Australia and New Zealand produce great designers, deserving of the world’s full attention. With each subsequent drop, they inspire us to embrace nature, comfort and colour.
Over recent years, fashion born in Australia and NZ has been presenting us with new ethics, whilst embracing old-fashioned steadfastness. Past decades spring to life with new twists, and the 70s, 80s and 90s are all represented. Read on to discover some of our favourite additions to the world of Oceanic fashion in 2022.
Oroton Happy Camper AW22
Kangaroo Valley is a landscape that truly represents Australia. And there’s no better space for Oroton’s Happy Camper AW22. This drop is a forward-thinking retrospect of 70’s inspired earthiness that invites us to get in touch with nature. Here is no retro picnic with matte red lips or circle skirts. Instead botanical themes in rich shades that bounce effortlessly off green surroundings invite us to get off our Covid couches and breathe in the fresh air.
We might wear a beanie and pair it with matching tonals from different colour ways. We might wear red and so announce our presence to waiting wildlife, or we might go waterproof in a vinyl trench coat.
But this we will do while happily camping. We may spare a minute to remember the genius of Sophie Holt who stopped the brand from extinction and resurrected it with a new, fresh look, and then reach for the marshmallows.
Laings AW ’22
Laings does not deviate from its well tailored classic vibe, and its AW ’22 s doing it with a distinct 70’s and 80’s aesthetic. Warm caramels, monotone silhouettes and the colours of native animals dominate in their latest collection. The rust with pink colour way, warm and comforting, has resulted in a sellout rose pink sweater from its latest drop. No longer available from Laing’s website, you can still buy it here. Just glancing through their latest collection has us wanting to get serious about comfort.
Anna Murray describes her collection as ‘steadfast’ and says that
with everything that was going on, I needed my wardrobe to be simple, effortless. It needed to be easy to put together amongst the unfamiliar feeling
Hear, hear, Anna Murray. We appreciate your steadfastness.
SIR The Label – Australia at its finest
Recognising a gap in the market where the Australian lifestyle could be celebrated, founders Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote launched SIR The Label. They chose the acronym SIR for ‘separates, intimates and ready-to-wear. Like the brand name, SIR has functional, wearable clothing that acknowledges the easy-going fashion vibe of Australia. Their Spring Summer 22 collection combines a 70’s aesthetic with some 90’s styling.
Rib-knit, that beautiful, stretchy knit that both cling to your shape and provides room to move, is featured in long skirts, collared cardigans and dresses.
Light, airy and strapless floral jumpsuits have an almost jacquard look.
Different necklines like halter and boat adorn drop waist dresses from the 80’s.
Team singlet tops with black wide pull-on pants for a work-from-home vibe.
Romance Was Born – Done Zone Resort 2023
Romance was Born’s collaboration with Ken Done takes us straight back to the 80s with reef-inspired colour in fun simplicity. There seems to be no stopping Anna Plunkett who is going from strength to strength since her win as Designer of the Year. The whole drop is a kaleidoscope of colour and sports some fun bags and accessories as well.
AJE
Aje’s Spring ’22 ‘Provenance’ pieces are renaissance-like. Flowy tunic style dresses meet white frilly blouses with black velvet ribbon ties. Large puffed sleeves on off-the-shoulder dresses remind us of rebirth. Enlightenment for fashion.
Aje’s Creative Directors Edwina Forest and Adrian Norris wanted to explore this merging of worlds; the ‘bon vivance’ of La Colombe d’Or (The Golden Dove) and why certain places have golden energy that draws creatives to them. The south of France attracted Van Gogh by the light it gave, and the designers have captured this in their collection.
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