The best runway trends from Afterpay Australian Fashion Week

Afterpay Australian Fashion Week returned with a bang this week as the country’s top designers showcased their latest collections at Sydney’s Carriageworks. And while last year’s event was cancelled due to pandemic lockdowns, Fashion Week 2021 certainly proved that good things come to those who wait.

The week-long spectacle included runway shows by a slew of well-known Australian labels, including Romance Was Born, Rebecca Vallance and Alice McCall. As usual, plenty of new fashion trends also emerged during the week, both on the runway and within the crowd of stylish guests.

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Undoubtedly one of the hottest trends on the runway this year was brightly coloured coordinates. Matchy-matchy outfits commanded attention, with models dressed in bold, matching sets in bright colours and prints. A standout look was a metallic two-piece look from Alice McCall, which featured quirky patchwork and bold exposed seams.

Alice McCall / Resort 2022.  Image source and name: Getty

Puffy, voluminous silhouettes were also trending this year, with labels such as Mariam Seddiq and Jordan Dalah taking up some serious space on the runway. The most memorable example of this bombastic trend was model Georgia Fowler’s closing look at the Jordan Dalah runway show, which featured a huge, puffy-sleeved smock dress and sky-high hair to match. 

Jordan Dalah / Resort 2022. Image source and name: GoRunway.com

Another huge trend this year was sustainability and environmental protection. Designer KitX led the charge with her sea-inspired runway collection, featuring up-cycled denim patchwork, organic textiles and trims sourced from marine litter. Models also wore T-shirts emblazoned with the word ‘endangered’ alongside images of various marine species who currently face extinction.

 KitX / Resort 2022. Image source and name: Getty

Trousers worn over dresses also made a massive comeback this year - a clear indication that the nineties have made a roaring comeback. Albus Lumen, Oroton and First Nations Fashion and Design all featured this statement-making combo on the catwalk this year, often combined with bold prints and breezy, loose-fitting materials.

  Oroton / Resort 2022. Image source and name: Lucas Dawson

Of course, there were plenty of head-turning street style looks to behold down at Carriageworks. Blogger Nadia Fairfax-Wayne stunned in a top-to-bottom yellow ensemble. The playful look included form-fitting, off-the-shoulder top in sorbet lemon, and a pair of canary yellow palazzo trousers. The blonde topped off her look with a quilted Bottega Veneta handbag and a pair of retro sunglasses.

  Pictured: Nadia Fairfax-Wayne. Image source and name: Getty

Model Victoria Lee also stunned in a camel wrap coat layered over rust trousers and a brown knit top. The glamazon completed her look with pointy-toed patent leather heels and a slick pair of sunglasses.

 Pictured: Victoria Lee. Image source and name: Getty

Neighbours star Sarah Ellen meanwhile proved that mismatched textures can work in harmony as she stepped out in a knitted green top and black leather trousers. She topped off her eclectic look with a yellow handbag, red open-toe heels and drop earrings.

Pictured: Sarah Ellen. Image source and name: Getty