The nation's biggest industry-only style event put on its heels and kicked off in Sydney with a certain air of exuberance and optimism in the clothes of spring-summer 2012-13.

Romance Was Born wowed in the opening slot with a superhero-themed show that was a collaboration with Marvel Comics. You didn't need to be Hawkeye to see that no one was dressed like the Hulk, but there was no shortage of comic-book colour about the ensembles.

This was followed by Lisa Maree's presentation on a glossy black catwalk: a great deal of pastels, floaty shapes, abstract floral prints and scanty crocheted swimwear.

Gail Sorronda deviated from her usual monochromatic colour scheme in her show Oh My Goth! which featured acid-bright hues, polka dots aplenty, chunky floral accessories and big platform shoes.

Sorronda told The Canberra Times backstage: ''It's a bit ironic. I was playing with the idea of contrasts and even when it's so obviously bright, there's a dark side as well. There's a romance and femininity too.''

Gary Bigeni showed vintage-style clashing prints, hot orange and an array of deep-sea hues. His clothes had casual features such as raglan sleeves rendered sophisticated in luxe tailored fabrics, and sometimes embellished with leather.

Camilla Franks revealed her collection to an over-capacity crowd. The designer who counts Beyonce and Oprah Winfrey among her fans presented garments that were a multi-coloured cacophony of pattern, print and sparkle. The clothes, best suited to glamazons partying in tropical locales, had an array of cross-cultural inspirations. According to Sarah Pavillard, the director of online store The Dreamery, top trends buyers are looking for include strong prints, lace, pastels and ladylike shapes.

Yesterday's celebrity of the moment was Whitney Port of The Hills and The City fame who is in Sydney to present her Whitney Eve and W.E. by Whitney Eve ranges.

Follow Claire Low's blog of Australian Fashion Week at Fashion Banquet.