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By Jessica Bailey

AFW: Michael Lo Sordo Turns Sydney On Its Head With Le Club Lo Sordo

Taking inspiration from the iconic clubs of Paris, leather, lace and lust converged in the heart of the city

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 14: A model walks the runway during the Michael Lo Sordo show during Australian Fashion Week Presented By Pandora 2024 on May 14, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images for AFW)

By his own admission, Australian designer Michael Lo Sordo has “always loved the decadence and spectacle of Parisienne night clubs; the textures, the rich fabrics, the use of velvet.” We know this because he told us this last year during his 10^th anniversary show at Australian Fashion Week. Well, cut to a year later and that love affair continues.

“I thought long and hard about how we would top the success of last year’s 10^th anniversary show,” Lo Sordo tells GRAZIA of this season. “So, we decided to continue the celebration and treat this year’s show as the afterparty!

“The Michael Lo Sordo customer loves a party and we always celebrate in our signature, glamorous way!”

Inspired by the era of Maxims, cabaret club Le Boeuf sur le Toit, and the hottest gay nightclub in Paris, Le Sept, Sydney’s style set gathered inside a red-lit Machine Hall in the city’s heart to view Lo Sordo’s Resort 2025 collection—an eclectic fusion of leather, lace, lust and sensuality, one that finds equal footing in both menswear and womenswear. “For me, it’s the same! Fundamentally, it’s about quality, how it makes me feel, how the fabric falls on the body and how I want to be seen. I like beautiful things; it’s not my fault.”

“Each season we evolve, however, there is distinct brand handwriting that features season-to-season which is illustrated in our choice of fabrics,” Lo Sordo explains. “I always design my collection with the MLS girl in mind, where is she going and how can she look more confident and celebrate who she is.”

A one-shouldered black slashed mini set the pace—thigh high split, swinging sash— before a slew of numbers with plunging, below-the-belly-button necklines hit the runway. Lace featured heavily, overlayed atop of pants, shorts and bodysuits —and some, with hoods. This Club saw leather pieces accent the night, namely a tiny pair of Prada-esque black shorts with a silver zipper. The cut of an ice blue glow mesh mini—an instant and undeniable hit with the party girl—was reminiscent of the famous Julien MacDonald chainmail dress Paris Hilton wore to her 21st birthday. This glittery glare continued with silver, backless glow mesh tops and a signature crop-and-skirt combo. Even menswear was back, after a successful launch last year.

“The menswear was born from my frustration with the lack of quality garments that fit my vision of a core wardrobe—pieces that can be layered, mixed and matched, lasting more than just one season. Most importantly, they make me feel good and are relaxed, comfortable, and easy to style.”

The house partnered with AFW’s headline sponsor Pandora to create two delicate jewel-encrusted gowns. It also partnered with artisan fragrance brand Creed with a custom “Queen of Silk” royal purple gown.

“Silk is at the core of every collection that I create,” Lo Sordo says. “I have always loved the way it drapes, flows and creates elegant lines on the body. Designing a dress to launch the new House of Creed fragrance, Queen of Silk, has enabled me to find the perfect balance and celebrate tradition while adding my modern touch.”

Two heels by Lana Wilkinson were styled with the collection: The Eloise in Black, Blue, and Wine and The Brooke Wedge in White and Gold.

If only Le Club Lo Sordo was open every night. But what happens after the afterparty? Next year might have to be the hotel lobby.