If the name Hardwick is familiar, it’s for good reason. Melbourne-based label Hardwick is the self-titled ready to wear fashion collection of leading bridal wear design house Mariana Hardwick.
With the design pedigree of its mother-label, the groundwork for Hardwick is very much there. This is no doubt a reason why the fashion label has been such a success despite only being in its infancy; their Winter collection is only the label’s second, following the debut capsule collection, Spring/Summer ’12 Range 1.
The AW13 collection, named simply Range 2, was previewed at an event held at the beautiful heritage-listed Hardwick Building on Sydney Road in Brunswick last night.
The theme of Range 2 is ‘dark luxury’ with the underlying concept of transforming the raw and organic into something refined and luxurious. This is translated into the use of natural fibres in laser cut designs, which make up the statement pieces of the collection: a feather leather mini skirt, feather collar and the Byzantine leather range.
The colour palate, ‘dark crystal’, is a striking monotone where black dominates amongst shades of aubergine and glittering metallic sequins. The superior craftsmanship that Mariana Hardwick is renowned for comes through in the structuring of the Hardwick fashion collection. Sometimes, you need to try on a garment for it to come to life, but not here. The flattering shapes and beautiful tailoring can be seen even on the hanger.
The AW collection has incorporated the ever-accessible and flattering peplum trend, featuring most notably in the black ‘relaxed knit blazer’ and ‘leather peplum belt’, which could easily become staple pieces in any girl’s winter wardrobe.
As well as being a preview event, it was a pre-sale event with the opportunity to place orders on the new collection from the sample range, to become available in April. I couldn’t help but take advantage of this after falling in love with the Byzantine leather mini dress.
I cannot wait to get my hands on this amazing LBD. April can not come quickly enough!
Those lucky enough to attend will see the beautiful pieces of Hardwick’s AW13 collection in action on the runway at the upcoming Melbourne Fashion Festival in March.
All photos by Nura Cagrier for Melbourne Girl
