From the star-studded guest list to exclusive pieces from your favourite Australian designers, we’ve rounded up everything to know from our Autumn Winter 2023 runway.
David Jones Celebrating 185 Years of Inspiration
Iconic, inspirational and in celebration of our 185th birthday, our Autumn Winter 2023 Runway was held instore at Bourke Street over the weekend. Marking the commencement of the new season, the debut welcomed a wave of new fashion and faces, igniting a renewed passion for dressing in the cooler months to come.
Held in our historic Bourke Street Flagship store for the first time in years, the season’s celebrations transcended momentary trends and instead paid tribute to sartorial heritage, old and new.
Drawing on a rich heritage of 185 years of David Jones, each look featured the newest collections from our most iconic brands across womenswear, menswear and accessories. The event included an archival exhibition of historic pieces from David Jones’ archives, including a vintage Dior gown from Dior’s first exhibition outside of Paris, held in David Jones in 1948.
With 600 guests in attendance, including several Friends of David Jones, the runway was an event like no other. To set the tone for this iconic presentation of new and archival pieces and the interwoven nature of art and fashion, the runway began with a performance from The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and The Australian Ballet School.
The return of an icon, Megan Gale
In celebration of timelessness and sophistication, the David Jones Autumn Winter Runway heralded the return of an Australian icon, Megan Gale. Returning to the runway for the first time in 15 years, Megan opened and closed the show as a nod to enduring elegance.
Megan first began her journey with David Jones as a fashion ambassador in 2001 and featured in seasonal campaigns and runway shows. In 2008 she took on a new role as a brand ambassador working with the business in a broader capacity until 2014.
“It’s an honour to be opening and closing the David Jones Autumn Winter Runway Show in celebration of their 185th anniversary,” she says. “My relationship with David Jones holds a very special place in my heart.”
As a fitting end to a night of fashion, the show concluded with Megan Gale in the famous Rachel Gilbert Fauve Gown with her hair in an elegant updo.
“Some of my proudest career moments are during my time as an an ambassador…[it is] an amazing and nostalgic moment for me.”
Megan Gale
Womenswear You Need For Autumn Winter
Sophistication and timeless effortlessness was the overarching theme for the womenswear runway collections. The Autumn Winter season is a celebration of tonal neutrals, bright hues, hyper-tropic prints, voluminous silhouettes, and extreme embellishments. The underwear-outerwear trend was a strong influence across collections, with corset detailing, bodysuits, and translucent fabrications. Layering pieces also made an appearance, ideal for keeping warm in the cooler months ahead.
Lilac was the colour of the season for many designers, with Aje using different shades of purple to offset flowing fits and ruching necklines. For Scanlan Theodore and Camilla and Marc, tonal play and interesting shapes matched with knee-high boots were the key focus.
For lovers of colours and prints, the runway was awash with a kaleidoscope of hues and shades. Camilla delved into hyper-tropic colours and prints, showing us that Autumn and Winter are an invitation for bold hues and head-turning colour play. For Alemais, intricate prints were paired with cowboy boots and topped with 90s inspired coloured eyewear.
The Best Menswear For The Autumn Winter 2023 Season
In the world of menswear, two key messages drove this season’s most coveted styles: polished looks, and comfort-driven style.
The perfect mix of polished and practical, this season’s evolution of suiting was largely led by subtle detailing and clean lines. Colour-blocking took centre stage adding a playful edge to minimalist styling, as seen throughout Paul Smith‘s collection.
For a more casual yet sophisticated approach to autumn and winter, JW Anderson‘s bomber jackets featuring the brand’s trademark print play are a staple for any wardrobe.
Runway Makeup Trends To Add To Your Rotation
In keeping with the timelessness of the night, makeup and hair throughout the runway were tailored towards clean minimalism. For the runway, key looks were led by makeup artist and Lancôme Beauty Director, Lara Srokowski.
To achieve a flawless base, the models’ skin was expertly primed and hydrated with a range of luxurious Lancôme products, including the Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum and the Pressed Serum Primer.
The Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer and Foundation were kept in place between changes and runway excitement with the Fix & Forget It Spray. For eyes, it was all about groomed brows and Bambi-inspired lashes. Lancôme’s Hypnose Le 8 Mascara partnered with peach-toned lips and blush, adding a subtle pop of colour for the cooler months ahead. Hair was kept simple in a sleek, effortless bun with a strong middle part.
Autumn Winter 2023 Runway Street-Style
A show-stopping runway calls for a guestlist to match. This year’s front-row lineup did not disappoint, with over 600 guests in attendance and the best of fashion at play during the night.
Looking to incorporate this season’s style into your own wardrobe? From stop-and-stare eveningwear to a new Autumn Winter 2023 season update, book your complimentary one-on-one styling appointment in one of our luxury suites today.