Euro summer was on everyone’s mind at Oroton’s resort 2023 collection. Models paraded down the runway in soft linens, mini-dresses, draped dressing gowns, and, of course, holding the occasional towel.
Then there were the loose-fit pants, the strapless scallop hemmed tops, and—just to really cement the point—dresses covered in bright postcard prints.
Shades of pink, yellow, blue and green, with references to the 1960s were enough to have us dreaming of holidays our grandparents once took to the South of France. That, according to Oroton’s creative director Sophie Holt, was exactly her inspiration.
“An antique ceramic tile, a memento from Portugal was Oroton’s inspiration this season,” its press release stated.
“The idea captured a feeling of escapism, those small tokens of delight that we hold on to, like a postcard.”
Here, marie claire speaks to Holt about the vibrant new collection.
Elements of the collection are inspired by your grandmother’s bodice, what was it about her wardrobe that still inspires and resonates with you today?
Growing up, I was surrounded with a heightened level of creative energy and inspiration with both my mother and grandmother designing with such attention to detail and consideration of colour. The bodice is just one piece that has inspired this collection, but really it comes down to each of the pieces embracing a sense of joy and innocence.
Given Oroton has been a staple of the Australian fashion industry for eight decades, how do you honor the brand’s heritage while still remaining fashion forward?
The Australian spirit is full of beautiful contradictions. Since 1938 Oroton has been distilling that essence and creating both beauty and utility. It’s the way we disrupt expectations and inspire the customer. It’s expressed in the way that Oroton is both timeless and distinctly modern. With every action and stitch considered for uncomplicated ease and use. Ours is a luxury that raises the spirit, leaving you with a sense of joy and confidence, and our pieces are there for whenever you need them.
What’s on your current moodboard?
Far flung destinations, vintage travel accessories & detailing and a colour palette that transports you to those endlessly warm summer days. I’m focused on embracing the current mood of positivity, momentum and regaining that sense of adventure & joy.
What does showing at AAFW means to you?
Last year was the first time we had shown Oroton on the runway and whilst it was nerve-racking, we knew we had a beautiful collection we wanted to share with the world. This year is no exception, if anything we are even more excited to share this year. As Oroton moves to increase the size of the apparel collection, events like Afterpay Australian Fashion Week become increasingly important to build on our commercial opportunities.
Do you have a standout moment or memory from AAFW?
My stand-out moment was those final seconds before the show music starts and the models are all lined up ready to go, it is a real ‘pinch me’ moment and whilst it’s stressful and seems a huge amount of work for such a short moment in time, I loved seeing the work come to life and it was so rewarding for the team.
What Australian designers throughout history do you look up to/ have inspired you and why?
Australian style is so eclectic and takes so much inspiration from our lifestyle, laid back pragmatism and sense of fun. I love the sense of focus Australian designers have when they work to their strengths; stand outs for me include Matteau, Christopher Esber and Bassike.
In three words, who is the Oroton wearer?
A sense of grace, confidence and ease of dressing.
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