Wayne Cooper
18-05-2009
He is the Rock n' Rolla of Aussie fashion. The Mick Jagger of fashion if you will- a bit past his time, but still trying to party like it's 1969. This year's show was no exception to Wayne Coopers usual following. A mix of anxious media, celebrities and fans awaiting patiently…and impatiently outside the black doors, ready to see if Wayne Cooper could recover after a rocky year in the limelight including a very public divorce, and court case involving domestic violence charges. Could Wayne Cooper recover his reputation? (Well if Britney Spears can make a come back so can Wayne Cooper!). As the disco ball spiralled round and round, the opening lyrics sung, "Just a soul whose intentions are good…please don't let me be misunderstood." Perhaps a seemingly subtle hint towards his hazy past year, it left the audience, full of Australia's cognoscenti ready and restless.
Strong, empowered and glamorous women over history inspired this SS09/10 collection. Yet the models, and their tight, tight and short, short dresses recalled only strong women of the 80's. This fierce persona was consistent throughout the whole collection, and only enhanced by the music with such tracks as "Simply Irresistible". Every outfit, and model was confidant and determined as they strutted down the runway, combined with their red lips, sharp eye make-up and slick hair, they didn't command attention but demanded it. From the billowing silk georgette printed shifts to the low back, vested jumpsuits. Even the waisted mini dresses with frou frou skirts that are normally seemingly cute, screamed of power.
True to form, Wayne Cooper dazzled with his shimmer fabrics, from shimmery woollen pewter suits, to blue and black lurex tops and dresses, that amped up the disco theme. The next party season looks to be bright, a shocking bright with fluoro pink, citrus orange and sky blue.
Wayne Cooper does know how to end with a bang, as an acid yellow jersey mini dress with a gradated train came floating down the runway; it was without a doubt a showstopper. The show, in all ways was definitely Wayne Cooper, nothing that wasn't expected. His rock n' roll outfits, will most definitely show up in many nightclubs this summer, or summer poolside party. His show may have been about iconic women, but it spoke of the style of Wayne Cooper down the runway and back again.
Deborah Burton
