Shiny metals, leather, both real and faux, and shades of aquamarine dominated the catwalk as the Canberra Centre launched its new fashion range for autumn-winter on Friday.
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The delicate and ladylike look makes a return, with longer hemlines, feminine silhouettes and lashings of frothy lace, complemented by shoes with slim heels.
Former international model and stylist Colleen Cuneo, who presents the shows, welcomed the return of feminine fashion.
"It is an absolutely exquisite look,'' she said. '' It's one that embraces the female form. It has a bit of a retro feel - more of that Hollywood glamour that takes us back to a time when women were women.''
If feminine and frilly is not for you, the bold clash of prints with checks teamed with polka dots and leopard prints with florals make a bold fashion statement.
But there's a trick to pulling this off without looking as though you have just fallen out bed and grabbed the first thing from the wardrobe.
"Even when it's a trend, I still want it to look wearable, rather than being a beautiful picture that looks like an art installation," Cuneo said. "It's all about being subtle; it doesn't have to be some crazy, mad clash."
Another way to get the look is to mix metallic colours. And as ever, ''the rules are there are no rules, so don't be scared to clash a little there", Cuneo said.
For her when looking to update the wardrobe as cooler weather approaches, the key items are a coat, a little black dress and a good suit.
"A coat can be worn over a lot of pieces. I would always go for just above the knee - long-line but not too long," she said.
"All you need then is to buy a few cheap little accessories, because with the key pieces, you don't need too much. "
But no matter the trends, her No. 1 style rule is: ''Keep it easy, keep it classic.''
■ The autumn-winter looks will be showcased at the Canberra Centre on the weekend at midday, 1pm and 2pm.
