I attended the Dyspnea show for this year"s Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (2022) and it was one of my favourite shows that I got to attend. Here are some snaps of the outfits that blew me away. Dyspnea was showing its Resort ’23 collection. This was a "Disneyworld" experience.
The centrepiece of this year's Dyspnea AAFW 2022 show was this magnificent crystal chandelier. There were A LOT of people "cam-whores", me included :)
Dyspnea pieces are drop dead dreamy gorgeous. It is cruelty free and I love that they make pieces that suit all body types. Dyspnea was founded by best friends Jameen and Rachel in 2013, the duo started designing one-off party pieces before expanding the collection. Now, all Dyspnea garments are made in Bali, Indonesia and the designers work closely with a small team of Balinese women who specialise in hand-beading, a tradition which has been passed down from generation to generation.
The show started off with a recognition and acknowledgement of Australia's First Nations. I felt that of all the shows at AAFW 2022, Dyspnea did it the best.
Then we had this gorgeous violinist come out, dressed in Dyspnea of course, who played a refrain which then got remixed by some backstage DJ and the music really kicked off! The chandelier was raised and the fashion began.
I really loved that Dyspnea stayed through to its roots of making fashion accessible to everyone, and this was shown by the models chosen. There were curvaceous bombshell female models with EVERYTHING hanging out - I so loved that, seeing real women (mine you, they were extremely beautiful and attractive). There were male models and also a stand out model who had artificial legs.
I would describe this collection as "balinese seamstresses on acid". Their pieces classically feature sequins, beads, fluff, and ruffles. Think "Maximalist Fashion". Though most of the colours were muted - light pinks, lavenders and baby blues, there were some brilliant reds, oranges and psychedelic print. There were floaty drappy sequin-spangled pieces that celebrated the different body types with camis and corsets. Lots of boobs - I love boobs.
A lot of the pieces were "see through" and modesty was thrown out the door with this collection. Unlike a lot of the shows earlier in the week at AAFW 2022 which showed mainly commercial retail pieces that you could buy in a department store, Dyspnea went haute couture and full on creativity, and for that I am thankful.
Makeup was Mecca Max - using a lot of bright eyeshadows and red lips. There was a bit of "blush contouring" seen too. I saw a lot of bright blushes that contrasted against the bright eyeshadows in reds; blues; and shades of purples. Brows were combed and brushed through with a white brow pomade or very thin eyebrows - an 80's - 90's trend that is coming back in style.
The shoes OMG the shoes were lust-worthy with pink and baby blue ankle boots. The models were adorned in statement jewellery - large curtain necklaces, chandelier earrings and even crystal headdresses.
The name "Dyspnea" comes from the medical term for ‘shortness of breath’. The designers started their label eight years ago when they met at TAFE. AND this collection really was "breathtaking".
I really want this pair of boots!!
One of my fave outfits from the show.
This look was so dramatic! I was squealing with excitement!
Beautiful and perfectly complimented with those acid green boots.
I saw this model a couple of times at AFFW. She is gorgeous and so brave, My love for Dyspnea went up ten-fold when I saw her come down the runway.
Some graphic prints - our gift bag for the show was in the same print.
I hope you enjoyed this Fashion Story! I'm planning to do more. Please do subscribe to my blog (see various (they are irritating and I am sorry about that) pop up boxes or sign up in the box below). Drop me an email (tashi@paintbytashijadebell.com) or DM me on my Instagram (@paint_bytashijadebell) and let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for me. I always love hearing from you.
Yours Truly with Lots of Love, Tashi Jade Bell.
Disclaimer: All of the photos here are taken by me. You cannot use them without obtaining my written permission first. These are my personal views and I do not any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message.
