continued

THIS PAGE: Fashion-forward Zambesi. TOP: Elisabeth Findlay delighted at the reception to her biggest collection.

Gasps of delight were heard each time a model strode out wearing one of Liz Findlay’s subtly glamorous but defiantly strong outfits

   Kate Sylvester’s signature range was a lesson in elegance and understatement.
   In a monochromatic colour scheme of sugared almond hues of mauve, beige, white and baby blue with accents of silver and gold, Sylvester produced beautifully cut suits and dresses that were suggestive of the modish looks of the 1960s, while still maintaining a clean and spare æsthetic to give it a modernist edge.
   And in an ingenious move, she emulated the style of installation artist Vanessa Beacroft by having her models remain grouped on the catwalk allowing the audience to see the progression of the range from one garment to the next.
    ‘Audition’ is the title given to Zambesi’s summer collection for 2003–4. Designer Elisabeth Findlay had her ingenue-like models walk out along a mirrored catwalk as if they were trying out for a film role, wearing a collection that could certainly be described as epic, as it is the largest she has ever produced. Gasps of delight were heard each time a model strode out wearing one of Findlay’s subtly glamorous but defiantly strong outfits which, in a bold move for Zambesi, were toned in bright, jewel-like colours. Covetable pieces included gorgeous little silk velvet jackets, oversized cowl necked tops with exaggerated draping, ruched knickerbockers and a stunning suit in teal. The Donna May Bollinger wrapped sandals designed to accompany the range were also a big hit.

CONTINUED