So the weather might've taken a turn for the worst as we regress into a struggling spring, but even volcanic ash clouds couldn't stop us from trawling the globe to find breaking fashion news as it happens. Today marks the 15th Australian Fashion Week, and where we've been sure to keep the cardigans and woollen jumpers to hand, our antipodean counterparts have been casting off everything possible to emerge beach-ready at the feet of women's clothing and fashion.

The back-story to this celebration of the best Aussie catwalk collections reads like an upside-down version of complaints and outcries on our side of the world during the European Fashion Weeks, with the emergence of what is set to be the world's first aboriginal (really?) face of Vogue, Samantha Harris (18), who took to the runway today in Sydney before a dazzled crowd. Compare this with French V's staggering treatment of racial identity not too long ago, and things seem a little inside out.

Further furore came in the form of pleas from plus size friendly clothing agencies accusing the designers and stylists of skinny elitism in their selection of models, the complaint being that this marked a backwards step for Australia's bid for establishing itself as the leading fashion base outside of Europe.

But what of reports from the collections? There are many ways to tell it. Fighting through the Avatar-themed model stuff was a trend for bikinis worn with platform boots in electric neon colours, at least showing that you don't need to enter the body of a blue alien to bring some extra height and majesty to your poolside look. Bathing caps were also an ironic favourite that seemed to work better than had been intended, coming in a range of just as bright colours, and giving a feminine cool to contrast with all that bare skin.

Fitting with the tribalism of the Avatar theme was a nod towards this season's trend for colour prints in their beach cover-up form, with sarongs and kaftan-like wonders being spun from the most vibrant of patterns and shades. Slightly more covered-up but a little more fun was the penchant for floral and pastel blouses and fitted shirts worn over bikini bottoms with flat shoes, as well as a revealing take on the nautical look with some incredibly scant denim shorts. Can we do Bondai Beach in Bournemouth or Bristol? I'm sure we can have fun trying.

The show was not without its more outgoing additions, with white playsuits, nacre cocktail dresses and white short suit combinations all given the sun-kissed twist. Jackets and belted coats for the after-sun moments gave a particular nod to a very English breed of outerwear. If you can chase down the photos from the shoot, grab what you can for a sneak look at half of your suitcase's contents this summer.

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