DAY THREE :: alice McCALL :: Wednesday May 2nd 2012 10am

Wednesday May 2nd 2012 at 10am

ALICE MCCALL

The Tent, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay

alice McCALL - Spring Summer 2012-13 - 'Babooshka'

A spectrum of colour washed the runway at The Tent the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and the eerie voice of Kate Bush filled the crowd, as alice McCALL prepared to send down the catwalk a pack of beautiful futuristic gypsies to showcase her Spring Summer 2012/2013 collection 'Babooshka'. International bloggers Rumi Neely, Bryan Boy, Elin Kling, Yvan Rodic and Susie Bubble sat front row along with fashion influencers Yasmin Sewell, Ruby Rose, Kirstie Clements and Edwina McCann. 

For  alice McCALL, Budapest’s famous antiquated stain glass windows were a starting point for her collection. From there, Alice took a trip into Hungarian folk art, finding inspiration in needlepoints, blossoming embroideries, delicate laces and even cheery Russian babushka dolls.

A kaleidoscope of sun-drenched colours creep across dresses – powered lavender, marigold yellow, raspberry coulis, cherry tomato red and pastel mandarin – in digital prints of floral folk embroidery and stain glass patterns.  Silhouettes such as apron necklines, lampshade skirts, sundresses and onesies conjure traditional Hungarian dress, but with a sports-luxe edge. Sleek waved cut outs add a high-tech feeling to traditional lace dresses and bodices in dreamy pastel shades.

The big message lies between the lines. Art nouveau curves frame the body – necklines delicately cut around the collarbone, skirt around hemlines and frame the back in a divine whiplash reminiscent of the staircases in a fairytale Hungarian castle.  Digital prints mimic stone nouveau windows, sculpting around torsos on dresses exploding in traditional Hungarian floral prints. A daisy chain print lace dress with doll sleeves features a weightless swirled peplum skirt. 

Details never overpower, but add depth and a sentimental note.  White and neon gemstone resin beading overlay prints, tone on tone applique detailing and rainbow foiling add a futuristic element. Other pieces are unexpectedly pared-down for the brand, like sculpted bodice and matching ankle-biter pants in a warm tangerine.

The exploration of traditional Hungarian laces, folk needlepoints and architecture harmonizes well with the alice McCALL moniker, and creates a modern and fresh collection bringing a sense of colour and joy back in an industry of safe game-players.

alice McCALL is available at David Jones, select boutiques, their flagship store in Darlinghurst and online store www.alicemccall.com.

Show Credits:

Show Producer - Jack Bedwani @ The Projects

Casting - Sunny Grace

Creative Director - Alice McCall

Stylist - Meg Gray

PR & Sponsorship - Little Hero

Music Director - Jonny Powell

Make Up - Nigel Stanilaus for Maybelline

Hair - Sophie Roberts for GHD

Supported by sponsors: GHD, Maybelline and Veet.

Soundtrack:

Ultravox - Vienna

Rayko - Juicy Fruit

Glass Candy - Miss Broadway

Nik Kershaw - Wouldn't it be Good

Kaminsky - Nightcall

Kate Bush - Babooshka

All photography by Lucas Dawson - www.lucasdawson.com

For further information or images, please contact Rae Begley, rae@littlehero.com.au, 02 8338 1810, 0419 890 888