In a day dominated by more after-parties than shows, Akira brought a beautiful grace to the end of MBFWA. In the intimate space of The Box, Akira Isogawa led out each of the models by hand beginning with a bridal white dress encrusted with sprays of crystal beading. There were three themes in the collection: soft white, bright kimono dresses and textured block colour accessorised with sculptural wraps reminiscent of coral.

A soft underwater theme continued at Bless’ed Are The Meek, who treated the audience to a spectacular laser show, bringing the models out though the filtering light. Prints of blotchy anenomes peppered the summery collection - think skintight pants, breezy split skirts, button-down dresses - which kept to an oceanic palette of aqua, purple and neutrals.

The Stye Hong Kong show was opened by Harrison Wong whose collection of tailored khakis, black leather, and red accents echoed both military uniforms and the suave alpha male aesthetic. The other collections showed a variety of styles, including a couple of neon bursts at Hei Lau and lots of lace and tiaras for Mondovi lingerie couture. The show ended on a softer note, with Chailie Ho‘s flowing drapery, some pieces billowing down the runway.

Highlight
Akira Isogawa demonstrated why he’s one of the select few to have cracked the tough Paris show circuit. The Box was crowded with photographers eager to snap every considered detail and the floor of scattered hand-cut fabric petals. We bumped into an enthusiastic Bryan Boy on our way out who particularly praised the kimono pieces.

Fashion Moment
In the hectic schedule of Fashion Week, it’s no mean feat to produce a show that takes your breathe away - especially after starting late due to the complex braided hair and earthy make-up. There were audible gasps at Bless’ed Are The Meek as blue beams of light shot through the smoke filled runway creating the effect of an undulating textured roof. The final showpiece dress was also impressively accessorised with a 24 carat gold lace headpiece.

Trend Alert
Akira was one of several collections to explore intricate beadwork this week in sprays of crystal and beaded blossoms. There were also clusters of moon-craters at Tony Maticevski, incredible seed-beading patterns at Christopher Esber and bugle-beads at Magdalena Velevska.

It’s a Wrap!
By Friday we were battling the dreaded fashion flu, fever and fatigue but still determined to see the week out at the Fernando Frisoni Masquerade, the official closing night event. We hope you have enjoyed our coverage of all the action at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. Stay tuned for selected reviews and galleries.

Words and photos by Lucinda Burtt & Vanessa Low | Masquerade photos by Mark Thompson, Stork Photos