MBFWA 2014 Runway Report: Gail Sorronda, The Innovators and Aje

Say hello to my dream come true, take a trip under the water with Gail Sorronda's latest MBFWA collection inspired by Disney's The Little Mermaid. Fittingly titled Mermaid's Exist: As Above / So Below the range explores duality and transcendence through it's use of water vs land, masculine vs feminine and dark vs light. Splashing beneath the waves we saw white bubble-like silhouettes, fishtail sequins, tulle mermaid skirts and of course a little appearance from Ariel herself through print. With a show that opened to ethereal choreographed dancers we were instantly immersed into Gail Sorronda's unique and inspired vision....that's why it's hotter under the water.

The Innovators runway at MBFWA is always the one to watch, a graduate runway show for the TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio having produced the likes of Akira, Zimmermann, Alex Perry and Dion Lee it's no surprise this is one highly anticipated show. Playing host to the future of Australian fashion, one designer in particular stood out for me with her skillful grasp of structure, an inept understanding of the female form and creative play with texture Bei Na Wei had my attention from the start. Already talked about before the show had even begun, the buzz surrounding this talented young designer was high - one to remember, I think we'll be seeing a lot of her in the years to come.

Known for their whimsical, stand-out and sequin designs Aje chose a different form of presentation at MBFWA, hosting an elite cocktail party surrounding their latest Spring/Summer collection. Inspired by adventure and transporting us to an African safari I was immersed into a world that I didn't ever want to leave. A stylish desert oasis with luxurious sheets, travel trunks, Indiana Jones-esque scrolls and telescopes it was an atmosphere that not only paralleled their earthy and ethereal ready-to-wear designs but enhanced them. Rich linen, flowing dresses, comfy separates, lush leathers, sheer embroidery, attention to detail and a perfect colour palette we were lost in time to a fashion wonderland.

GAIL SORRONDA IMAGES COURTESY OF PAPR