Expert craftsmanship and attention to detail drove Karla Spetic’s SS14/15 collection, as shown at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) last night. Working in an almost strictly monochrome colour palette, Spetic played with volume and opacities to create a sports-influenced collection of sexy, without being overtly so, womenswear.
Styled with wet-look hair (fitting, given the show location at the history-steeped Eora pool) and crisp white eye makeup, the collection was fresh and youthful. Opening with a line of crisp white shirt dresses in varying lengths and sleeve styles, Spetic set the tone for a presentation of classic wardrobe updates. A 90s grunge influence became apparent as we moved into roll necks and high shine silky slips in pearlescent hues.
Sheer panelling was a major player, taking three-dimensional shape as a ruffled detailing across the bust as well as working with strategically placed opaque panels a la Alexander Wang. Each piece draped effortlessly from the shoulders, skimming across the body in a manner that combined the feminine and demure with the powerful and sexy.
Trousers were sloughy and straight legged with a hint of glitter. Metallics were key, however they were muted- think high shine silks and shimmering georgettes. A geometrical influence closed the show. Dresses featured black box motifs, adding a hint of structuralism to otherwise feminine fabrics.
Fusing the frivolous with the slightly androgynous, Karla Spetic’s SS14/15 collection is a uniquely versatile offering that takes a minimalistic approach to beauty.
Images by Jennifer Estrada
