Everything
It was a far cry from the psychedelic and intense grunge theme that designers Toby Jones and Mikey Nolan had presented at last years Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia. Nestled below towering high rises which make up Sydney’s CBD, Australian beachwear label Double Rainbouu presented its Resort 2020 collection amongst the rolling hills and cultural figures of The Chinese Friendship Garden.
Bringing a sense of zen to show goers of a fast paced fashion week, as the sun set over day three of MBFWA the latest collection from the design duo was ignited. Drawing inspiration from the tales of travel, an escape reminiscent of the alt-tourists of the overland hippie trail from Europe and Asia in the ’60s and ’70s inhabited the pieces. And as though we travelled that same path albeit far shorter, we were engulfed into the world of rainbouu. The soundscape of traditional flutes and Chinese string instruments curated by Wesley Copper Jones added to the dreamy atmosphere as we followed a designated path, leading us to perfectly positioned scenes of tranquility.
Adding to the already-established hero garment of the Double Rainbouu name – Hawaiian shirts and swim shorts – flowing silhouettes in the form of oversized robes and loungewear teemed throughout the collection in textural towelling and signature cotton. Paradoxically however, looks were seemingly more refined and tailored as the label reminisced on “night swim”.
The question from the beginning was, “what would rainbouu look like at night?” The bold sensibilities of the Double Rainbouu were still apparent however had a softer and more considered approach with creamy pastels, rich purples and tangerines offset with head-to-toe charcoal looks, yet underpinning each look was subtle hints of animal print. Aptly dubbed ‘ANIMAL KINGDOM’, its aim was “to depict a utopian garden where all creatures of the rainbouu exist in harmony.” According to the shown notes, “the many creatures from this kingdom can be seen scattered throughout the collection.”
In a bid to “elevate” the collection in the words of Toby, soft tailoring in premium fabrics were intertwined amongst ’70s-inspired short-shorts, knee-high socks and layered across several pieces. Finishing off the looks which reiterated its connection to nature, macramé and shibori accessories draped across models, while thick-framed sunglasses, bucket hats and collaborative Superga sneakers lent the familiar discotheque vibe Toby Jones and Mikey Nolan are known for.
Entitled ‘United Colours Of Rainbouu’, while fashion was the main focus of the evening, a simple statement of friendship and unity had brought a lighthearted feel to what has been a jam packed week of style.
