The glamour continued to sachet down the catwalk on day four of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival in Sydney with Akira leading the charge along with Bianca Spender and Manning Cartell as some of our favourites and Steven Khalil with his stunning bridal.
Here’s a little more about each of them…
Bianca Spender
Bianca Spender is forging a reputation for intriguing modern clothes with a fiercely independent attitude. Her collection is known to mix structure with fluidity, resulting in looks both sophisticated yet spirited. Intelligent pieces often draped from a single piece of cloth rub shoulders with more exaggerated silhouettes. Movement and form are an important source of inspiration. Of paramount importance to Bianca in the design process is finding a sense of balance. With references ranging from art to music to historical dress Bianca seeks a new modernity.
Clothes that combine both strict construction yet have ease and movement. Shapes are innately feminine, sensual and confident. Colour is applied in bold strokes. Part of Australia’ Fashion dynasty, Bianca Spender’s experience runs deep. By the time she embarked on a design course at East Sydney Design School, she had already spent more than a decade in the heart of Australia’s leading fashion house, Carla Zampatti. After four years in Paris and Milan working with design houses including Martine Sitbon, she returned to Sydney in August 2004, designing a capsule collection for Carla Zampatti.
In 2009 Bianca Spender launched her eponymous label. The Bianca Spender brand has now expanded to two stand alone boutiques in Mosman and Melbourne Emporium, seven David Jones concept stores nationally and online. Bianca showed on schedule for the first time in 2010 at Australian Fashion Week and continues to showcase regularly. Bianca Spender lives in Sydney with her partner and two sons.
Credit: Matt Jelonek / contributor
Steven Khalil
Steven Khalil is recognised as one of Australia’s leading designers specialising in red carpet and bridal gowns. His designs are renowned for their elegance and beauty, combining classical elements of bygone eras with a contemporary edge. After completing fashion studies at 19, he quickly began to gain recognition for the quality of his workmanship and eye for unique design. He rose rapidly through several bridal houses and was appointed Head Designer at just 22 years old. In 2003, he established his own fashion house in Paddington, Sydney.
Reviving elements of a classical era of European couture, Steven has developed an approach that is tailored to each individual. This is characterised by closely working with each client to develop a personalised couture experience and ultimately, their gown. This season Steven Khalil is celebrating his 20th Anniversary as a designer and for the first time- will showcase a Couture Collection Show with MBFWA- also celebrating their 20 year milestone. With international expansion and fans like Kylie Jenner, Dannii Minogue, Jesinta Campbell, Guiliana Rancic, Sonia Kruger, Paula Abdul and Jessica Mauboy all lining up for his couture creations 2015 is looking to be his busiest year yet
Steven Kahlil – Image courtesy of Michael Theodoridis from Cyclone Imaging Photography.
Akira
One of Australia’s most celebrated designers, Akira Isogawa has achieved worldwide recognition for his exquisite contemporary designs. Born in Kyoto, Japan, Akira moved to Sydney in 1986 and participated in the very first Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia in 1996. He has since become an icon of the Australian fashion industry. Akira’s garments echo Eastern influences with richly embellished fabrics, vintage textiles and traditional prints. The craftsmanship and romanticism of his designs is now legendary.
Akira- Image courtesy of Michael Theodoridis from Cyclone Imaging Photography.
Manning Cartell
Quality, respect and an ethical approach to creating beautifully Australian made collections is an integral part of Manning Cartell’s DNA. The fusion of innovative fabrics, texture and prints is fundamental; whilst the imagery drives and defines the tenor of each collection giving Manning Cartell its distinctive imprint… visual richness framed by craftsmanship and attention to detail. Founded in 2005, by sisters Cheryl, Vanessa and Gabrielle Manning the brand is found in selected Australian and International boutiques with flagship stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
Credit: Stefan Gosatti / stringer
What was your favourite look from day four at MBFWA? Tell us below…
