Karla Špetić Oasis Resort 23
Karla Špetić presented Oasis Resort 23, inspired by a quote from Chilean poet Pablo Neruda – “I crave a love so deep; the ocean would be jealous” – and complemented by paired looks from Artégo.
“My inspiration behind the style was influenced by Karla Spetic’s collection called Oasis. We styled the hair how it would naturally fall on the face if you were to walk out of the ocean with a garment on,” shared Hair Stylist Matthew Ashton.
“I used the Artégo Rock Me Gel and Artégo Styling Fluid, which helped create a look where the model looked like they were emerging from the water,” he continued. “The Rock Me Gel allowed me to give the style stability and structure while the Styling Fluid allowed the hair to appear wet. I didn’t dry the product in completely so that while the models were walking down the runway the hair was still sliding over the body as it would if you were walking out of the ocean.”
The collection is comprised of confident blacks, including a stylised shark silhouette, progressing to bodycon, clean shapes of shells, in a monochrome and pastel palette. Sheer bodycon unitards, leggings and bodysuits act as a basis under other pieces, complemented by soft tailoring, organic shapes and cut-outs.
“The Collection narrative is driven by the desire to escape to an oasis, experiencing tropical bliss in a faraway place,” Karla said. “I want to evoke that feeling you have after a day at a beautiful beach, with aqua water and white sand, you’re dressed for the evening, relaxed and glowing. I use my moods, feelings and what I’m experiencing in life for inspiration. This collection is about connection and change.”
“Georgette dresses have a body-hugging fluid flow and are reminiscent of anemones, coral and seaweed, refined into simple shapes,” she continued. “It’s really wearable and easy. I wanted this to be less conceptual and more wearable, although it’s still compatible with individualism. The story moves from black and white into a greeny-grey colour, a washed-out blue, followed by a pop of aqua, which then finishes in an optimistic, soft pink.”
The hair and fashion worked in synergy to sell this strong aesthetic down the runway.“For me, creating a look to emulate that physical emergence from the water to tie in with Karla’s collection was the way I could elevate the show to align with the presentation of the collection,” Matthew said.
