There’s no doubt about it: Australian designers are infiltrating New York Fashion Week faster than any other foreign continent. But they don’t all have the power to seat influential editors and It Kids in their front rows, and Fashion Palette aims to facilitate some exposure and brand awareness for the ones that aren’t Dion Lee or Tome.
This year it was Phillipa Galasso and Steven Khalil who showcased their Fall 2014 collections at Chelsea’s Pier 59 Studios. Indie legwear brand Tightology was also in tow, showing intriguing prints and patterns, though perhaps a presentation would have provided a better format for zooming in on the models’ legs.
Galasso has shown at New York Fashion Week twice now since gaining a diploma from Sydney’s Ultimo TAFE College. She debuted her Summer 2014 range there last September, but it’s among the notoriously picky French that her delicate silhouettes have really curried favor (she showcased her collection at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012 and has appeared in Elle Paris). For Fall 2014, she attempted to woo New York with long gowns and romantic details. It was the latter that really stood out – particularly the intricately beaded embellishments and lush feather accents. It would have been good to have a closer look at those too.
Aussie eveningwear stalwart Steven Khalil also went for unadulterated glamour. White and rose gold gowns were punctuated with delicate laser cut accents, and artfully embroidered details encrusted sheer gauzy nuptial gowns (invest in good underwear). If you happen to be planning a hyper-luxe beach wedding in the next few months, Khalil’s your go-to guy.
