28. LIFEwithBIRD SS 12/13

There are two types of love. The ones that catch alight, solidify themselves rapidly and dissipate into nothingness just as fast and then there's the slow burn. Like a steeplechase at times, repeatedly challenged or through circumstances out of it's control, forced to make it's progress painfully slowly. In the same way that there are two types of love there are two types of labels and here we have LIFEwithBIRD.

It's been a quiet evolution for LIFEwithBIRD since 2001 when Bridget McCall and Nicholas Van Messner began the brand. Beginning with accessories followed by an addition of apparel 3 years later; their story chronicles one of hard work and dedication and so it must have been with some elation to reach the 10 year mark, a point which was celebrated with their Summer 12/13 show last Thursday.

Set within Sydney Opera House in a room redolent of a future apocalypse featuring the beautifully restored concrete beams of the Utzon Room and expansive views of Sydney Harbour, as the psychedellic punk funk sound of Yang Yang by Anika pumped from overhead speakers, there wouldn't have been a single doubt in the house that an equally strong performance was about to ensure.

There have been criticisms about a lack of cohesiveness, a lack of fresh ideas and I say bs. Raised fabrics both textured and tri-layered - think skirt meets singlet meets shirt, and ghost gum jumpsuits, the fluid nature of the print matching that of the garment hit high trend notes against the more commercially pleasing black bandage dresses and printed shifts, a cornerstone of LIFEwithBIRDS's past.

Whilst short suiting which featured predominantly throughout is nothing new, who could possibly pass up this violet interpretation of short shorts paired with loosely tailored sorbet jackets and matching print trapeze tees. One neon hue and sports luxe dress perhaps played homage to LIFEwithBIRD's future, a hint maybe at future collections as the grips of these two trends take hold.

And back to my initial reference of two types of loves and labels. I don't believe for a second it's been an easy journey from point A to B but at this stage and telling of the shows title, a reference to a beginning and an end I believe the quiet evolve is over and LIFEwithBIRD sans showstopping antics has gained a firm footing in the Australian market and is at a point of coming into it's own.

Written by A L F I E A N D E L L E for Daily Gloss

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