The Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai, was abuzz. As Australia approached winter and the Indian sun began to gain intensity, four of Australia’s biggest fashion labels – Hussy, Madame Marie, Kooey and Subfusco – ascended to showcase their summer collections here. Brainchild of Vinita Singh, an innovative entrepreneur from Sydney, Australia, The Fosters’ Boomerang Fashion Show, with Verve as the exclusive magazine partner, marked the first time that Australian designs have been viewed in India. Placed just below global brands, these lines offer luxurious, high street fashion at affordable prices.

Mumbai’s own Archana Kochhar, guest designer, opened the show with her latest collection. With an overwhelming turnout, including familiar names like designer Gayatri Khanna, theatre personality Sharon Prabhakar and industrialist Viren Shah, the collections from Down Under were an instant success. The designs were brought alive on the runway by ex Miss Afghanistan, Vida Samadzai; actor Neetu Chandra and reigning Miss India, Radha Bhrahmbhatt, modelling some of the clothes. With a specific target audience of 20 to young 40-year-olds, the designs presented a perfect blend of contemporary styles with a touch of élan.

Unfortunately, Subfusco, the exclusive men’s line was unable to showcase its original collection which was lost by the airline when the designer, Joshua Scacheri flew down to India. However, he decided to have a private screening of his work before leaving India.

HUSSY AND MADAME MARIE

Hussy is famous in Australia for its eclectic prints and abundant applications. Aimed at the young adult who likes to party hard and wear her spirit, the collection, Exotic Escape, made a lasting impression on the runway. As production manager, Maria Mastrocostas puts it, “Hussy is for the girl who likes to party.” Rich in colour, beadwork and sequence, Mastrocostas feels that Hussy will blend well into Indian fashion. Madame Marie, the higher-end label of Hussy, offers a more luxurious option. With its entire collection in silk, Madame Marie spells one thing – elegance. Wearing a simple, silk cream gown, brought alive by delicate silver and gold beadwork, Mastrocostas perfectly displayed how the Madame Marie dress was to be worn.

SUBFUSCO

Designer, Joshua Scacheri, Josh to his friends, was on his knees with a pair of cheap scissors, artfully ripping a brand-new pair of black jeans. He explained that with his luggage lost, he was forced to wear clothes other than his own. He refused to do so without adding his own discerning touch.

Subfusco’s new thematic line, Romeo’s Closet, designed imagining what modern day Romeo would dress like, is one men’s line that would appeal to most women. “Our new collection was inspired by love” says Josh whose collection tells a story. Influenced by European styles, his work is a pleasant amalgamation of contemporary and classic. He explains how men’s fashions are generally very blocked with jeans and a T-shirt. What he attempts to do is integrate feminine styles into men’s designs, with asymmetrical cuts and flowy fabrics. Josh admits that he loves the use of rich colours and textures in traditional Indian designs. Well, maybe his next theme will be inspired by India!

KOOEY

It was late evening in Mumbai but we still experienced a bit of sunshine. Kooey, Australian for ‘hello summer’ displayed their signature range of swimwear – much needed in India! Inspired by Australian culture and landscapes, the Kooey collection featured a variety of styles, prints and patterns, transforming the pieces into fashion-forward statements. The traditional dot-art prints blinking at the viewers, were reminiscent of the Aussie spirit. Director, Nikki Silverthorne explains, “Kooey no longer has one designer, but a whole design team that brings with it different perspectives and attributes of the feminine body allowing Kooey to create designs that look amazing on all shapes and sizes as we know that no two women are the same.”

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