emma mulholland on holiday collection launch
All images by Phoebe Wolfe / @cubmotion

With an abundance of sequins, loud embellishments and whimsical prints, Emma Mulholland rejects the banality of today’s quiet luxury for something a little more sentimental with her 13th collection. 

As many familiar with the brand will know, one of the core inspirations for the designer’s work with Emma Mulholland on Holiday has always been the nostalgia of childhood vacations. But when it came to dressing guests for her recent ’80s prom-style nuptials, Mulholland felt a gap in her current offerings that spurred her to branch out.

“I wanted to explore bringing back occasionwear in a new and more grown-up way for Emma Mulholland on Holiday,” she said. “My personal style is always evolving, and so when this happens, the brand tends to follow.”

And the result is a kaleidoscope of party-ready pieces with a preppy flair, a la Mulholland’s personal style muses like Cher Horowitz, Chloë Sevigny, ‘90s Anna Wintour and ‘80s J-Pop star Yui Asaka. With a more formal take, she brings her signature retro effervescence to wearable clothes that bring the party with them—perfect for your next sojourn. 

“I love looking at old references from couples and families on big family vacations at locations like Club Med,” she said of her inspiration. “I think the nightlife of holidays or vacations is just as fun as days spent lazing by the pool. I’d like to think Collection 13 can give you that feeling.”

Making up the range of new wardrobe favourites are a slew of mix-and-match pieces boasting a heap of character. Notably, her signature check pattern gets a glossy revamp, going-out bags replace traditional totes, and a cupid-themed bodice that’ll get you right in the heart.

Fabrications are festive but remain true to Mulholland’s commitment to minimising her eco-footprint, with recycled polyester and custom broderie anglaise organic poplin developed by the brand. As an Australian-born label, linen is essential, but Mulholland does it her own way, ditching the neutral in favour of a technicolour palette. “Linen always plays a big part in our collection, but the new styles definitely have a more elevated look and feel to them.”

‘Rendezvous Wear’ will be available to shop in-store and online from June. See the full collection below.

During the recent AAFW, the GRAZIA team enjoyed a collection preview in the form of dinner guests modelling the joyous new-season pieces.

With an intimate dinner, followed by a raucous after-party to celebrate the release, Emma Mulholland and her team clinked glasses with friends of the brand at Sydney’s Ace Hotel for a romantic evening of wine and delicious food. Guests included an array of familiar faces like Flex Mami, San Cisco’s Scarlett Stevens, Isabella Manfredi, Rachel Rutt, and the stellar team behind the Ace Hotel.

Click through for a sneak peek at the festivities—all snapped by @soybasedsnack.