Alice McCall had us floating on Cloud Nine on Day 2 of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week with her heavenly Cruise15/16 collection titled ‘One Track Love.’ A large crowd formed outside the industrial warehouse space at Carriageworks clambering to get into what is no doubt one of the most popular shows this week.

Inside, we were transported into the fantastical world of Alice McCall. Artist Daimon Downey created an enchanted installation set of magnified proportions referencing Alice In Wonderland after she drank the magic potion.

There was a certain celestial component to this collection as oily, iridescent fabrics in dreamy pastels floated down the runway and models strode to a mystical but upbeat tempo. Quality ornate fabrics of metallic brocade jacquards, bespoke laces and contemporary crochet offered a couture touch to a commercially pleasing collection.

A variety of striking silhouettes from sculptured chic tailoring, voluminous ruffles and synched high-waists, merged 90’s minimalism with Alice McCall’s signature of pop femininity. Draped memory fabrics, engineered art placements on contrasting body contouring and viscose lurex knits took on a higher power and added a rich allure to an already daring presentation.

In what was largely a monochromatic palette, the confectionary colour injections of bold copper metallic, pastel pink and purple, Rasta red and bright blue hues transcended the feminine girlish charm and bohemian flare of Alice McCall into a rock and roll homage which was further emphasized with strong metallic eye makeup.

The show was styled by Mark Vassallo, who returned once again, to collaborate with Alice as stylistic director for the show. His eloquent gestures made 90’s minimalistic pieces look modern and imaginative in spectacular theatrical fashion. Bunny ears on models were another reference to Alice’s quirky past, playing into the brands illusory world where anything goes.

The stand out pieces were of course the many playsuits that were presented in true Alice McCall style. The Alice McCall girl was reborn tonight. Magnetic and glowing, pretty in love, completely carefree and more self assured than ever, emphasised by the energetic smiles worn across each and every one of the models faces.

Alice continues to elevate her label through her ingenious approach to design and impulse towards imaginative textile development. And just like Alice in Wonderland who embarked on a personal journey of sorts to find her true destiny, we got the sense that Alice McCall was on a similar journey of it’s own. The label which celebrated it’s 10th birthday last year, seemed all grown up this year with stunning avant-garde designs, however still managed to stay true to it’s girlie charm and playful aesthetic that is synonymous with the brand. The collection played on the magical setting and eclectic vibe of the show and succeeded at portraying the whimsical world of Alice McCall.

  

Photos by Tafa Rock for TheTrendSpotter.

Published on TheTrendSpotter 15/04/2015