As one of Australia’s biggest names in evening-wear, we weren’t surprised to see dramatic, floor-sweeping gowns on the Aurelio Costarella MBFWA runway for Spring Summer 2014/15. We were surprised however to see such a juxtaposition of pretty-delicate dresses and decadently noir red carpet creations.
From the light and soft, like airy feather fringing, to the hard and hedonistic (like sharply-fitted leather and rich embellishment), this collection was all about contrast. Sometimes, the two moods combined into one look, like the intricately-boned and beaded bodices that topped fluffy feather skirts. Intricate beading is Costarella’s trademark, after all, and the Australian gown guru focused on his strength for the opening look, a shimmering gold bodysuit completed adorned in embellishment.
Accessories were minimal, with many look simply cinched at the waist with a thick patent belt. It was the colour that really caught our eye — Costarella combined fuchsia and orange one minute, then switched to shimmering gold or colour-blocked black and white the next. Needless to say, the theme of contrasts carried over to the colour palette as well.
Show notes spoke of a contemporary interpretation of 1920s and 1930s Parisienne silhouettes, and we saw sleek column gowns, softly-fluted hems and the occasional short-and-sweet silhouette complete the line-up. The final walk was like an explosion of colour and texture, and we definitely don’t think it will be long before we see these gowns debut on a red carpet — especially with the Logies just around the corner. Keep scrolling to see all the runway looks from today’s show.
(Photos: Getty / Stefan Gosatti)
