Bassike have developed a reputation as one of the Australian Fashion Week tickets to nab, in part thanks to the brand’s prestigious 16-year history, but also due to Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan’s ability to create transcendent runway events. For Resort ’23 things proved no different. Forgoing the usual runway format, bassike showcased their latest collection with an immersive film directed by the celebrated Australian fashion photographer Ben Morris, which debuted at an intimate dinner at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney’s Circular Quay. A coterie of local style stars including Victoria Lee, Brooke Testoni, Bella Thomas, and Bridget Hollitt were in attendance.

“For Resort 23, I was drawn to life below water, in particular the complexity and vibrancy of the Great Barrier Reef and the intricate ecosystems that make up this wonder of the natural world,” explained creative director Sams. “The colours, shapes and textures of the reef are mirrored in the silhouettes, prints and styling of the resort 23 collection, with the signature details and considered ethos that bassike is known for.” Sams and Ryan had Morris and his team travel to Hamilton Island to capture the new collection, its crystal blue waters evoking the eclecticism and raw natural beauty of the Barrier Reef.

Bassike Resort 2023
Image: Ben Morris for Bassike

Pieces were inspired by aquatic life, with sleek tailoring matched with nautical details like netting, ropes, crochet, and beading. A bold colour palette  including eye-catching shades of marigold, tangerine, lemon, and sky blue were spliced and clashed together, alongside prints featuring, among other things, the sprawling tentacles of an octopus. There were archetypal resort season shapes—oversized silhouettes made with soft easy cottons and chiffons, wide-leg trousers, bodice shirting with cut-out details, and fabrics draped and wrapped artfully across the body.

In keeping with bassike’s sustainable ethos, 79% of the collection was designed using sustainable materials, including organic and responsibly sourced yarns. “When designing, I am always thinking about how the garment looks and feels, and the people who will wear it – the importance of using the most beautiful fabrications with a focus on fit, proportion and quality construction cannot be understated,” explained Sams. “I hope our Resort 23 collection will inspire positivity and a vibrant energy, whilst also encouraging people to make more considered choices to support the future of our planet.”

Bassike Resort 2023
Image: Ben Morris for Bassike
Bassike Resort 2023
Image: Ben Morris for Bassike

 

Leading Australian fashion brand, bassike, known for its commitment to design led and sustainably and ethically made wardrobe essentials, revealed its Resort 23 collection at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week with a film presentation, inspired by the Great Barrier Reef and captured on location at Hamilton Island.

 

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, Quayside Room, Sydney, Australia