Ellery

The runways were awash in fresh hues at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, bringing welcome respite from the khaki/black/Bordeaux/navy of the A/W palette we've become so accustomed to. The Spring/Summer season traditionally signals the return to colour, but this season a definitive palette emerged from the catwalk. Bold, almost paintbox-bright tones of cobalt, marigold and fuchsia replaced last season's ubiquitous neon brights and pastels were back, albeit in powdered-back incarnations of sky blue, peppermint and the palest of pinks.

Of course there was black and white, but that (as we detailed in our mega-trend round-up) was worn almost exclusively together, and as part of a broader mod-inspired trend. A new set of go-to neutrals emerged with a modern, almost sci-fi edge; white (often worn head to toe), navy blue and high-shine silver provided crisp contrast to the vibrant brights or pretty watercolour hues. True, the temperature might be in decline but advance notice is always a handy thing! Get acquainted with the colours that are set to define the new season. 

It's time! Are you ready? Because we're about to distil five days of fashion week madness and 30 plus runway shows into one super-fast, easy-to-click trend gallery. The strongest shapes, the key pieces, the newest looks — they're all here. From sculptural frills that fanned out from the body like 3D waves at Karla Spetic to the sophisticated take on the crop top at Ginger & Smart, to the sexiest skirt shape as seen at By Johnny — if you weren't on the ground at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, consider this as your one stop shop. Everything you need to know about Spring/Summer 2013-14 awaits you inside . . . 

Leila Yavari knows fashion. As the fashion director for luxe e-tailer Stylebop she is charged with the envy-inducing task of attending fashion shows around the world and deciding on the key trends, and must-have pieces, to hit the (online) shelves. Munich-based Leila was in Sydney for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, so we politely asked to pick her brains. She happily obliged, sharing her top five absolute favourite Aussie shows, and the three key trends that she thinks are well worth investing in. Ready to get schooled? 

Who better to ask for a fashion week snapshot than front row regular, Lara Bingle? Ms B attended a plethora of big-name shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia last week, and given her impeccable red carpet pedigree and keen interest in Aussie designers we thought she'd make the perfect guest editor for this best-looks-from-the-best-shows feature. Step inside to see Lara's top five, absolute favourite catwalk exits and how and where she intends to turn these runway looks into real-way outfits.

Kim Ellery is a shape-shifter of sorts — able to swing the style pendulum back to places we thought had had their time — making old look new in the process. Kim really let her formalist aesthetic shine for Spring/Summer '13-'14,  presenting a collection full of sculptural shoulder shapes, plus-sized sleeves, super-flare trousers and oversised shells that sat away from the body — seemingly suspended in mid-air, floating centremitres from the figure. Proportion and texture was at play too; narrow column-shaped waistlines giving contrast to the architecturally precise flared sleeves and hemlines while fur and crocodile fabrications upped the luxe quotient. Satin waist-tied tops and jackets worn at the hips relaxed what could be an otherwise stitched-up silhouette, injecting the lineup with a glamous dose of grunge. Dainty, sparse floral prints hinted that Ellery's tough girl troupe had a softer side to show, and the teeny-tiny shorts and structured bodices would come in handy for when some (not too obvious) sex appeal was required. 

• Colours: Black, white, and splashes of mustard yellow and silver.
• Trends: Minimalism, front splits, sculptural shapes, lace, sleeveless jackets and flares.
• Key Looks: Flared, printed trousers, lack and white, exagerated sci-fi shoulder shapes and fur.
• Accessories: Fine-strap sandals with nifty over-ankle flared collars and layered jewellery from Petite Grand.

Leave it to Kym Ellery to not only have the awesome model threesome that is Julia Nobis, Hanne Gaby Odiele and Ruby Jean Wilson; but she also went with a rebellious, outlaw hair and beauty look. Napoleon Perdis wanted the makeup to look milky and clean, but barely there. St. Tropez used a lengthening illuminator trick on arms and legs, while Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe channelled Joan Jett and iconic one-time model and designer, Anita Pallenberg. This is very cool, hop in.

Nothing and no one will ever replace the original supermodels of the 1990s. You know who we're talking about: Cindy, Naomi, Kate, Christy, Linda, and so on. So you can imagine how much we loved seeing the picture Gail Elliott, a '90s supe herself, posted for a bit of Flashback Friday fun. Gail, Naomi and Linda — three of our faves, partying it up at one of our all-time favourite fashion icons' birthday party . . . Click through to find out who they were celebrating! Also popping up on our fashion and beauty radar this week? Miranda Kerr, bare-faced and beautiful as usual, Cara Delevinge announcing a new beauty campaign, Jessica Gomes rocking a Mary Katrantzou dress and so much more. Whatcha waitin' for?

This wardrobe staple is such a no-brainer we didn't realize we hadn't put it under The Essential Wardrobe spotlight already. The perfect piece to add polish to any ensemble, the black blazer is like the icing on any well-dressed cake. Just ask Kate Moss. Throw over a white tee and shorts for a bit of Lara-Bingle-in-Bondi style, work it with a pair of skinnies for your own off-duty model moment, or play with contrast by teaming it with your flirtiest, most femme frock. The key? Make sure that shoulder line fits your frame exactly, and always — repeat, always — tailor the cuffs if they hang even the littleist bit low. It's time to go back to basics . . . 

Well, it's been a fashion- and beauty-filled week, to say the least! Much of our time was taken up by the David Jones A/W '13 Fashion Launch, which was held on Wednesday night. Ali and Alison had access to all the behind-the-scenes action, and they spent some time chatting to the gorgeous Miranda Kerr about all things style and beauty. In the office, we were blown away by Beyoncé's crazy-good Super Bowl performance, and Jess scored tickets to an event fit for a princess. In amongst it all, we saw pretty new products, received some exciting deliveries, and made sure we took some time out for a drink (or two!). Click through to see everything else we got up to!