Dubbed an undisputed fashion week highlight by those in attendance, Bianca Spender’s SS15 showing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia fused structure and softness. An impressive runway presentation, taking place around a corrugated iron house (an art installation by Gabriel Lesters) central to a dark warehouse space, was high impact from the moment guests were seated. An awe inspiring runway location set the tone for an equally inspired Summer collection.
With each season Bianca Spender grows more and more into her own, moving further away from the influence of her renowned mother, Carla Zampatti, and creating her own uniquely ‘Bianca’ silhouette. The young designer’s SS15 offering is by far the most directional we have seen from her, combining her own fluid aesthetic with the expert craftsmanship and knowledge of the female form she has no doubt inherited from Zampatti.
We open with silks in muted lilacs and fresh silvers, dancing over flute sleeved dresses with plunging necklines and structured separates. A high necked silver crop, teamed with a silk maxi skirt with a thigh high split, sets the tone for the evening- the perfect example of Bianca’s ability to combine the architectural with the soft and fluid. Vests and jackets are worn sans blouses, creating deep V necklines and oozing sensuality. The styling is sleek and modern- dewy complexions are worked back with slightly tribal braided updos, while gold chains drip from each model.
Leather is, once again, key to Bianca’s line. Known for her creative use of natural fibres, Bianca dresses up patent black with high-shine taupe silk. Print and colour take centre stage as rich chocolate brown mingles with bright aquamarine, and a jewel toned heavily sequinned crop and pencil skirt combo becomes the hero look of the season.
At the core of Bianca Spender’s offering is versatility. Each piece can be styled head-to-toe with other garments from the collection to replicate runway styling, but they can also be worked into any pre-existing wardrobe and teamed with staples for a structured, timeless look. With each runway presentation, Bianca Spender continues to grow as a designer- SS15 being her strongest collection yet and a undeniable highlight of this year’s MBFWA programme.
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