There was a lot of chatter from Rosemount Australian Fashion Week – the designers, the trends, the hits and the misses – but the most ceaseless discussion of all was the discussion of the finale showing: Bowie Spring/Summer 2011. Obviously, lust-inducing, it caught everyone’s attention. Rather the audacity of the catwalk to present a show that explored the Asian-fusion trend, this fashion leader admirably illustrated perfectly punctuated architectural looks. On that note, the focus on the incomparable Bowie who is known for his belief of art not being compared or faced with a fear of failure, and therefore not compromised – successfully, took fashion chances. His “Paper Crane†collection presented his gambling spirit of selection, that proved that he knows a thing or two about creating deft, dramatic, and divinely talented garments.
The story of Bowie is decidedly piquing. As son of a Chinese opera singer, his imagination was ignited by his mother’s elaborate costumes. Bowie began studying Pure Design in Japan to further his experience of Asian heritage and cultures which thence resulted in an explosion of idea, inspiration, and influence. Developing his talent and interest, Bowie furthered his education in fashion and extensive training. Notably, he developed an ever-increasing global market and track record of stage credit to Phantom of the Opera (Canada), Paul McCartney and his World Tour, Madonna and the European Girlie Show, Hong Kong fashion shows of Chanel , Jean Paul Gaultier, Trussardi, and Calvin Klein.
“To design a collection, it is just like having children. Can’t say which one is your favorite,â€Bowie personally told Asian Fashion. The collection “Paper Craneâ€, with fabric like paper and representation exemplified through the colors of a crane, proved to be one of the most buzzed-about lines this season with a bazillion favorites after its presentation in Sydney. Also meaning origami, the style of the line was Japanese and the cut like origami. Bowie exclusively explained his catwalk as rich, detailed, and artistic.
The leading Australian couturier staged strong silhouettes combining traditional, unique, and modern elements that aspired to further individuality and execution in attention to detail. Embodying his aesthetic, decorative and eclectic style defined the superb construction of precise form and function. Geometric architectural shapes representing origami were seen in both extremes of his diverse range of looks. Namely, fitted couture wedding gowns to universally flattering short soirée frocks. Accordingly, it was no surprise that this fashion-forward line featured notice-me hues, a mix of posh kimono and a very-welcomed oriental print for its anything but sober palette.
Head-to-toe, garments were pristine knockouts that advanced Bowie’s well-established reputation for fine craftsmanship. Nonetheless, philosophical strengths of innovation, experimentation and creative exploration that lie behind Bowie as a designer, enable him to transcend fashion itself.
by MONICA BEDI
* First image:Â Image Courtesy of Steffan Gosatti/Getty Images AsiaPac
*Following images: Images Courtesy of Cameron Richardson
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