If there’s any way to show the international market that South Australia boasts incredible creative talent, it’s through globally recognised fashion label Acler. On Thursday, the Adelaide-based fashion brand took to the national stage, returning to the Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) runway with a bang after a five-year hiatus.
Even before the clothes entered the runway, the scene was set at the heritage listed The Eveleigh by The Grounds, which featured a dramatic staircase and French soundtrack. It was the perfect backdrop to Acler’s Resort 24′ collection which brought their excellent craftsmanship to life.
“The show was held in such a beautiful location which really set the scene, and the welcome to country by an Aboriginal Elder who told her story really grounded the show before it began,” well-known Adelaide stylist Cimon Vozzo tells Glam Adelaide.
The runway showed off bold colours, bright florals, strong suiting and saturated pleated gowns. It took over 12-months to craft the garments with hand-touched elements, distinct draping and fabric manipulation.
It felt like a nod to past collections and the brand’s unique design signatures. Acler dug into its decade old archives to build on its celebrated couture-inspired techniques that make its pieces so distinctive.
“Acler went back to its roots, there were beautiful silhouettes that you often see from them but also trend pieces like boxy suits and cut outs – with one particular at the knee which was a wow factor. The colours stayed neutral which they’re known for but then there were pops of orange and pastel pinks which are polar opposites but I loved, Cimon says.
A bright pink dress with cut-outs and precision pleating was a reminder of many past collections, plus a stunning creamy coloured jacket/top which cinched at the waist was a reminder of the gold Fyffe bodice which Beyoncé was spotted wearing in 2017.
The brand even debuted a most entrancing Bridal Edit with a stunning slew of white dresses.
“The last dress was a beautiful strapless number that could be worn as bridal gown. It was definitely a moment,” Cimon says.
The star show was a reminder of how talented the duo Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto are.
It all started from Adelaide where the pair met while working at a previous fashion-house and immediately recognised their similar design sensibilities. Both shared an un-wavering hunger to create pieces that felt ‘considered’, garments that merged the meticulously beautiful with the effortlessly wearable.
8 years on and that aesthetic has now become a globally recognised brand, having expanded both locally and globally; with a staff and studio home-base in Adelaide, South Australia and stockists in Australia the US, UK, EU, China and Middle East.
Both designers sit at the helm of ‘Acler’ as Creative Directors, having curated a team to support such phenomenal and continuous growth. Their show this year showed that the pair aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
“The show was spectacular and was a favourite of the Afterpay Australian Fashion Week,” Cimon says.
Fore more information on Acler, click here.