Heritage and Heart Combine At David Jones’ Spring/Summer 2022 Runway
Former GRAZIA cover girls Victoria Lee and Fernanda Ly lead the Australian and international new season showcase
Champagne glasses clinked as Sydney and Melbourne’s fashion set gathered inside David Jones’ iconic Elizabeth Street building on Wednesday evening. Level eight of the department store – just one level up from a State Banquet which hosted the Queen in 1954 – was the setting for a cinematic cloudscape: a runway representing the infinite possibilities of the season ahead.
Former GRAZIA cover girls Victoria Lee and Fernanda Ly joined Magnolia Maymuru, Tom Derickx and new friend of the brand Nathan Mcguire to showcase David Jones’ Spring/Summer 2022 collection Wonderland.
Split into four shows – The Modern Minimalist and Working Smarter,Total Euphoria and Future Utility, Golden Hour and Backyard Vacation, and Afterparty and Smart Dressing – the runway journeyed through classic investments pieces from ESSE and Camilla and Marc, cutting-edge cut-outs from Dion Lee and P.E. Nation, floating florals from Aje and Alemais, and statement moments from Rachel Gilbert and Rebecca Vallance. Each section was punctuated with internationals luxuries including McQueen, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, The Attico and Versace. (After all, DJs was responsible for bringing French and Italian high fashion to post-war Australia in the late 40s.)
But it was Lee sauntering down the white runway in a sequinned, plunging Maticevski gown – complete with a draping cape – that left a lasting impression; a timeless and elegant silhouette which perfectly bookended the show and summed up why David Jones will always hold a place in our hearts. Yes, while the digital world might be moving forward, make no mistake, the experience of shopping classics like this one, in a store steeped in 187 years of history, will never go out of style.