If you say Tigerlily to an Australian woman our first thought is beaches, sand and fun in the sun. It’s the Australian clothing label that was founded by the quintessential Bondi Beach girl – Jodhi Meares, back in 2000. Bikinis, maxis, floaty tops and fluid pants have always been its signature. Fast forward to 2019 and Meares is no longer involved yet Tigerlily continues to grow and evolve whilst still holding that special place in the hearts of women looking for adventure. Tigerlily creates clothes to make you smile in and clothes to feel bright in.
SheSociety were delighted to be invited to Tigerlily’s first runway show for 17 years at Sydney’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Set in Gallery 1 at Carriageworks, guests were transported to Hawaii for the launch of Tigerlily’s Resort 2020 titled “ Aloha State”.
Waiting excitedly in line with buyers, press and influencers from around the world we were all wondering which new direction Tigerlily would take us in. This Tigerlily offered us a more refined, elevated vision. Comprising the relaxed silhouettes for which the brand is known, with a nod to the Hawaiian beach lifestyle. Tigerlily teased us with more tailored pieces than ever before.
The Show
The massive gallery space was transformed into an Hawaiian island with bubbling water, large white sculptures with palms and greenery giving it that friendly island feel. Aptly it was designed by Benjamin Fountain. This cool space invited you in and was a welcome respite from the winter sun that had been scorching us outside. From there we were swept away by the new Tigerlily. Opening with the models walking to the drums beating in the music we were greeted by cool, white looks. The show closed with the models walking to TLC’s Waterfalls, a fitting finale for this island themed show.
The Fashion
White has always been a bestseller for Tigerlily and playful sundresses and floaty ruffled maxi dresses came out first. Fringing and crochet was still a big feature. Tigerlily’s signature feminine florals in pale blue, green and yellow were up next in playsuits, dresses of every length and two piece sets, which were also a feature of the collection. These looks were paired with broad brimmed hats. Looks were accessorised with vintage wooden baskets and cute teeny tiny bags. Floaty blue and white stripes on their own or with a soft apricot looked perfect for a sunny day. Rich blues surprised us all next with sleeves draping completely off the shoulders. Slouchy fluid pants were stylish and Tigerlily showed us how to do the dress over pants look. There was a blue of almost every hue on the catwalk.
Hot pink made a glorious appearance in an exquisite sundress and a tailored suit to covet. Ruffles and layering was on point and I loved an elegant slinky blue dress with sleeves. Soft yellow in separates and dresses was springtime fresh. Deep lavender was also making a statement and will be big again in 2020. Give it a try, I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how pretty it makes you feel.
The biggest surprise for most of the fashionistas was the fact that there was not a bikini in sight. Tigerlily chose to showcase their new direction with their cotton collection. They also have a range of gorgeous silk pieces. I loved the flowing dresses I spied on some of the Tigerlily team in a floaty floral with a yellow background with soft pastel blue , pink and green. This collection still had many of the signature Tigerlily elements that appeal so much to the Australian beach girl but have added a dimension involving more tailoring and structure, and for me, these pieces hit the spot for the label which will soon be a grown up twenty year old fashion label. Aloha!
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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