FASHION

Our favourite looks and trends from Australian Fashion Week 2021

The moments, the milestones and the pieces you'll be wearing next

Following five days of sartorial splendour, Afterpay Australian Fashion Week is wrapping up for another year. Here are the marie claire team’s highlights – from stand-out looks to history-making moments – plus the trends you’ll be wearing next…

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Romance Was Born

ROMANCE WAS BORN
Nicky Briger, editor
 

“Romance Was Born was the show we needed now. A kaleidoscope of colour, fabrics, patterns and prints, each piece was exquisitely crafted and breathtakingly beautiful, yet still wearable (if you’re planning to gatecrash a Great Gatsby-themed party). It felt like design duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales had spent lockdown in their grandma’s sewing room, harking back to a time when life was fun, frivolous and COVID-free.” ​
Romance Was Born

Naomi Smith, fashion director

“For an overall show moment where the fashion, the set and everything just worked, Romance Was Born was it. The girls were amazing – great casting, hair and make-up. My other favourites were Akira and Albus Lumen, they were much smaller events but I loved the mix of music (or spoken word) and film. They were both very modern and came together to provide an overall picture from the designer, beyond the usual runway.” 

Beare Park

BEARE PARK
Kathryn Madden, deputy features director

“Beare Park made a stunning debut at AAFW, all timeless tailoring, slinky silks and oversized shirting. The new luxury label by Gabrielle Pereira and Angela Krantz is filled with pieces I’d love (and hope!) to wear. I also have to give a shout-out to the Welcome to Country and both Indigenous fashion shows (they sent chills down my spine and brought tears to my eyes), and Oroton’s  summer holiday staples and dreamy dresses (below).”

Oroton
Oroton
FFND

FIRST NATIONS FASHION + DESIGN
Courtney Thompson, features writer & culture editor

“The First Nations Fashion + Design show was an undeniable stand-out moment. A historic moment for Australian fashion, but also just one of the most uplifting and moving show experiences. The designs were considered, the models were fierce and the performances next level. It was a show that stood for everything fashion can be: joyful, political and moving. The fact it got a rare standing ovation tells you everything you need to know. I get goosebumps just thinking about it now!”

Anna Quan

ANNA QUAN
Melissa Mason, digital editor

“Anna Quan was a highlight for me – I’ve always adored her sleek minimalism and stunning tailoring. This season is set to be all about relaxed suits and Quan’s Resort ‘22 collection has the exact kind of oversized blazers and slouchy trousers I want in my wardrobe.”

THE TRENDS

Grass green

Oroton
Oroton
Grace Lillian Lee
Grace Lillian Lee
Alice McCall
Alice McCall

Big bows

Jordan Dalah
Jordan Dalah
Ginger & Smart
Ginger & Smart
Oroton
Oroton

Dresses over pants

Beare Park
Beare Park
Sown in Time
Sown in Time
Bondi Born
Bondi Born

Soft suiting

Maara Collective
MAARA Collective
Beare Park
Beare Park

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