MBFW Australia: By Johnny Spring/Summer 2013

Johnny Schembri’s ready to wear line By Johnny saw a change this season with a previously unseen use of young girly colours and a distinct French influence. Made up almost entirely of slinky peplum dresses, timeless chrome suits and chic lace and stripe prints, each piece spoke of the sophistication that By Johnny is known for without being stuck in the monochrome palette which dominated previous collections, making the whole feeling of the show much more young and wearable.

Having made his name on Project Runway Australia, this season saw the 5th anniversary of By Johnny showing at Australian Fashion Week, and it was clearly a milestone for the young designer who seems to have finally found confidence in his ability to design beautiful and classic garments, which were shown with minimal styling and accessories.
Unlike many shows at MBFW this season, By Johnny had a clear theme and message regarding what women should be wearing this season: bold feminine prints, flattering silhouettes designed to elongate the body, and slick styling.

Let there be no mistaking though, while the show was lovely and pretty, it was still very safe. And this should worry such a young designer who is yet to show that he can be a ground breaking influence on fashion. This was indeed a collection that was wearable, but maybe almost too so, as though it was lacking the whimsy and artistry that fashion week is meant to be all about. And yes the trends were clear, and done in a beautiful way, but they are the same trends seen last season, just in a different colour palette.

Written by Georgia Lourandos. Photos by Brigitta Quantock.