No one quite does it like Maticevski. Transporting you to a faraway land of frivolous frocks and theatrical silhouettes, the fashion virtuoso executes all that he does with perfectionism and poise.
Usually one for the romantics, the Resort 2017 show deviated from his typical whimsical ways, and had a certain brooding mood. With dark undertones, there was a slightly naughtier side on display, by way of sheer fabrication, laser-cut leather, bondage-style wrap, spikes and heavily-encrusted jewels.
Despite the amped-up order of the day, Maticevski’s romanticism was still present. Once again wowing the fashionable flock with his wildly sculptural creations, voluminous silhouettes and embellished fancy, there has been talk this was his best show to date.
Texture was a star; with wet-look gold, shaggy white, woven jacquard, geometrics, crystal-embellishing, drapery, ruching, ruffling and more. Palette wise, it was mostly monochromatic, with the exception of a powdery lavender, gold, and canary yellow, which proved to be the highlight. Extreme volume was keynote; big and billowing and swirling, with the exposed shoulder trend still on the march.
On a dark note, the kinky element was particularly manifest in the styling, with jewellery by fellow Australian, Ryan Storer. Hands were cuffed, arms tied, even mouths were spilling jewel-entrusted metal. In what has become somewhat of a recurring theme in Matcievski’s shows (remember the orchids streaming out of models mouths in 2014?) it seemed the lips once again did the talking, rendering some controversy amongst the fashion punters.
Whilst the metal mouthpieces and hand-cuffs proved fantastic fodder for social media, claims of female subservience and parallels to 50 Shades of Grey have been drawn, almost cheapening such a premium brand. In real-life however, it was all about the drama, and this only heightened the mood and made for spectacular viewing. Besides, fashion is nothing without a little theatrics, and Maticevski (thankfully) does nothing by halves, taking a brave leap to the dark side. Bravo to the man behind the seams; another stellar performance by Australia’s sartorial golden boy.
Main image credit, Instagram @george_offduty & @toni_maticevski