Fashion Week Australia: trendy summer glam!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week brought up-and-coming talent and fresh designs to Sydney, including sparkling gowns from Oscar de la Renta, 80s-inspired swimwear from We Are Handsome and understated monochrome pieces from BY JOHNNY.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia kicked off with Maticevski's show on 15 May 2016. The Melbourne designer Toni Maticevski is one of the biggest designers Down Under and is known for a love of pleats, ruffles and details that add depth to his designs.

Day 2's highlight was a show from Australian label Misha Collection - featuring sizzling supermodel Bella Hadid on the runway. Audiences were also treated to shows from labels Ginger & Smart, Georgia Alice, Yeojin Bae, Albus Lumen, Rebecca Vallance, AJE, Swarovski, ZHIVAGO and Dion Lee.

BY JOHNNY and Bec & Bridge: up-and-comers
On Day 3, Australian DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship winner BY JOHNNY presented his latest collection, combining a monochrome colour scheme with fashionable cut-outs, simple patterns and playful ruffles.

But Johnny Schembri wasn't the only former winner of the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship in attendance; Bec & Bridge also presented their new collection in Sydney. The Aussie design duo Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston describe their feminine and sophisticated collection as a celebration of a woman's strength, confidence and inner beauty.

The DHL Fashion Export Scholarship underlines DHL’s commitment to the industry and was created to help designers to achieve global success by growing their export business. DHL has extensive experience in the global fashion industry and has been the Official Logistics Partner for IMG's Fashion Weeks - including Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in Sydney - since 2007.

As the new season starts, DHL is calling for entries for the 2016 Fashion Export Scholarship. Aspiring New Zealand and Australian designers and labels get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to chase their dreams of international success. The winner's prize package includes $10,000 worth of international freight and DHL Express mentorship to supercharge their export strategy and help the emerging designers to catapult their business overseas. Find out more here!

Living art: Romance Was Born
On Day 4 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, fashionistas' hearts beat a little faster for the new collection from Romance Was Born. The trendy Australian label presented its latest designs during a theatre production at Carthona House, a historic private residence on the water's edge in Darling Point. Colourful feathers, frills and assorted materials made the dazzling show a must-see event.

Beach trends: fishnets & surfboards
The penultimate day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia featured fashion from another former DHL Fashion Export Scholarship winner: the Australian husband and wife duo We Are Handsome. The pair dazzled audiences with a brand new swim and activewear collection featuring fishnet jumpsuits and itty-bitty high-rise bikini bottoms - proving they want to bring a little 80s glam-inspired style to our wardrobes.

Cynthia Rowley also presented a swimwear collection on Day 4. Donning bright, playful designs, the American designer's models appeared on the runway sporting surfboards - and flanked by specially commissioned lifeguards.

Oscar de la Renta brings Hollywood Down Under
An exciting week ended with a final show from Oscar de la Renta, who presented an exclusive collection at Australian Fashion Week in Sydney. The show marked his Australian runway debut, making him one of the first international luxury brands to appear alongside Australia's top talent for fashion week. The feminine collection featured an eclectic mix of couture and ready-to-wear fashion. From gowns and wedding dresses to elegant business attire, the renowned designer impressed fashion-lovers with glamourous outfits fit for the red carpet.