“You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.” – Isadora Duncan

Three startlingly different designers, one theme. The result is an absolute feast for the eyes. The two collections – the first by Maia Lillford, and the second a collaboration between MIMI-ZIKKI and Ana Ostrom – come together to create a fantastical world of dangerous play. Inspired and influenced by the intrinsic designs in the world of fauna, also known as bio-mimicry, both collections have a distinct, almost otherworldly feel.

Maia Lillford’s collection, Bejazzled Beetles, is incandescent. It is an awe-inspiring celebration of bright colours and strong lines topped with outlandish hairstyles. There is an undoubtedly playful side to this collection, as the luminous hues in each of the pieces bring to attention the highly inviting nature of the work. The pieces are almost overwhelmingly loud at times, but the consistency within the collection is commendable. Overall, it is a combination that is light-hearted and fun.

The second collection stands in stark contrast to the first. MIMI-ZIKKI and Ana Ostrom have come together to create a collection that is both beautiful and dark. A sleek edge to every piece, often found in the jewellery of Ana Ostrom, gives it a sense of sophistication and rootedness. The two are a well-matched pair, with each design complementing each other, and an absolute gift to the audience.

The entire event was an electric, invigorating experience, with the incredible work of three very unique designers on display. The sheer lack of overlap between the collections was astonishing and visually pleasing.

It’s a wild world out there, and for an evening, the audience was immersed in an entire universe of (wild) designs condensed into a single show.

Imprinting Wild was presented as part of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival Cultural Program’s Project Series 2015.

Photo credit: MIMI-ZIKKI