Like bananas in pyjamas and Kath and Kim, Australian fashion is better when it comes in twos, as it did on day two of Fashion Week Australia.
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Designer duos were the only consistent trend during Monday's preview of the spring/summer 15-16 collections.
Expats and founders of New York-based label Tome, Ramon Martin and Ryan Lobo, showcased their Sylvia Plath-inspired Cruise/Pre Fall collection. Utilitarian style shirting and skirts in 50 shades of grey, white and cobalt were paired with soft pinks, plum and a bold plaid.
The no frills range, which also boasted culottes, will be a hit with everyone from stay-at-home mums to supermodels, as illustrated by Gemma Ward who wore a baby blue vest by the pair who were mentored by US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
After graduating from Sydney's University of Technology they relocated to New York where they were finalists in the 2013 Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund. As well as Wintour, another fan is Sex and the City star turned designer Sarah Jessica Parker. The duo launched a collaboration with the former Carrie Bradshaw for her shoe line, SJP Shoes, at New York Fashion Week earlier this year.
The wearability of Martin and Lobo's pieces was a smooth segue for the Strateas.Carlucci showcase. Designers Peter Strateas and Mario-Luca Carlucci, fresh from Beijing contesting both the men's and women's International Woolmark Prizes, added more confusion to the seasons with their heavy jackets, gold brocade suits for men, flares and thick knitwear. Let's hope spring is delayed as the turtleneck is coming back.
While layers were big for Melbourne-based Strateas.Carlucci, they came off at Bec & Bridge who launched their first ever swimwear range amidst their Moroccan-inspired collection. Designers Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston, the darlings of the David Jones designer stable, sent out runway looks that boho icon Talitha Getty would add to cart in a heartbeat. Fans of man-repelling silhouettes like drop-crotch harem pants rejoice: they're making a resurgence, albeit teamed with barely-there crop tops and noisy embellishments.
Hillary Clinton's presidential bid announcement was in sync with the Watson x Watson show, with sisters Liberty and Somer Watson showing tomato red and navy tones – two of the potential POTUS' favourite hues.
The only loud aspect of the day happened off the runway in the form of naked PETA protesters calling for an end to fur being used for fashion. Others wore body paint and carried signs saying animals are "not ours to wear". The Aje collection came close by showing the only shine and sequins so far. Co-founders Eddi Robinson and Adrian Norris' collection ran the gamut from Picnic At Hanging Rock-style linens to a Melrose Place-worthy embellished peplum tuxedo jacket teamed with sheer lace pants.
