But unlike fellow Sydneysider Phoenix Keating, whose harsh materials and couture-like detailing might have failed to resonate on the sunny shores of Bondi, Watson x Watson have been quietly building up a loyal following during the last six seasons they’ve showed at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. The fan base they’re hoping to build here is probably more in tune with Zimmermann’s — Americans who want to inject a nonchalantly sexy Australian attitude into their downtown cool wardrobe.
Fittingly, for their latest range, sisters Somer and Liberty Watson explore between charismatic black tie and everyday casual wear. The collection’s signature print is a muted plaid featured on silk cotton jogger pants, draped dresses (the strangely named “Boyfriend” dress is all flowing silk and a feminine X front) and also a check long-tail shirt. At the other end of the spectrum is a sequined lace that winds up on camis and a glitzy formal maxi skirt, while other pieces dabble into the athleticism trend. A hand-stitched mesh tee and a pair of leather jogging pants (paging Kanye West) sit alongside the season’s unconventional fabric du jour — a fancy version of neoprene.
And don’t forget to check out the shoes. Those Jerome gladiator sandals are sure to strike a chord with any modern sartorial warrior.
