Excitement crackled in the air as the industry gathered for Romance Was Born, the closing show of Australian Fashion Week. Whispers swept through the crowd as guests speculated on what visual splendours awaited them, reminiscing about shows of Romance past, becoming more giddy as the clock edged to starting time. A crowd of media, industry figures and close friends settled into their seats as a gentle hum of ‘Chrome Country’ by Oneohtrix Point Never started to play, setting the tone for what felt like a shift in reality.
Illuminated by the soft pinks, dark orange and plum purple of the overhead lights, the runway unraveled like a dreamscape. Gnarly shadows of twisted tree branches and ephemeral white snow covered the runway, blurring the lines between fashion and fantasy. Celebrating their 20th year, Romance Was Born designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales considered Ballet Russes as a touchstone of reference, specifically inspired by traditional garments in the National Gallery of Australia. This season, like many that have come before it, the duo honed in on their artistic capabilities, sparing no expense on technique and lavishness while committing to creative storytelling.
A sense of wonder engulfed the audience as the models made their descent down the winding runway, moving with a soft elegance that allowed each garment to take centre stage displaying the ethereal sensation of whimsy and delight that is second nature for Plunkett and Sales.
Then came the clothes—a kaleidoscope of hues, vibrant jewel tones and gentle pastels were paired against a variety of fabrics, silk, tartans, sequins and lace. Garments shimmered with intricate beading, carrying the light with the same ambient tones found in the make-up by Nicole Thompson. For one look, a cascade of tulle in oceanic blues and turquoise flowed from the model’s neck like a waterfall, lined with a trim of feathers. In another, crystal beading formed across the garment as if a butterfly, wings unfurling with every step. Tasselled and beaded headpieces also added a sense of the regal.
Each look communicated enchantment and intentional craftsmanship. It’s clear Plunkett and Sales shared one common goal-to transport the audience to an otherworldly realm of delight. The show came to a finale with a floor length lace gown adorned with beading, paired with a silk cape and a tulle accent at the hip, with tears of pearls, differing in size running down the models cheeks. The room fell into silent admiration as Plunkett and Sales left their audience in a state of wonder long after the show had closed.
