The Emilia Wickstead x Matches Fashion Resort 2019 collection was an exquisite trip back in time to the 60’s when pastel colours were all over the beaches of Southern France; Grace Kelly, Bridgette Bardot and Jane Birkin were the quintessential “influencers” of the era.
Firstly, the scene was set. A jaw-dropping backdrop of sunshine glistening on crystal blue and turquoise water. The crash of the waves, covering the shoreline. We were ushered onto a landing deck where we could see below, umbrellas lining the sea and chairs on the other side of the concrete pavement, loosely resembling a runway.
Que the live five piece brass band. The waiters emerged immaculately dressed in crisp white tuxedos, toting silver trays presented with pink lemonade, martinis and hors d’oeuvres.
Once everyone had taken their seats, cool jazz floated on the breeze and the angels descended from heaven, down the staircase—wearing, Emilia Wickstead.
New Zealand born, UK-based designer, Emilia Wickstead, was brought to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia by British online retailer, Matches Fashion, to showcase a collection that included pastel swimsuits, romper suits and button-through skirts in chintzy florals.
The collection focuses on vintage silhouettes, with the likes of linen rompers, tennis shorts, crop tops with balloon sleeves and a one-shoulder soft flowing dress that will take you from beach to bar.
It was the first time the designer had forayed into swimwear, including high-neck one-pieces with keyhole back. It truly sent me back to the beaches of St. Tropez when Bridget Bardot famously frolicked on the white sand, early 60’s.
Models in the whimsical show relaxed on mattresses under beach umbrellas, playing chess, while others gathered on staircases looking at vintage cameras. The bravest synchronised their freestyle with childlike femininity in the icy waters of Wylie’s Baths, Coogee. All the while, the pigment of the opening outfit matched perfectly with the turquoise blue-green hue of the natural, deep-water pool.
Oh, what a lovely day.
