May 14, 2022

Signs of sartorial hope have sprung early in 2022, despite the year starting with a splutter from behind a mask rather than a roar. Some of Australia’s most stylish personalities have already made changes to their wardrobe as they flirt with the possibility of a post-pandemic era.

Melissa Leong, Masterchef judge and writer

Since landing on television cooking competition Masterchef as a judge in 2020, Melissa Leong has made the ascots of her predecessor Matt Preston a distant memory, thanks to consistent good taste in supporting creative Australian designers.

“I’m currently taking resort wear very seriously. Specifically, terry cloth dresses and accessories by Lucy Folk and Oroton, along with pyjama dressing in linen and silk. Locally, I’m loving Holiday The Label, Silk Laundry, Husk, Contrology and Sir.

“I admit to owning a bucket hat, with a view to acquiring more. Hats and headwear in general are something I’d love to see more of in the months ahead.

“This year, I will also be a woman who wears suits, specifically and immediately, monochromatic suit vests and wide-legged trousers. Repeat wearability of well-constructed pieces is the way you do luxury fashion sustainably, and I’m here for it.

“Ditto with jewellery. While I’m not beyond a statement earring at work, I’ve been saving pennies for classic items I’ve always dreamt of… I archive everything Jessica McCormack posts on her Instagram page. Someone, please tell my boyfriend.”

Say goodbye to…

“Low rise pants. I was there the first time, I won’t be there again.

“I think tie-dye has had its moment and should leave the room now.

“Shoes made primarily of PVC: nobody needs to see your feet sweat.

“Clothes deliberately designed for tiny boobs. Those of us packing heat understand why.”

Nakkiah Lui, actor and writer

When Harper’s Bazaar magazine relaunched in Australia in September, the composed features of Gamillaroi/Torres Strait Islander Lui, with a bold red lip, were selected to signal a new era. Lui’s work as a writer and performer on Black Comedy and Preppers is breaking new creative ground.

“With the rise of TikTok I am noticing a shift away from fast fashion towards a more personal expression of style. Micro identities such as Goth and Regency-core are filtering through. It’s almost a reaction to Instagram.

“I’ve been trying to find more one-off pieces to shift away from fast fashion, and I’m currently in love with vintage Pucci. Perhaps it’s from sitting inside for the past two years and escaping by looking at the glamorous photos of the jet set in the sixties and seventies.

“Suits are going to be a big part of my wardrobe as I explore a look that’s part Dark Academia and part The Talented Mr Ripley. I think about fashion characters a lot. Something from Wales Bonner should do the trick. I’m always on the lookout for a great blazer with a loose pant.

“As for shoes, something ugly with a pretty dress is now classic. It’s the statement I’m sticking to, whether it’s something chunky from Margiela or the Gucci loafers that are everywhere.”

Say goodbye to...
”After two years of not wearing Spanx, I’m not ready to go back. It’s about style and comfort today. A short kaftan in a party print from Pucci or metallic from Oséree ticks both boxes.”

Paris Bishop, model-to-watch

It’s easy to compare Melbourne-based Paris Bishop to her supermodel predecessors. There’s the baby-faced features of a young Miranda Kerr and lean limbs of Catherine McNeil, but soon the 17-year-old will be setting her own standard. With secondary school complete, 2022 is the year Bishop’s career shifts into top gear.

“Let’s be clear, skinny jeans aren’t coming back soon, so I’m all about baggy denim. I am taking a lot of my inspiration from the off-duty-model look of the nineties (it’s my top Pinterest search). Elle Macpherson has always been cool, Cindy Crawford and Kate Moss will alway be iconic. The little shoulder bags, mini-skirts and heels are great inspiration.

Original Post: The Fashion Trends that Will Go Viral in 2022