vibrant, clean but detailed, the looked floated down the catwalk on a bevy of new faces to watch. A scene dotted with boulders and moss, it felt like the perfect sunny afternoon sitting in a secret garden. Painterly prints,  nostalgic motifs and florals countered tailored pieces like suiting to create a striking, yet wearable capsule.

Creative Director, Sophie Holt said of the collection, “We were thinking about spending an afternoon outside in the garden, how it felt, and as always, colour was our starting point.”

Channelling vitality and regeneration, we saw splashes of green, petal pink, smoke and mango against cream and rust. Comfort played against structure with elegant maxi dresses standing next to architectural suiting. Playing with volume, one of the stand out pieces was certainly a printed sundress perfect for your next sojourn somewhere warm.

Of course, we can't talk about Oroton without talking about accessories. While the audience was treated to a glimpse of the new Oroton Hemp collection, models clutched elegant basket bags while clad in the perfect paid of tan leather sandals - sandals which we predict will become a must-have sooner rather than later. It encouraged us all to feel energised and emerge from a year of comfort dressing into something truly joyous.

Holt says, “It’s about embracing colour and whimsy, to wear something special, anything that makes you feel happy. I love the idea that we are all starting to feel energised again, that we’re all looking ahead.”

And in case you missed Oroton's other cues to dress up, its bold jewellery certainly drove the message home. Statement gold hardware took inspiration from organic forms like leaves and coral, finishing off a collection that offered us warmth, feeling and effervescent spirit.

Consider this your official sign to get dressed up again.

See more from AAFW 2021 Day Two in our daily look back.