With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia just around the corner, we asked the buyers from your favourite international shopping destinations about what they’ll be wearing to sit front row and the brands on their radar.
Natalie Kingham, Fashion & Buying Director, Matchesfashion.com
What trends will you be wearing at MBFWA?
There are so many pieces I love right now, but I will definitely be adding in a pantsuit like the one from Charles Jeffrey, a chunky derby shoe from Prada for running from shows, the Dana top from Emilia which is a perfect go-to blouse that looks great with any pant and a Vetements dress, which is perfect for those longer days into the evening.
Which shows are you most looking forward to attending this year and why?
I have always been impressed by the calibre of design talent that has emerged out of Australia – from Zimmermann to Ellery to Matteau just to name a few – they all offer a unique point of view which is so important.
Albus Lumen is a brand I’m particularly interested in seeing. I was first introduced to it when I was in Sydney for fashion week a couple of years ago and it’s one that our customers have really loved since we launched it. The brand has gone from strength-to-strength each season and I’m excited to see what the new season looks like. I also loved the brand’s collaboration with jewellery designer Ryan Storer for SS18, so I’m looking forward to seeing how this has evolved as well.
Lee Mathews is another brand that we have worked with for a couple of seasons now—the collection is focused on effortless feminine designs and has proven to be incredibly versatile – it translates across our international markets.
Name three essentials we’d find in your handbag during MBFWA?
I actually have four essentials – Prada sunglasses, my iPhone, lip balm and mints.
How does Australian style differ to UK style?
We have a global client who loves to discover the new and wants to be excited and delighted by our offer and our clients in Australia are no different – they are fashion savvy individuals who come to us for our curated edit of new and established designers. I don’t think our Australian clients are that different from the global customer – they want to be able to buy-in season wherever they are in the world – whether they are looking for swimwear in December or knitwear in July. Additionally, our global customer has become increasingly impatient with the traditional fashion cycle, more interested in constant newness with a buy-now-wear-now ethos. Resort collections have become such an important and viable part of the fashion calendar, and of our business. This is why it is so important for us to be in market for MBFWA.
What does it take to be a good buyer?
Believe in yourself, which is the same advice that I was given; the career you dream of may change over time, and it is important to be flexible. Fashion is a changing industry and to change with it is key in order to learn all aspects. I would also say, to push yourself; take risks and enjoy it! Remember to buy with a strong point of view and to keep things fresh and exciting.
What are the best performing Australian brands on matchesfashion.com?
We currently stock twelve Australian brands – Albus Lumen, Camilla, Carl Kapp, Ellery, Ephemera, Le Specs, Lee Matthews, Matteau, Pippa Holt, Ryan Storer, The Upside, Zimmermann. They all perform really well for us and our clients love that laid-back, clean and simple aesthetic. We have found many of the Australian designers have quickly become international names and brands which is so exciting – brands such as Zimmermann are frequently in our best sellers list and exclusive collaborations with Ellery in the past have almost sold out as soon as they launched on site.
Alice Sancier, Buyer, Selfridges
What trends will you be wearing at MBFWA?
Linen dresses, gingham separates, sneakers for comfort and easy layering pieces.
Which shows are you most looking forward to attending this year and why?
Jets and Camilla as they are doing amazing things in the swimwear industry.
Name three essentials we’d find in your handbag during MBFWA?
Multiple iphone chargers, papaw ointment for everything and so many business cards!
How does Australian style differ to UK style?
It differs to the UK in that Australians can mix casual dressing with high-end in a very natural and organic way. Think just putting on a slip dress over a bikini after a day at the beach and going straight to dinner.
What does it take to be a good buyer?
A natural instinct for product that is going to sell, a head for numbers and endless energy!
What are the best performing Australian brands on your site?
l’urv, The Upside and P.E Nation for active. Seafolly, Jets and Camilla for swim.
Kate Coughlan, Senior Buyer, Womenswear, ASOS
What trends will you be wearing at MBFWA?
It’s a pretty full on schedule, so comfort is key! I’m loving all-over print dresses teamed with chunky trainers (Fila Disruptors) or my Lazy Oaf x Dr Martens that have recently launched on ASOS.
Rave Culture is a key focus for the season – Swedish brand Cheap Monday have done amazing new denim shapes such as The Bez names after Manchester band The Happy Mondays who played a huge part in the 90’s UK rave scene.
Which shows are you most looking forward to attending this year and why?
It’s hard to narrow down – there are so many exciting Australian designers that we are super excited to see. I’m a long-time fan of Alice McCall so this is one I’ll be looking forward to.
Name three essentials we’d find in your handbag during MBFWA?
1.My phone charger – I’ll be snap happy with everything and anything for inspiration so will need to charge on the go; 2. I’m a big fan of Mac’s Ruby Roo lipstick, as it instantly brightens you up, and finally 3. I am addicted to Nip + Fab products particularly their dragons blood HYDRATE + PLUMP which is amazing for dehydrated skin – a downside to travel.
How does Australian style differ to UK style?
Most overarching trends will be relevant whether you’re in the UK or Australia. The biggest factor I guess is counter seasonal product – we are just getting into Summer trends as Australia settles into Autumn. I’m loving the return of Heritage in its laid back casual approach – lots of plaids and checks teamed with 90’s baggy denim. The shoulder crossbag replaces the bumbag.
What does it take to be a good buyer?
Aside from having a good eye for trends, you need to be really flexible. Thing are constantly changing here as ASOS and we are always looking to what’s next! I thrive to be Authentic, Brave and Creative no matter what. If you stick to this you are on the right path. As long as you always remember to be customer obsessed, you will move with her, ensuring you’ve got the right product at the right time.
What are the best performing Australian brands on your site?
We carry over 50 denim brands onsite and One Teaspoon is one of my favourites. I love the quality of their denim and their shorts are a summer must-have – super comfy and the perfect fit!
Kate Johanson, Buyer, Shopbop
What trends will you be wearing at MBFWA?
I cannot get enough of the matching sets look that’s trending right now. Whether you’re going for a power suit moment or a more casual track set, there’s an endless amount of options on how you can interpret the trend. It’s also a bonus that these elevated outfits require no thought when getting dressed in a jetlagged fog!
Which shows are you most looking forward to attending this year and why?
Attending shows at MBFWA is such a treat— and while we love catching up and seeing runway shows from brands we’ve picked up in the past (Double Rainbouu! Alice McCall!)—I’m most excited to check out what’s being offered by the new brands that have been added to the schedule. This year you can expect to see me eagerly watching shows for brands like i.am.gia and Lee Matthews!
Name three essentials we’d find in your handbag during MBFWA?
I cannot make it through a fashion week without: a phone charger (of course!), my Anya Hindmarch case (to keep me from losing my credentials, hotel key and business cards while running from show to show), multiple pairs of Grey Ant cat eye sunnies and a Smythson agenda – I still like to handwrite my runway notes!
How does Australian style differ to US style?
I think the Australian customer sets themselves apart by perfecting the look of elevated ease. Whenever I’m in Aus, I’m always impressed by everyone’s ability to take risks with directional pieces and style them in a more wearable way that speaks to a approachable, effortless lifestyle
Brigid Andrews, Director of Merchandising, Opening Ceremony
What trends will you be wearing at MBFWA?
Black ….I’m a New Yorker. Footwear will be Opening Ceremony Collaborations with Vans & Birkenstocks.
Which shows are you most looking forward to attending this year and why?
Looking forward to all the shows and seeing what the designers are feeling inspired by! The NextGen show for Opening Ceremony will be key ….you never know where you are going to uncover a new designer with a unique point of view.
Name three essentials we’d find in your handbag during MBFWA?
Iphone, Paw Paw (lip balm) and Aesop (hand lotion).
How does Australian style differ to US style?
We are clearly in a luxury streetwear moment. However, living in New York anything goes. We mix thrift store finds with designer. There is also an appetite for emerging designers creating something new. To me, Australian style is casual chic.
What does it take to be a good buyer?
You must have forward vision to see and feel what the next big trends will be. This must be balanced with an understanding of the commercial retail needs. A love of fashion/ the arts/ music /culture and all things related to fashion….also be prepared for minimal sleep !
What are the best performing Australian brands on your site?
Daisy, Poms eyewear.
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