Only Toni Maticevski can layer a woman in metres of exquisite fabrics of Elizabethan extremes and make her look not only stylish but sassy.
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The designer showcased his Fall 2015 collection to a throng of adoring fans during day three of Fashion Week Australia on Tuesday.
Considering just two years ago Maticevski was the man who was largely responsible for the exaggerated sleeves and skin-tight cocktail dress trend championed by the likes of Jennifer Hawkins, countless sporting WAGS and many women in their 20s on Saturday nights out in Sydney's eastern suburbs, the now Paris-based designer has elevated his entire brand to haute new levels. Architectural gowns and blazers, full skirts and body skimming pants in crisp white, sharp gold, brushed looked leather and soft mauve were feminine, yet fierce.
However, each look had some sporty undertones including the deconstructed jackets and exposed zippers, which made it official that gym gear is the new 'little black dress' in the Australian style rule book. Sporty luxe is no longer just a trend, it's what local designers and international fashion chains like H&M consider a new category of fashion.
The emerging (and comfortable) category was also celebrated by the designers of Rihanna's favourite swimsuits, We Are Handsome, who unveiled their new active wear range with a live action runway show starring fitness enthusiasts and fit, healthy models with abs as equally as impressive as the clothes.
"It took us more than a year of research and development to develop the fitness range, to source the fabrics which move with the body and have all the technical elements like sweat defying and wicking and then make it entirely in Australia," designer and director Katinka Somers said.
The fashion forward range features active basics like tights, crop tops with sleeves and shorts featuring mesh panels and the swimwear brand's statement bold, colourful and animal-inspired prints.
To unveil the range the husband and wife team cast models and "role models that have arisen with the fitness realm – real women living an active lifestyle" including fashion blogger Lindy Klim, yoga expert Kate Kendall, former champion pole vaulter Amanda Bisk and personal trainer - and South Sydney forward Tom Burgess' new girlfriend - Dominique Le Toullec.
"We annoyed a lot of agencies as we turned away a lot of models who weren't fit enough or looked strong enough for our runway," Somers said.
"This range is great as the prints make it stand out and you really can wear it from the gym to out, just throw heels or sneakers and a leather jacket on with a pair of tights. I also love it because it encourages me to stay in my skinny jeans," Klim chimed in during a warm-up yoga session prior to talking the catwalk.
