A fictional fashion icon once quipped “Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking!”, a line that now plagues designers every spring/summer showcase. However, designer Jaimie Sortino proves that when done right nature is one of the most mystifying inspirations for fashion. His new collection called ‘Hymn to the Flora,’ which is set to showcase at the Adelaide Fashion Festival is arguably his most prestigious and polished yet.
The collection is true to Sortino’s aesthetic of elegant silhouettes, embellished with intricate beading and soft flowing materials. However, there is something more established and developed to his new collection compared to previous ones. As an artist his technique is impeccable the beading flows into the material of the dress smoothly. A problem with attempting such intricate designs on soft material, is often the designs begin to look heavy and tired. It’s clear Sortino’s dresses don’t fall victim to this. They float with an ease remaining elegant and soft setting him above many designers, who despite their craftsmanship produce looks that are detailed but tired.
The way he’s developed his flora theme throughout the collection is almost the most interesting aspect. On the dresses are detailed allusions to fern and flowers, easing effortlessly into the material alongside a cool colour pallet of ice blue, deep purple, white, champagne and dust pink lace. The dresses look euphoric and drape so well over the body with textures that make the collection impeccably luxurious to look at.
With nods to international label brands Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad in their design and craftsmanship, it seems only a matter of time before this Australian designer could find his place among those heavy NYFW players. Time will tell, but if he continues to use innovative techniques, materials and designs who knows what feats he will achieve. There is clearly the potential.
A photo posted by jaimie_sortino (@jaimie_sortino) on
It his hard to choose a highlight from his latest collection, purely because it’s easy to imagine wearing everything. But if we had to choose, the elegantly edgy beaded branch sheer mermaid gown, dusty pink lace with tulle and organza split skirt and lastly the floral embellished beaded ball gown with cape leaves all look simply divine.
A photo posted by jaimie_sortino (@jaimie_sortino) on
“Hymn To The Flora” launching next week. #JaimieSortino #HymnToTheFlora
A photo posted by jaimie_sortino (@jaimie_sortino) on
A photo posted by jaimie_sortino (@jaimie_sortino) on
A photo posted by jaimie_sortino (@jaimie_sortino) on
A photo posted by jaimie_sortino (@jaimie_sortino) on
Hymn To The Flora•Hand beaded branch sheer mermaid gown #JaimieSortino #HymnToTheFlora
A photo posted by jaimie_sortino (@jaimie_sortino) on
Jaimie Sortino is clearly one of the most exciting inclusions in the Adelaide Fashion Festival. His skill and designs are unparalleled, he has an eye and talent that only few truly posses in fashion worldwide. Already the only Australian label stocked at high-end New York boutique and florist, Spina, it seems simply a matter of time before Sortino emerges as a force.
Jaimie Sortino will take part in the ‘Couture Culture’ Runway on Friday, 21 October as part of the Adelaide Fashion Festival. To see the full list of designers taking part, and to buy tickets, head to the Adelaide Fashion Festival website.
To discover more about Jaimie Sortino, follow him on Facebook and Instagram.