A combination of structure and fluidity defined Premium Runway 4 at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF). The runway, presented by Elle Australia, featured a handful of local luxury womenswear stars whose designs reflect the sophistication of the modern woman. Streamlined silhouettes in high quality textures- each carefully curated look is a modern classic. All 7 designers work in favour of an effortless style of dressing. Each head to toe look can be stripped back to basics and reworked with ease time and time again.

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The autumn winter offering by YB J’aime by Yeojin Bae stays true to the designer’s “effortlessly chic” aesthetic. Sweetheart prints and a palette dipping heavily into pinks and reds make for an undeniably feminine collection, but Bae’s eye for detail and love of sleek tailoring ensures this collection never becomes frivolous. A long, rose hued slip dress featuring fringe detailing is slightly reminiscent of 90s Calvin Klein, while a leopard print cape is both playful and structured. YB J’aime promotes a nonchalant way of dressing in that each piece is infinitely versatile, ensuring it can be worked into any woman’s wardrobe with ease.

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With injections of colour splayed across black, Ginger & Smart’s AW14 collection is a modern take on contemporary dressing. Cocktail dresses are fitted through the sleeve and jackets take on a boxy new shape. A steel metallic biker jacket sees a classic winter shape take form in a directional texture- the ultimate cold-weather statement piece.

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Leopard print remains key, this time in a collection by LIFEwithBIRD. Function and wearability are at the heart of the LIFEwithBIRD ethos. This line of modern classics features versatile cuts in both statement prints and wearable monochromes. A draped white dress with structured shoulder detailing and a silk handkerchief hem is a collection hero piece, combining an architectural cut with a soft, feminine texture.

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Michael Lo Sordo’s collection is, without doubt, a festival highlight. Clean and sophisticated, each piece is minimalistic whilst being entirely complex. High roll necks and masculine outwear is teamed with fitted bodices and draped over provocative cutouts. Crisp white, grey and blacks are given life with ballet pink. A pastel cocoon coat skyrockets to the top of the audience’s must-have list.

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A patent green leatherette biker and mini combo by Kahlo excites us, igniting our desire to wear a bit of colour this winter. It’s truly a collection of opposites, with contrasting elements combining to create a line of sultry, feminine wares. Garments are either fitted to the body in simple matte textures, or pieces are boxy and masculine in sexy femme-fatale fabrics- namely black velvet or high shine pleather.

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Layering is key for Bianca Spender, with a collection of leather, faux fur and linen. Rose coloured leather is paired with bright blocks of coral. Autumnal hues are worked back with tans and beiges, while blacks and metallics make for glamorous after 5 wear.

Images by Aleksandar Kostadinoski

About The Author

Gemma Watts

Gemma Watts has worked in the fashion media industry since 2012, writing for and being headhunted by some of the country's leading fashion and beauty companies. With a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) under her belt, Gemma is able to combine her two greatest passions as Couturing's Fashion Editor- fashion and writing.

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