Rosemount Australia Fashion Week - Day Four...

Rosemount Australia Fashion Week – Day Four… 

Dion Lee

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Raya’ gown

Dion Lee is a talented young designer, who constructs striking garments, that have quite classic silhouettes, but with a bit of a twist. In his Spring/Summer 2010/11 collection, there were literally lots of twist knots in his pieces, each adding fabulous detail with such simplicity. Every piece showcased on the runway was gorgeous and we are all lusting for a bit of Lee in our wardrobe next season.

Karen’s Pick – A classic strapless, gown, ‘Raya’ is gorgeous with a twist knot feature in the centre of the bodice, which draws the eye to where the waist has been cinched.

Dion Lee

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Hannah’ gown

The intricate draping on this Dion Lee dress is fabulous, with different coloured fabrics really emphasising the detail featured. We love that nude palette too – fabulous for summer.

Karen’s Pick – Grecian inspired ‘Hannah’, draped in soft georgette, has twists around the bust to fall beautifully in the skirt in fluid movement.

Karen’s Tip – When having a gown with so much detail, opt for minimal accessories and let the gown be the hero.

Gail Sorronda

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Chantilly Bodice’ and ‘Pleated Skirt’

Gail Sorronda’s ruffled dresses are divine and instantly grab your attention, without being over the top! The hair and headpieces were fantastic in this show, simple yet such a statement – a Karen Willis Holmes favourite.

Karen’s Pick – For a ruffled, layered tulle look, the ‘Pleated Ruffle Skirt’ in our couture collection, worn with a petticoat underneath is fabulous. The petticoat with layers of tulle that has satin ribbon edging is a favourite – it creates another feature to the skirt altogether.

Karen’s Tip – with such a dramatic skirt, keep your top simple and fitted, otherwise it will be too much. The ‘Chantilly bodice’ is the perfect options for a pretty, yet low-key style top.

Gail Sorronda

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Rachel’ jacket.

Necklines are such an important feature to a wedding gown and we are always on the lookout for something a bit special in a neckline, which is why the ruffled detail on this Gail Sorronda dress particularly caught our attention.

Karen’s Tip – If you want a ruffled neckline look, but want to keep your dress simple, opt for a little jacket like ‘Rachel’ with a cute ruffle collar – practical as well for brides getting married in the cooler months.

Gary Bigeni

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Rita’ gown and corset

Gary Bigeni’s gorgeous draped looks are so relaxed, yet sophisticated. This outfit is the perfect type of outfit to wear to a ladies-only high tea.

Karen’s Pick – ‘Rita’, with its asymmetrical draping in burnout satin, creates a bit of relaxed sophistication, with a belted ribbon to accentuate the waist.

Karen’s Tip – For a more fitted look, go for corset bodice (right) with curved draping on the torso to really accentuate and give you shape. 

Gary Bigeni

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Bacall’ ensemble

This Gary Bigeni number is yet another example of his relaxed, sophisticated style. It looks like a simple T-shirt dress, but it is so much more with a bit of complex draping and a cute little belt to finish off the look. (Love the shoes as well!)

Karen’s Pick – There is no rule that says a wedding gown has to be a one-piece dress, and the ‘Bacall’ jacket and skirt combination is a perfect example. A silk jersey jacket-style top, with a liquid silk satin skirt creates a beautiful outfit. The wide belt with round buckle completes the look.

Karen’s Tip – This is a great option for a cocktail-style reception, accessorise with some feathers in your hair, or a net birdcage veil for a classy, vintage look!

Kirrily Johnston

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Kate’ gown

Kirrily Johnston’s long empire line dress accessorised with an eye-catching yellow necklace screams tribal chic, but is also a great shape idea for brides-to-be.

Karen’s Pick – For a similar look, opt for ‘Kate’ with an empire line and soft georgette ribbons wrapped around the bust and falling down from the centre front. Finish it off with some crystal beading at the centre front, or a diamante brooch for an overall polished look.

Karen’s Tip – Empire lines are a great choice for petite girls. This design is also good for girls with slightly larger busts as the ribbon detail around the bust area creates a bit of a slimming effect.

Kooey

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Theresa’ gown

Kooey swimwear creates fantastic options for a simple, yet sexy bathing suit. This one-piece costume, with a plunging neckline and ruffle collar, it is so cute and chic, while still being right on trend.

Karen’s Pick – Go for a soft georgette ruffle collar, like ‘Theresa’, for a more modest option for a wedding that will still look just as sexy and sophisticated.

Kooey

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Gina’ gown

Layered ruffles again! We just can’t get enough and this little swimsuit from Kooey, it is adorable.

Karen’s Pick – Layered ruffles on the bodice look gorgeous and has a bit of a quirky vintage feel. ‘Gina’ (right) with layered georgette ruffles is fantastic with its simple satin skirt.

Karen’s Tip – Girls with larger busts should avoid this sort of feature, but it is perfect for girls with smaller busts who want to create a bit of volume. Finish it off with an embroidered or diamante belt for a complete vintage look.

Michael Lo Sordo

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Collette’ gown

It is safe to say that this RAFW has been all about the soft draping, as it is not only a stunning visual but is also flattering on so many body shapes. Michael Lo Sordo’s softly draped nude dress is so feminine and chic, a great one for a girl’s night out.

Karen’s Pick – The ‘Collette’ gown has a very similar cross-over draping on the bust line – so pretty.

Karen’s Tip – The heavier draping across the bust with the ruched georgette, is softened with the delicate lace cap sleeves on ‘Collette’. When going for a ruched detailed bodice, it is good to stick to more delicate sleeves, if having any, or keep it nice and clean with a strapless look so as not to have too much bulk around the neckline.

Ruby Smallbone

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Anna’ gown

Ruby Smallbone’s grungy, body-hugging dress uses ruching and side panels to draw the eye in and create the illusion of a slimmer bodyline – isn’t that what we all want?!?

Karen’s Pick – ‘Anna’ is ruched to one side with a sequinned panel to give a really flattering look and creating a more forgiving shape out of a fabric that normally shows all the problem spots.

Ruby Smallbone

Karen Willis Holmes ‘Carla’ gown

Such a contrast from the tight structure of the previous gown, Ruby Smallbone also utilised to key season trend of draping using super soft fabrics for a gorgeous finish.

Karen’s Pick – The sexy, silk jersey gown called ‘Carla’ is beautifully draped and just hangs delicately from the hip.

Karen’s Tip – Soft draping in a knit type fabric can show all your bumps, so choose the right lingerie. Those body stockings/seamless corsets are great to get a fabulous shape and a clean finish.

Ruby Smallbone

Karen Willis Holmes corset

The panel lines on this sexy Ruby Smallbone number again bring the eye to the centre, which we have mentioned is so flattering for most body shapes. We are also loving the colour scheme used here – the black on nude dress, with the peachy-orange coat works wonderfully.

Karen’s Pick – One of our new lace bodice corsets features lingerie style panelling super stylish and sexy, while helping to create a fabulous shape through the torso.