It had glitz, glam, dance and all of our attention. Romance Was Born had it all with the latest runway collection of fantasy couture “In The Trees” at the Australian Fashion Week in Sydney 2025.
This show was on everyone’s lips. Leading up the final day of the fashion week, it had already began building up a stir. Not only was it the talk of attendees but also photographers, with both Canon and Fujifilm attending the closing event.
Closing Event of AFW 2025
Romance was born has historically always done well with fashion runways and this show was no exception.
Earlier on in the year I had a chance to see there collection at the opening night at the MFF in Melbourne.
Consisting of a total of 8 designers, opening up a full week of couture and style from local and interstate designers.
(see link underlined above for more)
This showcase however at AFW was different. This was a set design that looked and felt very special. Chantel Covey-Lane who was the creative show director for last years AFW romance show, was back again this year with a completely new theme!
From what I can gather, the set design must have taken hours to implement, with the room being locked off for most of the day. Remaining events and runways were held in the other rooms of carriageworks before the finale of romance later on in the evening.
The set design was certainly whimsical. It had everything from flora, snow and even a few large trees which were sustainably sorted, doted throughout the set. The main walkway started from the back of the event space and looped around to the media pit and back.
Models would make their way to the front, stopping at junction points in between for the audience to have a look at the designs. All while syncing with very dream like / fairytale music
This years runway by Romance Was Born was definitely a more intimate atmosphere then last years runway. It took a more connected approach, engaging with the audience at a more humanistic level while also being almost fairytale like. The reception after the show from patrons was of astonishment and excitement, Everyone was blown away by its beauty.
Opening Act
The show opened with the amazing talent of Siobhan Lynch who began her amazing dance routine surrounded by dark moodiness.
The best way I can describe the first few minutes is to think of it like an old fantasy movie or cartoon. Where a light source will suddenly emerge onto the main character at the beginning of a story, drawing in the attention of the audience but in the most captivating way possible.
Her grace and poise throughout the showing was a beautiful artistic touch and added to the atmosphere of the night. Some of my favourite photos were from the opening act!
The Collection
Now there where multiple designs in this collection all with the common theme of being connected with nature. Floral patterns, butterfly gowns, shawls, headpieces and wedding dresses. The scope of designs shown and the consistency of the theme throughout each piece really puts into perspective the effort undertaken by founders Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales.
An astonishing 38 pieces were shown on the night! Mainly consisting of formal evening wear, thick fabrics, lace, jewels and generous amount of colour to wrap it all together.
However colour can only be appreciated if displayed with contrast. Bold colours were often paired with deep blacks and dark colours. To give the couture clothing a depth in its design and bring people in closer to see in the intricacies of the design.
Like good art. If you continue to see details the longer you look at it, the better the artwork will be received and appreciated.
Some of the pieces shown were also the recent collaboration with Laura Jones. A painter based in Sydney. The floral designs (specifically the pink flora on a shiny black background) were done by Laura. She has been a prominent figure in the Australian art scene for a while and won the Archibald Prize in 2024. You will see her work incorporated in the styling of the pieces below.
I have to say that this really one was of the most inspiring runways I’ve attended this year, to explain to you how it felt to see all this unfolding in front of your eyes would need to be condensed to a large book. Which would be a hard feat within itself.
Good design comes through with effort and hard work. From the planning, to the fabric used, print techniques, decisions on trimmings and cut is really what makes or breaks good design.
We see a lot with modern fashion, a tendency to design and sell relatively inexpensive garments that. (1 Have a simple selection of mass produced fabrics to achieve a streamlined production. (2 Prefer a minimal look to fit in with other current trends and the broader fashion market as a whole.
So to see such a colourful and intricate show with great efforts gone into the garments and the environment there displayed in. Plus a collaborative approach to other artists who work in and outside of fashion. Was a real joy to see and experience, I have to give credit to the whole creative team involved at this show.
A very nice touch midway through was the incorporation of falling snow! I’ll admit I was wondering if this was going to happen before the show and it definitely didn’t disappoint!
(small thank you) I also have to give a small shoutout to Canon Australia, They looked after me with camera equipment for this event and both Mark and Colin who work in the maintenance and service department where great to deal with.
Closing
So what is good fashion? Well, it’s good art.
Art is what drives all creative aspects of this world, from one corner to the other, art stands up against time and space and in most aspects, goes further in time than its creators.
Romance Was Born’s recent show really is a love letter to art. It incorporated so many aspects of the creative industry and brought together such a large team, both in its creatives and models. That in my mind, its going to be a show that will be talked about and revisited for many years to come
Hence one of the reasons I really wanted to write about my experiences at the show, not just to jot down my thoughts but also have a record of one of Australia’s best designers at this current time.
BECAUSE GOOD FASHION DESERVES TO BE TALKED ABOUT!
Creative Director and Show Director: @chantel_coveylane
Creative Direction and Fashion Direction: @petersimonphillips
Show Producer: @angus_wilkinson
Stylist: @_toriknowles
Hair Directors: @jasonfassbender & deeparkerattwood_ for @schwarzkopfproanz
Make- Up Designer: pinkiiieee for @makeupforever
Nails: @dazzle_dry
Shoes: @charleskeithofficial
Hats: @phoebehyles
Choreographer / Movement Director: Amé Delves
Music Director: @tyoow.music
Visuals Director: @carlazimbler
Lighting Designer: @lightanddark__
Set Stylist: @coveyanchovey
Set Stylist: @ashleymarcosstylists
Sustainably sourced trees and set by @frank_plantorium
snow magic by @snowmasters.aust
Photography and words by Aidan McCorry | Shot on Canon R1
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