Move over pastel pinks and buoyant bows because Caroline Reznik is giving ‘ballet-core’ a whole new meaning. Think avant-garde-esk leather boleros, lace full-length bodysuits and all the sheer you could possibly dream of.
Debuting her first collection with a monumental closing show at this year’s AAFW, the ex-professional dancer took a deconstructed approach to a famously prim and proper art form, creating a world of main character ensembles.
Designed to tell a story, much like a choreographed ballet performance, sheer slip dresses and tutus with raw edges made an elegant entrance. Bold, avant-garde-esk leather boleros, architectural jackets and low-rise trousers screamed modern femininity whilst lace, feather and shining snakeskin patterns adorned on cut-out gowns and full-length bodysuits reinforced the “ballet-core” backbone of the collection. While extravagant in appearance, each garment was largely constructed of deadstock materials, reworked to endure a second life of wear, tear, lust and love.
Sporting the AAFW closing show looks were none other than Kiwi models Mia Arlove and Mana Mackay, two homegrown faces making a name for themselves and Aotearoa on the world stage.
Photographed by CPC friend, Phoebe Wolfe, take a look behind the scenes of what went down at Australia’s most anticipated Fashion Week ‘23 closing show.
Features Editor: Orion Scott Photos: Phoebe Wolfe
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which this show took place.
