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

The post The Romance Was Alive At Australian Fashion Week 2025 appeared first on CHROMATIC TIMES | Photography By Aidan McCorry.

So I begin with the opening act.

Now when I say opening act, I by no means the opening act of the AFW25. As a Melbourne based fashion photographer/blogger and juggling full time work amongst fashion weeks. I was only able to attend the last two days of the event. 

However! Two days are certainly better then none and boy did it end up being an amazing two days. 

Event & Backstage

So this leads me to the first runway of the Thursday morning: Hansen & Gretel Australian Fashion Week Sydney 2025. 

Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to cover the backstage MAU before the runway. It was a very brief 15 minutes but a amazing opportunity to see the workings behind what make a runway show so memorable to the audiences that attend. 

Who is Hansen & Gretel?

Hansen and Gretel has been a label working out of Sydney since 2012, but it didn’t start there. The designer, Ainsley Hansen. Had began her designing journey after 2009 when she exhibited her first graduate collection at the 2009 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week held in Bryant Park, New York.

Subsequently. Due to her graduate debut success, She quickly began working alongside designers such as Gary Bigeni and Josh Goot. Then in 2012, Ainsley started up her own label and debuted her first show at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

The Runway

Looking at Hansen’s designs, Im struck by its minimal, clean and colour palette designs. There wasn’t a outfit shown in this collection that was completely devoid of some sort of colour.

Every dress, skirt or shirt had a least one shade of colour it was working with. Giving the collection a lovely optimistic vibe that would complement whoever decided to wear it. 

We also had a fantastic array of models for this runway. You’ll hear me say this a lot, but we really are lucky to have such amazing talent that work behind the scenes and on the runway for these events. Without these people, events like these would be none existent. 

Blues, greens and purples where definitely a theme with this latest collection from Hansen and Gretel. Scrolling through the photos in quick succession really highlights that fact. I wonder if this is a decision made by Ainsley to give a more vibrant look to the new collection with its bold choice of mainly single bright colours. Is it showing a more optimistic look for the future and are colour trends moving away from pastels? We will only know looking back.

Moving on, I’d like to address my favourite outfit from the show. This beautiful boho inspired, co-ord set consisting of a smocked skirt and loose v neck blouse with neckband really was beautiful to capture. 

The red base colour underlying the violet floral pattern was a amazing combination, the whole choice of colour and style allowed me to capture some great shots! 

Credit to the model (who for the life of me I have not been able to track down to credit), She worn the set perfectly and gave it the grace and poise needed for a piece like this to truly stand on its own. it was giving relaxed weekend vibes, complementing the design perfectly, Amazing styling team on this one for sure.

White shirts where “in” for the male category, giving summer beach vibes with shorts and thongs

We then for the finale have the evening dresses to finish off the show. The brown dress worn by Montanna Cox was a contrasting outfit from the rest of the collection but had a lovely flowing nature to it. It complemented the models completion which was a great decision by the styling team. 

Closing

In finishing. The runway in my opinion was a great success and congratulation to Ainsley and her team for putting together a very sleek, clean runway experience. Top marks for the music vibes too. 

Having the opportunity to not only see the behind the scenes but also cover the runway was definitely a highlight. Photography wise, the runway choreographer did a good job leading the models down the centre first and subsequently through each side aisle after that. 

Hansen’s designs are becoming a staple in Australian fashion weeks and she has building from strength to strength, from her opening show in 2009, to participating in a new era of the Australian Fashion Week in Sydney. I look forward to seeing what she may have in store for us at the next one.  

Words By Aidan McCorry 

Shot on Canon R6 

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Every year people from all over the globe, tune in to the large runway events for inspiration on the latest styles, trends and items people are wearing. Its a fundamental aspect of any successful runway.

AFW25 felt a little different from past events, at least that was the consensus amongst designers and attendees. 

The event had recently been taken over by the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) after IMG dropped its sponsorship. Marking a pivotal moment in the local fashion scene. 

As a whole, the event transitioned from more of a retail-focused showcase to one centred on designers and the wider fashion industry. Change of course, brings in new thinking and hopefully a fresh look at running a fashion event.

Now I will admit that the AFW25 forecourt could’ve had a bit more going on, in terms of interactions and general things to do. However, the event was picked up only months before its usual date. So for the AFC to put together such a holistically enjoyable experience was a big credit to them.

Because of this. Street style was a little on the lighter side from previous years. BUT it gives it ample room to grow over the following. Having said that it still showcased some amazing styles and individuals over the course of the week. 

One thing is for certain. If there is a fashion week on, The people will show up. From every walk of life and background. From all parts of the country, fashion brings us together to meet new people and collaborate.

So before I go on for too long. Let me show you the style that caught my eye at the recent Australian Fashion Week 2025 held at Carriageworks In Sydney Australia. 

THE FASHION

STREET STYLE AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK 2025

First off we have Sydney Based Anahí Sanz. Using a sustainable mode of transport through the whole week of fashion sporting a bright blue and yellow outfit for Thursdays runways!

Shamaiah Sullivan with a lovely orange dress from: Notchi. A Perth based designer. Shamaiah was also one of the models for the ‘New Generation’ runway on the Friday morning. (Post will be coming) 

Style Duo Xiao Xiao and Em Miguel-Leigh with a impeccably styled denim and faux fur outfits 

A familiar face, Melbourne fashion designer Kyle Owo. The blue pants were in my options one of the coolest cargo/parachute pants worn during the week 

Sydney based fashion photographer Janna Melonkvist wearing a long snake print coat, paired with black trousers and boots. If you get a chance check out Janna’s work! she has some beautiful examples on here website linked above.

Next we have a good friend of mine and a fellow Melbournian: Tashiya Rajasingham. Wearing two outfits over Thursday and Fridays events. Fitted on Friday night with a Romace Was Born jacket and bag from Charles & Keith

Unice Wani made a colourful appearance at the fashion week with a bright yellow outfit. Without a doubt she’s one of the loveliest people to work with on fashion week. Shorts \ Belt: Kosi Wahala | Top: Lounge | Shoes: Crocs Aus

Tara Chandra Wearing Lazy Loaf | Poppy Lissiman and Coach

Raquelle Ferre with some furry friends at the forecourt of AFW

Isabelle Petzl-Duncan Wearing Hansen & Gretel and Oroton Bag. Attending the Hansen and Gretel runway on Thursday

Georgina Makk at AFW wearing Gucci and Zara

Here is Chloe Ashley Taylor. Another Melbournian who I met at Melbourne Fashion Festival earlier this year. Chloe is a lover of bright fashion and a lovely person to speak to. If you want to follow her own designs, you can also find her HERE

NADINE KISIMBA Wearing KIS-SIMBA COLLECTION

This was actually the final shots captured at the event. Having just finished the Romance Was Born runway, I walked out from the media pit and straight away Nadine’s outfit caught my eye. After speaking to her for a bit I found out that her Mother creates the designs! beautiful piece of fashion and a fitting end to a fantastic two days of fashion.

CLOSING

In closing, AFW25 took me by storm, the turnout and the diversity of fashion really made it an absolute joy to capture. This is where I extend a big thank you to the individuals who graciously stood before my camera, enabling me to capture a few moments.

Without their unwavering support, photographers like myself are unable to pursue our passion, which ultimately involves meeting new people and documenting the ever-evolving styles and fashion trends of our time, whether it be day, night, week, or even few fleeting hours.

Words by Aidan McCorry | Chromatic Times

Sydney Australian Fashion Week 2025

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The post Unfiltered Street Style Moments You Need to See | AFW SYDNEY 2025 appeared first on CHROMATIC TIMES | Photography By Aidan McCorry.

Recently I had the great opportunity to fly to Sydney and attend the last two days of the Australian Fashion Week 2025.

Coming into this event was very different from what I’m normally used to, Being my first time traveling interstate for a fashion event. I had to plan out the two days of photography with the proviso in mind that I will be away from my gear. Plus carry the gear to and from the hotel, keeping only the bare essentials in my bag.

So landing into Sydney airport with my camera bag at max weight “carry on” capacity, I began to make my way to Redfern station with a short walk to Carriageworks. After grabbing my media accreditation and finding out where this “media room” was. I was very happy to find media lockers on site, which made the experience during all the runway shows that much better. 

To add on top of that, Canon Australia was kind enough to lend me a flagship Canon R1 and a RF 100-300mm f2.8 lens for the final runway show on Thursday. Which brings me to the designer of that show: Mariam Seddiq 

Tailored Sophistication 

Mariam Seddiq has been designing Australian styles for 10 years starting her label back in 2015, Paddington Sydney. This decade show, is to represent a celebration of 10 years of custom and Demi-couture designs that has made her a known name in the Australian and international fashion industry. 

Showcasing her new work and full collection on the Thursday night at the Australian Fashion Week. Fresh from her recent highly acclaimed “Icons” show at the New York Fashion week, back in February of this year.

Silhouette is a big word in fashion. It incorporates and emphasises one of the most important aspects of a design. The ability to create a specific shape or form, whether it’s a curve, straight line or edge. Design and silhouette go hand in hand in hand. No more was that more apparent than with Mariam’s collection.

Carrying on, the designs worn where stunning! Thoughtfully curated, each piece showcased impeccable colours, exceptional fabrics, and meticulous tailoring throughout the evening, that married perfectly with the beautiful large space used for the runway.

I have to give it to the Australian fashion council for putting together such a great event space last minute for the designers to show their collections. 

The runway was held in the Carla Zampatti Showroom at Carriageworks, which was one of the larger spaces available to the designers.

The showroom really helped bring out the best for the Australian industry, with a large full width floor to ceiling led panel to display a live feed of the show as well as custom imagery.

Designs 

Now lets begin talking about the designs from the night! First Dress onto the runway was worn by Model: Lim Lee 

(Full list of models are mentioned at the end of this article in order of appearance) Readers View will give you a full width experience if you want to get a better look at the designs.

The start of the show exuded a moody, distinctive, and edgy ambiance. Black served as the overarching theme for the initial thirteen designs, encompassing a diverse range of styles. Everything from shiny two-piece street wear to sleek nightlife attire. 

Looking through the photos you will see that a lot of the styles are ready to wear designs, that would suit pretty much any occasion, possessing versatility and suitability for various occasions.

Just in the first few designs you will see how broad Mariam’s fashion genre can reach and its ability to appeal to a wide audience through the singular colour of black.

Next was the beautiful burgundy, blue and silver/champagne hues, gracing the runway

Model: Frankie Scot

Now as a fashion photographer, Colour plays a big role in the work I do, but also in the enjoyment of it as well. You learn about composition through the study of monochrome but begin your storytelling journey and craft though the study of colour. 

Colour plays a huge role. 

Even standing in the media pit, 20-30 photographers squeezed shoulder to shoulder with each other, nothing more then my feet and a monopod to establish my small position in the pit. The sound of a thousand shutter clicks going off when the models posed in front of our cameras. 

Nothing was more apparent to me than the beautiful colours I was capturing in the frame.

The final 2/3rds of the show was really when the crowd started looking in awe. Phones were out and videos were rolling. The spectacle of Mariam Seddiq’s Bridal and Evening wear really took the show to its amazing closing.

This is where I give some credit to the amazing models that walked on the night. Riahn Griffiths, had a beautiful oversized blazer and trousers combo. 

Stas Jepsen with a her exquisite, silky, and shimmering overcoat captivated the cameras as she gracefully posed before the media pit.

I really loved the way the outfit draped onto the floor and while it looked light and elegant, it still had a thick luxurious look to it flowing effortlessly to the floor

Montana Cox who I’ve photographed before at the NGV Gala had a beautiful silver evening dress, Taking the breath away from the audience and closing an amazing showcase of style and design. 

Closing thoughts 

Now I can only speak for myself here. But in my humble opinion, There is nothing more human than creation. Whatever your creation may be, physical or emotional. Creation is one of the fundamental human experiences that not only creates a more interesting world. Its a thing that can be admired from pretty much anyone who will stop and take the time to look.

Mariam Seddiq’s designs made me stop. Even mid event when the runway was still pumping, It made me stop for those very few brief seconds and think….Im so lucky to experience this. THAT is the power of fashion and the power of good, thoughtful design.

Models Of The Decade Runway

(Cover Shot) Mali Lowe

Lim Lee 

Sherry Lin 

Kiama Jewel (Kiki) 

Roberta Pecoraro

Jan Marie Jacobson 

Jade Julian 

Axelle Lesuisse 

Halla Madol 

Charlie Austin

Hannah Ford 

Mimi 

Jasmine Gee 

Ruby 

Frankie Scot 

Simone Holtznagel

Kaitlyn Rainbow 

Joseph Enakuei

Riahn Griffiths 

Lucinda Levant

Gabrielle Florance

Lucy Dechen 

Jemma Feedinando 

Edyll 

Sharon Johal 

Ginger

Sarah Deni 

Dyovana Rodrigues

Anaya Mishraa 

Stas Jepsen 

Montana Cox 

Article and Images by Aidan McCorry

Mariam Seddiq Website

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The post MARIAM SEDDIQ THE DECADE COLLECTION | AFW CARRIAGEWORKS 2025  appeared first on CHROMATIC TIMES | Photography By Aidan McCorry.