Rain or shine, Fashion Week draws well-dressed crowds

According to the forecast, it will likely rain on Australian Fashion Week's parade, but Carla Zampatti tailoring can handle anything.

On day two of Sydney's fashion industry celebration, Bianca Spender, Courtney Zheng, Aje, COMMAS and Alix Higgins are among the labels to show their latest collections.

A total audience of 900 people braved the rain to see Carla Zampatti's latest collection Reflections presented at an industry and a consumer show on Monday night.

With black gowns in liquid sequins shimmering as models walked a harbourside boardwalk runway, Tanya Emon Beattie's designs for Carla Zampatti really did reflect light.

Across 45 looks they were also an exploration of texture, with burnout velvet and some seriously voluminous feather detailing.

There were shoulder pads too - after all, the label has defined power dressing for decades.

The backdrop for all this was Sydney Opera House, with Fashion Week expanding from its venue at Carriageworks to various locations including the Museum of Contemporary Art for the first time.

Speaking ahead of the event, Fashion Week chief executive Kellie Hush said the event was also about showing off the city of Sydney.

"We are selling Australian fashion globally, and we have the most incredible light, backdrops and icons, so it seemed madness that we weren't showcasing it," she said.

Also on Monday, celebrated designer Toni Maticevski made a welcome return to the runway with his first show since 2019.

"The whole thing about coming back is really doing things to be part of the industry, the local talent that is delivering some amazing work," he said.