Following his first showing at L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) in 2011, Alex Perry has come back with even more shimmer and shine this year, showcasing a collection for next spring and summer.
And the god of frocks did not disappoint the audience, who had come to the show to see his signature ultra-feminine creations.
As the first few, seemingly bridal-themed dresses trotted out onto the runway amid a soundtrack of club remixes, the high ‘bling’ factor induced oohs and aahs from the front row.
Perry’s collection modernised the traditional feminine shape through long, sleek silhouettes, often starting from a strong, structured bustier or corset; softened by mesh sleeves and floating layers of peek-a-boo mesh skirts. Intricate beading, sequins and the occasional floral and lace embellishment across the bodice added to the delicate feel of the gowns, while adding some of Perry’s signature ‘bling’ factor to an otherwise muted palette.
hile this collection was softer and more youthful than his debut LMFF collection last year, which saw his muse Megan Gale sporting various brightly coloured, kimono-inspired gowns, Perry did throw in a range of equally floaty bright red gowns, not forgetting a smattering of sequins for luck.
It was also refreshing to see that Alex Perry had women in mind who may be less waif-like than some of models he had on his runway.
Perry (or rather his team) carefully included models who, while far from what the general public considers ‘curvy’, were nevertheless more bodacious than the majority of models who have walked the runways at the fashion festival so far.
Even so, Perry’s presentation of a number of his more sheer frocks were probably not quite true to reality.
Would anyone really walk out onto a red carpet in a totally sheer dress, with nothing but several measly layers of chiffon and french lace separating your knickers and the outside world? Well, maybe a few brave souls out there would, but that is unlikely for the rest of us mere mortals.
While the rest of the collection moved away from the initial bridal look, it still stayed within the ‘red carpet’ category.
And considering the mastermind’s penchant for all things ‘fierce’, it was no surprise that he threw in several femme fatale numbers, worthy of the best Bond girls out there. It’s certainly nothing new, but no one was complaining that Perry was doing what he does best: flattering the female figure whilst adding a little pizzazz.