That 50's look - designer perspective

Having recovered from Rosemount and its spillover ‘working’ schedules, I interviewed a few designers whose upcoming Spring Summer collections perfectly fit this theme and I picked out the pieces in which you will stand out to achieve that fresh 50’s look.

Designer Melanie Cutfield says her inspiration came from a nautical Mediterranean setting. “I imagined a woman cruising, for this Summer collection which is refined with a modernised vintage feel. I take my inspiration from silhouettes having visited second hand shops for vintage garments, taking them apart and reinventing a new modern shape”.
That 50’s thread can be seen in her current winter collection with shape defining pieces like the ‘Harlow Gown’ (Melanie Cutfield 2) and ‘Time to Shine’ dress. Her choice pick from the upcoming collection with that 50’s hint is the black and white dress pictured here (Melanie Cultfield 3). My pick is the cascading top (Melanie Cutfield 4) paired with multi-hued leggings and flat pumps, finished off with a bold mono-coloured belt. For her Muccia label, Melanie “designs for the woman who is inspirational, confident, secure in herself, creates a presence with her choice of garments and is aware of what suits her rather than blindly following trends”.

Interviewing Andy McIntyre and Mark Rogers, the duo behind the label UnNaked, was thrilling after their rocking show at RAFW. I’ve been following this brand for some time and it is my all time favourite. Little wonder that Megan Gale popped into their store a few weeks back. Their upcoming Spring Summer collection is winning rave reviews with stores nationwide clamouring to stock their brand. Channelling Hollywood 50’s glam, Andy says “the collection comprises of day wear and smart evening wear. Buyers can mix and match pieces to carry the outfits from work to play. We are determined on delivering trendy, easy to throw on pieces for our client base whilst keeping to the brand image of looking effortlessly chic.”

He says of their design focus- “We are consistent in creating pieces focusing on silhouettes that flatter the figure, raising our buyer’s confidence in stepping out wearing fashion forward outfits. For example we bring the structured lines in hence visually slimming the figure, focusing on panelling and biased cut drapping.”

To achieve the glamorous 50’s without looking out of place in Sydney, do look out for their aptly named ‘Hepburn’ dress and the collection will no doubt create a shopping storm.

An upcoming designer to watch, Natalia De Martin for the label The Last Romantic, wowed me with the Spring Summer collection ‘Desert Affair’ showcasing a maturity in designs compared to her previous collections. Growing from strength to strength, she displays an understanding of her client base ranging from 18 to 35 year olds. She was inspired “by the trip to Dubai having to wear light materials but keeping the outfit very feminine.” “I wanted the colours to be airy and neutral hence I introduced toned oranges and greens.”

The Last Romantic’s design consistency has won over numerous fans who will be thrilled to see pieces on offer in this collection. My favourites here are the ‘Circle of Life’ (NT2) and ‘Camel Trek’ frocks (NT1) which would easily take you from work to evening by slipping on different shoes/accessories and a quick makeup change.

"That 50's look - designer perspective" was brought to you by stylist Black Dahlia.