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Liz Hobday

Fashion Week is drawing the well-dressed, rain or shine

Models walked the runway in the rain to show off Carla Zampatti's latest collection in Sydney. (Anna Kucera/AAP PHOTOS)

It will likely continue to rain on Australian Fashion Week's parade, according to forecasts, but Carla Zampatti tailoring has at least shown it can handle anything.

On day two of Sydney's fashion industry celebration, Bianca Spender, Courtney Zheng, Aje, COMMAS and Alix Higgins are among the labels showing their latest collections.

A total audience of 900 people braved the damp to see Carla Zampatti's latest, Reflections, presented at an industry and a consumer show on Monday night.

Carla Zampatti Runway Show
Enthusiasts and influencers alike flocked to the open-air Carla Zampatti show. (Anna Kucera/AAP PHOTOS)

With black gowns in liquid sequins shimmering as models walked a harbourside boardwalk runway, Tanya Emon Beattie's designs for Carla Zampatti really did reflect light.

Across 45 looks they were also an exploration of texture, with burnout velvet and some seriously voluminous feather detailing.

There were shoulder pads too - after all, the label has defined power dressing for decades.

Carla Zampatti Runway Show
Liquid sequins, exaggerated shoulders, sharp tailoring and flashes of lilac cut through. (Anna Kucera/AAP PHOTOS)

The backdrop for all this was the Sydney Opera House.

Fashion Week has expanded from its traditional venue at Carriageworks to various locations including the Museum of Contemporary Art for the first time.

Speaking ahead of the event, Fashion Week chief executive Kellie Hush said it was also about showing off the city of Sydney.

Carla Zampatti Runway Show
Fashion Week has expanded its original footprint, with hundreds flocking to the Sydney Opera House. (Anna Kucera/AAP PHOTOS)

"We are selling Australian fashion globally and we have the most incredible light, backdrops and icons, so it seemed madness that we weren't showcasing it," she said.

Also on Monday, celebrated designer Toni Maticevski made a welcome return to the runway with his first show since 2019.

"The whole thing about coming back is really doing things to be part of the industry, the local talent that is delivering some amazing work," he said.

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