It might have started over an hour late, but the Lover RAFW 2011 show was one worth waiting for. Designers Susien Chong and Nic Briand haven't shown at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in five years, which gave an air of anticipation to a show that proved to be the perfect culmination to day 1 of RAFW.

Click here to view images from Lover's RAFW 2011 show

Upon arrival at the Sydney Opera House Studio, guests were greeted by a large Perspex 4D screen that levitated above the square shaped catwalk depicting pictures of both past and present collections. It wasn't long before the lights dimmed and the first model walked out in complete darkness.

Taking inspiration from the Chinese Mythology The White Serpent, Lover's 2011/12 collection bought to life the beauty of romance "tempered by tragedy". It was unmistakably Lover, with lashings of French lace and leather in hues of red, white and black that were styled effortlessly but tailored sharply.

Click here to view images from Lover's RAFW 2011 show

Short, delicate lace dresses were shown alongside long, romantic sheer gowns that were toughened only by statement heels and a bold cherry lip.

Although the collection was centred around the idea of tragedy, it seems Chong and Briand have breathed new life into the cult label.

Click here to view images from Lover's RAFW 2011 show