As the label Michael Lo Sordo marked its 10 year anniversary, there was no better way to celebrate it than hosting not one but two shows at AAFW (Afterpay Australian Fashion Week), in Sydney.
The highly anticipated collection will mark a new era for the brand, which has been from strength to strength, from designing for James Bond film No Time To Die to dressing cult Aussie actress Margot Robbie.
We sat down with Lo Sordo to get a window into his mind, as he looks ahead at the next 10 years of the label’s success.
Marie Claire: What is on your mood board right now?
Michael Lo Sordo: I recently found old polaroids of my past travels and parties. I love how eclectic style and fashion can change over time. I love Opera capes; the way they fall and cascade on the ground when walking. They are glamorous and I love how the trail of fabric flows when one walks in them. I’m also currently obsessed with Naomi from the film Showgirls by Paul Verhoeven.
MC: Who is the Michael Lo Sordo woman?
MLS: She is forever changing—ever evolving! The MLS woman is confident and conscious about herself. She appreciates luxury and quality as well as timeless elegance.
MC: Tell us about this collection?
MLS: The new collection is titled ‘Showgirls’ so expect glamour and a sense of fun!
MC: What does showing at AAFW mean to you?
MLS: This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Michael Lo Sordo label. The show represents a new era and direction for the brand. When a designer is given an opportunity like this I feel it’s about stepping up and showcasing a concise and clear new direction. I will be drawing on memory as well as the future in fashion.
The show will pay homage to the brand’s DNA and its step forward into the future, injecting colour and culture as well as the launch of a chic menswear capsule of luxury basics. Most importantly it’s all about bringing back the glamour!
MC: What does the future look like for Australian fashion?
MLS: The future is bright! Australia is often overlooked by the international market and it’s an opportunity to get on the radar for international buyers and media. I feel we have never been in a better position globally to put forward our collection.
MC: Which fashion creatives have inspired you throughout your career?
MLS: An almost impossible task to pick and for me it’s much more than one inspiration or talent that I look up to admire. I have been so fortunate over my career to have been able to have made the most wonderful and loving relationships with models, actresses and fashion media around the world. It is for me these relationships and support that inspire me and to this day I say I have had so many muses because I’m constantly inspired by the beautiful people around me that are just reaching for the stars as I am.
However, there would be no question in my eyes that the late philanthropist Susan Wakil was one of the most stylish and influential women of style and a muse to many. I was very privileged to view a collection of letters, sketches, fabric tech packs all from the early 70’s of couture YSL. For me that has left a lasting impression and remains a constant reminder of timeless elegance and refined beauty, everything that Susan stood for.
About The Michel Lo Sordo AAFW 23 Show
There’s no denying that Michael Lo Sordo brought the vibe to the evening show, making guests feel very glad they braved the day’s weather for the 7pm showing. Set in one of the larger Carriageworks halls, the show had an almost Moulin Rouge-esque energy, with small tables lit with tiny lamps and waiters who brought out Hendricks martinis to start the show. In the centre of the aisle lay a string quartet, playing modern hip-hop style violin beats.
When the designs started coming down the runway, the audience could not have been more excited. The collection featured luxe fabrics (hello, velvet undies) and a lot of drapery and ‘cowl’ neck looks. Of course, we also saw what we are calling the ‘butt-cowl’, with a cowl style drapery over the lower back and derriere. The designs were luxe, cheeky, and made you long for a night out where you could wear one.
Highlights included Montana Cox in a strapless black gown with a hip-high split and asymmetrical hemline, a two-piece in bright pink velvet, and of course, the gorgeous blue maxi dress complete with velvet undies and so-called ‘butt-cowl’.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
