The label once again muses Australian nostalgia and vintage vacationing for an outstanding collection
If the assignment was to create a wardrobe of interesting, clever and exceptionally pretty wanderlust-chic then Oroton understood the assignment. Once again under the direction of creative director wunderkind Sophie Holt, the Australian label has followed up last year’s breakthrough collection with one set to be just as impressively popular. In the twelve months since Holt’s last resort collection, the pieces have found themselves on a constant carousel of items-most-wanted. Those of which became the catalyst for the regeneration of the 84-year-old leatherwear brand.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
Today at Sydney’s Carriageworks, for Resort 23, the scene was set in stark similarity to last year – white on white with a gallery of organic sculptural forms curated down the centre. The collection too, followed its predecessor’s escapist, nostalgia narrative with pointers to mid-century Australiana in a vintage bon voyage style. With Oroton, it is always clear this is a label with tailoring, finishes and quality at top of mind. Garment fabrics (silks, linens and embroidered lace) are evidently premium as are the smooth leathers and textural wickers of accessories. The structures and cuts are intentional with each precisely styled to ensure the look is not only seen but felt.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Caroline McCredie/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Caroline McCredie/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
Particularly outstanding this season was the range of directional looks. Like the navy silk pyjama-suit set with ethereal swallow print, the back-buttoned silk shirting paired with extra long and loose trousers in pale yellow, the green silk tulip maxi skirt with complementing bandeau and the cucumber and eggplant novelty print maxi gown. Not to mention the finale capsule of bold, bright monochromatic party frocks each more candescent than the next. Of course, key accessories of drawstring leather carry-alls, classic flap shoulder bags and quirky bright tubular clutches also played perfectly against the sartorial offerings.
“So much of this Resort collection has been inspired by the simple notion of getting back to what we love doing whether that be embracing the simple things like gardening or travelling abroad to those picture postcard European summer destinations. We put a lot of effort and energy into our signature prints, the fine details of each garment whether that be the trims or the fabrics- every single detail has been laboured over in the best possible way. In terms of who has inspired this collection, many things in this collection have nostalgic references associated to my childhood. My grandmother in particular was a huge influence on me and often inspires my collections.” Holt told GRAZIA
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
It’s clear that this new Oroton formula is working. The enthusiasm from the crowd was palpable and I’m sure samples were being requested by personalities for events before the last look even showed. And this excitement will no doubt translate to the ever increasing consumer base.
“I think over the past 2 years, we all found some peace and balance in slowing down a little and appreciating the simple things in life. Whilst there is some very exciting momentum at Oroton and things are moving at pace, the collection celebrates a feeling of optimism and joy as opposed to re-ignition and motion.” said Holt.
It’s easy to see why the crowd from team Oroton whooped and cheered when Holt came out to take a bow. She has tapped her wizardry upon this brand and its magic seems to be sticking. More please, Ms. Holt. We’re all Team Oroton, now.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: A model walks the runway during the Oroton show during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 Resort ’23 Collections at Carriageworks on May 10, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
