Marina Afonina was working as a stylist when she founded Albus Lumen in 2015. Seven years later, the brand and it’s modernist yet timeless pieces, has become one of Australia’s favourite resort wear labels.
Before presenting her latest work at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, we sat down with Marina to get her thoughts on the current collection, creative muses and future of Australian fashion.
What Is On Your Mood Board Right Now?
Rain, morning light and ocean.
Who Is The Albus Lumen Wearer?
Everyone, we do mens and woman’s and the pieces are ageless.
Tell Me About This Collection?
The resort24 collection is named phase ||. It is all about the second stage for Albus Lumen, taking the pieces to another level and adding dimension.
What Does Showing At AAFW Mean To You?
Putting Albus Lumen back on the international map with showcasing the emotion and feeling of the brands ethos.
What Does The Future Look Like For Australian Fashion?
The future is bright, there is so much talent in Australia that is evolving and yet to be discovered.
Which Creative Talents Have Inspired You At Different Points Of Your Career?
Claudia Navone, my old fashion director at Harpers Bazaar. I call her my fashion fairy god mother. Her knowledge and fashion background is inspiring and i’ve learnt a lot from her.
Christine Centenera and i first met back when we were both working at Harpers Bazaar 20 odd years ago. Watching her grow into the fashion icon that she is, is incredibly inspiring. I am proud to call her my friend.
About The Albus Lumen Resort Show At AAFW 2023
The Albus Lumen Resort 24 runway was a breath of fresh air amidst the chaos of fashion week.
Set against a soundtrack of crashing waves and seaside birds, and sporting a refined palette of warm sand, crisp white, and deep black, models emerged on the runway as though straight from the ocean.
The hair and makeup also nailed this brief, comprising silky slick hair and a gentle dusting of sand on the models’ cheeks. As did the Piaget jewellery, which refracted under the lights like the ocean glimmers under the sun.
As for the pieces themselves, Alfonina stayed true to her desire to create elevated staples. The designs floated from daywear to suiting, eveningwear and, eventually, bridal. Each piece was also unified by the use of one shoe throughout: an elasticated ballet flat. Unisex and effortless, this shoe perfectly complimented the collection’s unfussy elegance.
