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Ten years on, and iconic Australian fashion label LIFEwithBIRD is still standing strong on the catwalk. The collaborative brainchild of designers Nicholas Van Messner and Bridget McCall today launched its Spring Summer 2012 collection, while also marking a landmark anniversary for the Melbourne label.

As invited guests were shown into Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Room, it became evident that the designers really could not have picked a better location to showcase their new collection. With two rows of white chairs on either side, the runway was set on the wooden floors down the centre of the room. With windows along one side of the room bathing the space in natural sunlight, the reflection of the water outside created a shimmering ripple effect on the ceiling and walls, establishing a seaside, rockpool-feel for what was to come.

The collection, The Distance Between, saw models with slicked-back hair take to the catwalk and parade a myriad of garments that reflected the designers’ inspiration of a balanced journey between two points. Clean white silhouettes opened the show, while hints of dusty pastels (pink, mint and lavender) and dark navy provided a contrast throughout. Like the colour palette, prints were subtle, watercolour-like blends, and loosely draped fabrics were finished off with a soft edge of tailoring. Texture was also a focus of the show and provided a unique point of interest for the mono-colour outfits – for example, the raised-pattern on a white minidress.

With some of Sydney’s most fashion-elite lining the sides of the catwalk (including those ever-so-stylish – and intimidating! – sequined bloggers), it was a definite consensus that LIFEwithBIRD certainly couldn’t have selected a more appropriate location for pitching their sleek and effortless Spring Summer 2012 collection. Forget colour blocking for the seasons ahead – it’s all about simplicity with subtle, soft textures and pastel prints!