Femininity and fluidity were the bywords at Australian Fashion Week. In a shift away from the rigid lines and boxy silhouettes that defined the trend towards menswear and suiting in 2024, here, we saw fine tailoring brought into balance by voluminous fabric, beading and lace. A 2000s spirit and an Australian surf sensibility (Hansen and Gretel), matched with billowing resortwear cast in chiffon and silk (Bianca Spender, Beare Park) was Australian fashion’s modus operandi in 2025.
Photographs courtesy of Albus Lumen.
Case in point: Albus Lumen, where creative director Marina Afonina marked ten years with big helpings of sheer fabrics and a return to opulent beading and gloriously voluminous silhouettes. Models were fitted with clean tailoring and textured fabrics, while the classic polka dot was recast with pearls and glittering crystal embellishments. Bloomers, bralettes and floral appliques were a nod to nostalgia, while sculptural veils courtesy of milliner Jonathan Howard brought bridal into the now, anchored by textured hair and bouncy blowouts.
Photographs courtesy of Hansen and Gretel.
Resort fashion mingled with leisure at the Hansen and Gretel show, where a ‘90s surfing spirit meshed with saccharine trimmings and delicate fabrics. Creative director Ainsley Hansen’s inspiration for the collection was the fluidity of the ocean, which cast draped silhouettes and seafoam in a starring role, while dreamy beading, lace and embroidery were supporting acts.
Photographs courtesy of Bianca Spender.
The polka dot redux also made an appearance at Bianca Spender, adorning sheer chiffon dresses in red and white spots, paired with a set of relaxed mesh sandals. Billowing asymmetrical silhouettes and soft lines were rounded out by high, ruched necklines and bubble hemlines, an ode to Spender’s laidback sartorial sensibility.
Photographs courtesy of Beare Park.
The Beare Park show was cause for sheer delight, with creative director Gabriella Pereira bringing her signature brand of see-through and clean cut to the AFW runway. Pereira’s impeccable tailoring and sky-high quality continues to be her calling card, but with this collection, Pereira reaches sartorial supernova status, layering colour with silk to sultry effect.
