Lackluster escapes

1 Alice McCall

2 and 3 Bassike

4 Flannel

5 Kirrily Johnson

All photos Style Hunter

Runway Six on Wednesday night of the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, sponsored by Madison, featured the likes of Alice McCall, Bassike, Flannel, Kirrily Johnston, Life With Bird, Lisa Ho and Morrison.  A somewhat modern selection of looks, the expected exuberance of evening pieces that so often smatter runway shows was overwhelming replaced by minimal daywear.  Despite the opportunity to exhibit elevated looks in the face of a national culture that is resoundingly casual, Runway Six was largely unexciting.

Alice McCall's trademark cut-out detailing was well out in force, and Lisa Ho presented the audience with printed, geometric alternatives to her legendary evening wear.  Both Flannel and Kirrily Johnston, while both possessing their own distinctive styles, merged into forgettable presentations. Although able to pinpoint what their customers want, neither exhibited the revolution or excitement often associated with the change of season or trends.

The stand out of the night however was Bassike's elevated interpretation of basics, which were simply understatedly polished and perfect in structure. Cropped pants and shaped blazers, separate and together, achieved a carefully considered look.  While the uneducated might argue the label goes against the experimental role of the industry all together, Bassike's achievement sits in their ability to reinterpret classics while still retaining their quintessential value.  

Colour-blocking's transition to the head saw models also play with two-tone ponytails, slicked back in a meticulous colour gradient which was distinctive and beautiful.

Perhaps curated to appeal to the everyday consumer in a challenging time for fashion retail, or simply reflecting the intent of designers in a minor misstep, Runway Six was underwhelming.  The allure of the industry and the quality of garments was still there, but the passion and the excitement was not.