GARY BIGENI | FALL / WINTER 2012

He’s most recently been famed for the minimalist diffusion line Bigeni Basics, which was launched two year ago, but Gary Bigeni’s Fall / Winter 2012 collection is far removed from this simplistic aesthetic.

Mastering playful polka dots and colourful stripes united with divine draping, this season the Sydney designer ensures mesmerising visuals take centre stage. Having specially sourced this vast array of colliding prints from revered textile designer Chris Stone, the almost 3D effect these graphics achieve are wonderfully eye grabbing.

With dark, rich colour ways juxtaposing dapples of gold, bursts of orange and lashings of caramel, the eccentric designer’s palette is suitably autumnal. But for Bigeni, starkly disharmonising hues are most significant for his fourth year showing as it reflects the light and dark characteristic elements which collide within us all. And by also layering contrasting textures of jersey, silk and merino wool against soft leather panelling and crochet, the talented designer’s striving to highlight the inner battles we may face, all whilst crafting youthful elegance.

The decidedly wearable combination of wide shirt dresses, ankle-grazing trousers, preppy shirts, chic jumpers and sophisticated dresses which are draped to perfection are easily transferable from day to eveningwear. As well as being predominantly crafted locally with luxurious fabrics consisting of natural fibres, these contemporary, albeit classically shaped pieces can also be mixed and matched effortlessly.

His diverse use of fabrics, colours and silhouettes –from feminine gowns and masculine tailoring on impeccable suit jackets – all flatter and have elements which appeal to customers aplenty. And with those violently distractible patterns conjuring immense allure, it’ll take a lady of abnormally colossal restraint to resist these excitingly a la mode pieces.

- Caroline Jackson