“I have nothing to wear,” is usually my first thought when dressing up for a cocktail event, until I remember the nine (probably fourteen if I am being honest) totally different black dresses hanging in my closet.
From bandage to maxi to midi, my wardrobe is a representation of how over the years, countless designers have put their own spin on the classic piece. Along with a black blazer, a good pair of jeans and an expensive but comfortable t-shirt, the black dress is one of the key pieces in a woman’s wardrobe. Even Karl Lagerfeld, one of the greatest sovereigns of fashion once said, “one is never over-dressed or under-dressed with a little black dress”.
Harvey the Label
The Black Dress, run by Boutique Series, paid homage to fashion’s most iconic piece at a special runway spectacular at the Mercedes-Benz Adelaide showroom. Hosted by Adelady’s Hayley Pearson and Lauren DeCasere and supporting the Leukemia Foundation the evening featured over 50 renowned local and national designers.
The sold out event supported the Australian fashion industry by showcasing a black dress from each designer and label involved. A diverse range of styles were shown, from the preppy, fun and classy dress by local established womenswear designer Liza Emanuele to the bold, show stopping sequinned gown from Western Australian based label Zhivago.
Zhivago
The Mercedes-Benz Adelaide showroom provided a sleek backdrop, with several of the cars showcased around the room for me guests to take selfies with. Adelaide’s fashion pack sipped on Finniss River Vinyard wine while they mingled with each other before and after the show.
The night was the brainchild of local personality and DJ, Filip With an F (Filip Odzak) who introduced each dress as it made it’s way down the catwalk on one of the beauties from Finesse Models Australia.
Liza Emanuele
Runway hair was styled by Zink Hair and makeup crafted by Lauren Parkinson, while the styling was left to Cimon Vozzo. Many of the outfits were accessorised by black flowers and White Marquee made sure the space looked sleek and stylish.
Adelaide couture designer and all-around babe Jaimie Sortino’s sheer lacy frock was a sexy standout along with a Simmone Standing the Label dress which had elegant, long and on-trend sleeves almost reaching the floor.
Georgia Guy
Menswear from labels such as TY-LR Man and Jack London also featured on the catwalk, worn by some of Finesse’s male models.
The parade was closed with a beautiful gown from one of Australia’s most recognised designers, Steven Khalil.
I have always lived by the saying, “women who wear black lead more colourful lives,” and The Black Dress was certainly a reflection of this. From sheer and sexy to bold and empowering, The Black Dress was a reflection of the idea that fashions fade, but style is eternal.
All images courtesy of Vueey Le.
