When the rain comes, Myer doesn't want women in gumboots. Winter will be all about the thigh-high boot. The sexy, slightly scary trend made famous by Pretty Woman, and, more recently, Christian Dior and Calvin Klein, is back.

"I'll be spending winter in thigh-high boots and long trenches. Winter is pretty sexy," the retailer's leggy ambassador, Jennifer Hawkins, said.

So does one need to train like an athlete to adopt such a daring trend?

No, Hawkins said.

"Winter is all about being hydrated. I'm really focusing on making sure my complexion is the best it can be," she said.

To accommodate the revival of "shoepants" Myer will make like local music promoters and also bring back the '70s and a bit of 17th Century charm in its winter offerings.

Models, including Hawkins and special guest – homegrown Victoria's Secret star Shanina Shaik – showcased 100 Stevie Nicks and baroque inspired looks including short shorts, dresses and flared creations by White Suede, Aje, Self Portrait and Yeojin Bae to a select group of tastemakers in Sydney on Thursday night.

Just 15 of the department store's Australian and international designers were involved in the exclusive black tie dinner for 100 VIPs at Barangaroo's The Cutaway. Sam and Phoebe Burgess, Sam Frost and Myer ambassador Jodi Anasta were captivated by the dark florals, lace and leather fringing looks as they paraded around the expansive limestone-lined space.

The four-course meal, boasting yabby tail, foie gras mousse and French champagne, was garnished with two "fashion moments" inside the new lofty venue which, according to operators, costs most than $15,000 per night to hire.

Following the air kissing and entree women rode in on mountain bikes wearing helmets and sass & bide's latest monochrome looks.

The night ended with models, led by Hawkins and Shaik, swathed in metres of Maticevski's voluminous creations kissing in the (artificial) rain.