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DESIGNER:Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
INSPIRATION: Egyptian architecture
TOP LOOKS: Appliqué tanks paired with structured skirts or slim pants; flowing dresses with great smocking detail on the bodice; long, sheer, fluid dress in a navy Moorish print; little black (strapless) dress
ACCESSORIES: T-strap sandals by Pollini for Preen
WHO WAS THERE: Smattering of celebs, including Leigh Lezark of the Misshapes
WHAT WE THOUGHT: Designed by real-life couple Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi attracts a following of musicians, artists, and experimental dressers by reliably creating sophisticated sportswear with an avant-garde edge. This season, the duo picked up the minimalist thread running through spring collections, meaning clean silhouettes in a mostly pale, neutral palette.
But if colours were mild, cuts were not: Architectural skirts and dresses were stiff, structured, and almost Jetsonian in their resemblance to space-age armor. Bringing things back to earth, the designers softened their looks when paired with lace under-tunics, gauzy cotton tops, and sheer knit elements. Less wearable were the overwrought pieces featuring a kind of hip holster or reinterpreted apron. We'd reach instead for the fluid, gauzy dresses, especially the diamond-smocked ones, surely destined for many a loyal customer's closet.