The Next Gen Group Show is always a highlight of any Fashion Week as we see the ‘ Looks of the Future’ from the latest up and coming cutting edge designers. It ‘s a night of drama and passion and as a freakish storm blazed through Brisbane on Tuesday morning it was a fitting start to the day. By evening the skies were clear, and the stars both on the red carpet and in the sky, were shining on this brisk Brisbane Winter’s evening.
First up was the magic that is Kimbralou. Kimbralou upcycles fashion in a modern and daring way for both men and women. There were jackets with angel’s wings and flames, embroidered pants, ruffles, tulle, colour, hearts and florals. Graphics, mesh and hardware all meld in Kimbralou’s dramatic designs to create a rock star chic vibe perfect for those unique individuals who like a bespoke fashion piece and are not afraid to be noticed. I’ve been watching this designer’s evolution and she just gets bolder and better. She has a band of loyal Kimbralou fans who are already in the know and snap up her unique pieces. Tonight she certainly brought the drama in this edgy collection.
Missy D is a swimwear label with a difference. It was created when the designer couldn’t find sun safe styles that fit with her own aesthetic. She decided to create her own luxury sun protection swimwear that showed that you don’t need to compromise on style to be SunSmart. This collection was comprised of an elegant black and white palette. Missy D’s lurex and lace designs with a beautiful palette and cool aesthetic will be one to watch in the industry with her eye for detail shown in zips, ties , panels and piping. Sun protection has never looked so good.
Shilo Lydia showed a gender neutral and peaceful palette with a romantic vibe which included tan, blue and white, in interesting shapes with lace, stripes and flowers. CHAMANI gave us a tribal edge with Emma leading off the show in a stunning off the shoulder dress in black and grey with matching headscarf. There were tans and blues and a stunning tiered ruffle skirt with navy off the shoulder blouse. Shapes were wearable and the patterns unique.
The students were next with TAFE QLD in partnership with the University of Canberra. This collection showed the diversity of its young designers with flirty florals and mesh followed by boiler suits and Grecian looks before showing the ultimate warrior woman look and some futuristic styles. It’s great to see these designers putting their own stamp on their work.
KG Bold showed design aesthetics that belied their years, with up to the minute midriff baring styles, modern menswear and 70’s styles. A green slip dress with tie and flattering white jumpsuit with cutouts were my picks.
Seon – Im You crested a glamorous range in luxe and sexy black. Sheers and cutouts were features of this label’s interesting and ultra womanly shapes. A new find for me was Jonathon Usi who showed menswear and womenswear. He has an eye for colours that appeal with hot pink, marigold yellow and a beautiful soft purple suit calling to me. His cuts were impeccable and this label will be one to watch out for. I have been following the playful Maven label and tonight they showed a selection of pretty minis in luxurious fabrics.
I love the work coming from the students at QUT Design and once again they brought the drama in some daring designs. One of my favourites of the night was a brown mini with a black sheer overlay, a stunning gown with a rock chic vibe. I would love the pink ruffle coat in my wardrobe. There were feathers and tulle and great design and sustainable elements in this collection. Joteo brought the glamour with a range in blacks, whites and a little gold showing couture draping and savoire faire tailoring paired with a fluidity to evoke imagery of shadowy spectres. It focused on the realm of emotions.
Lastly was one of my personal favourites Moreno Marcos , whose designs I’d recently seen on the catwalk at the Ravishing Fashionistas Fashion Show. Her designs are high fashion. I loved the first piece which was a green flowing gown with a dramatic burgundy cape. Hot pink pants and a draping shirt showed a knowledge of design and dramatic black and white with ruffles were appealing. A rainbow mini brought a sense of fun and the use of pink and red in a beautiful cutaway, ruffled gown with a sky high slit and bow sleeve was majestic.
The Next Gen Show had it all. From the exquisitely sculptured to the daring, playful, sexy and chic. There were plenty of dramatic artistic looks and bags of creativity showing us the fashion of the future is in good hands. To see highlights of this night under the stars, you can visit the Brisbane Fashion Festival page and watch this online parade again and again.
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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