Front Row Wrap Up: David Jones AW15

Sydney’s well-heeled, high-heeled and the fashionably fabulous descended on Level 7 of David Jones‘ Sydney flagship last night for the launch of the retailer’s Autumn Winter 2015 Collection. The cavernous venue was transformed into a gritty Surry Hills-meets-New York underground space, replete with paved floor, bill posters and hipster marching drummers.

David Jones AW15 Setting. Image: Instagram @davidjonesstore

Guests sipped on Bollinger champagne and nibbled gourmet street food which included bite-sized bacon and eggs and designer hot dogs. Many famous faces lit up the event with Megan Gale, Jessinta Campbell, Jessica Gomes, Montana Cox, Kerry-Anne Kennelly, Christine Centenera, Jodi Meares, Kate Waterhouse, Sara Donaldson, Zanita and too many others to name turning out for the spectacle.

Bloggers: Kate Waterhouse, Carmen Hamilton, Sara Donaldson, Zanita Whittington and Nadia Fairfax attend the event. Image Instagram @davidjonesstore

Jessica Gomes opened the 40 minute, 35-designer show with an all-white Carla Zampatti look that confirmed any lingering suspicions as to whether the ’70’s are coming back (they are.) Gomes wore a long white feather coat teamed with slinky wide-legged pants and white chiffon top that was sophisticated and luxurious. Her entrance was followed up by 15 all-white looks by labels such as Lover, Camilla, Zimmermann, Bec + Bridge, Bassike, Camilla + Marc and others.

Jessica Gomes opening the David Jones AW15 show. Image: David Jones

The message was clear: White is back this Winter.

The show then moved into bold accessories by Mimco, and incredible maximally-embellished animal prints by Camilla. Next stop for me was Jodi Meare’s sportwear label, The Upside which presented on-trend polka dot bralets and leggings, running shorts and a cute cropped sweater.

Camilla looks at David Jones AW15. Image: Popsugar.com.au

Jessica Gomes In the Upside at David Jones AW15. Image: Herald Sun

Rebecca Vallance was one of my favourites of the night, thanks to her strong lines and sexy-meets edgy aesthetic. A black leather dress over leather leggings, and long-line black sleeveless coat over leather leggings had my name on them. Her use of a signature wide-brimmed hat was fabulous (and a little bit YSL which I loved!)

Rebecca Valance at David Jones AW15 (Apologies for the blurry image!)

Lover was on fire with their stunning lace dresses and skirts. A black lace sweetheart dress couldn’t have been more perfect for Jessica Gomes’s womanly figure; and the rest of Lover’s looks – a powder blue lace dress, a sharp blazer and black culottes were right on point.

Jessica Gomes In Lover at David Jones AW15. Image: Herald Sun

Nicola Finetti showed a selection of highly-wearable dresses that featured bright blue+black and a “very 2015” marble-print. Jac + Jack  was honoured with 7 looks. Their ultra-relaxed aesthetic was summed up by knits, super wide-legged pants, and comfortable t-shirts in signature neutrals such as taupe, navy, charcoal, grey and black.

The masculine trend was further confirmed by blogger fave Bassike, who showed oversized and slouchy everything in light neutral tones such as white, cream and ivory. We saw drawstring pants, vests and blazers which were all winners.

Bassike At David Jones AW15. Image: Instagram @isabellelamax

Dion Lee was “wow” as usual. His ahead-of-the-curve pieces featured bright paintbox colours (yellow, cobalt blue and orange) and collage prints. The looks dabbled tastefully in futurism whilst remaining feminine and commercial.

Ginger and Smart showed 5 key looks, the highlight for me was an exceptional jade/emerald lace long sleeve dress that would be on my buy-list if I had anywhere formal to wear it to!

I loved a heavily embroidered black cropped jacket by Easton Pearson which was teamed with slim-cut black pants, a white top and red heels. Ellery’s looks were all camel, black and white, featuring flared pants, flared sleeves and beautifully draped and flared crop top.

Riffing on the 70’s, Bianca Spender’s collection took a complete 180 turn away from the neutral/monochromatics trend that dominated both the David Jones show and the past few seasons. Daringly, she showed Bowie-esque lurex jackets and cropped pants in tones of electric blue, copper and cherry.

Bianca Spender at David Jones AW15. Image: Instagram @davidjonesstore

Zimmermann for me was a knockout, and it was great to see “in real life” the looks I loved from their Spring 2015 show in New York last September (yes, Spring looks – it was confusing!) Lots of gold, flounce, lace and lurex here – certainly not a collection for the minimalists, but it was clearly a crowd favourite.

From my seat – Zimmermann. Image BWA’s Instagram: @break_with_audrey

Michael Lo Sordo’s dramatic, entrance-making cherry silk maxi dress worn by model Montana Cox stole the show. The outfit looked fresh on the short-haired beauty, and the look was quickly beamed around social media. Simply stunning.

Michael Lo Sordo’s show-stopping look at David Jones AW15. Image: Instagram @davidjonesstore

In honour of the legendary designer’s 50 years in the business, the show’s finale was dedicated to Carla Zampatti whose ‘uptown 70’s luxe’ ensembles garnered solid applause.

Carla Zampatti David Jones AW15. Image: David Jones

You can view highlights of the show in the video below (credit to Fairfax Media.)

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