Fashion: The new romantics

Romance is in the air. Photo / Mara Summer

A dark rock ’n’ roll sensibility provides a refreshing twist in a season of predictable floral prints and saccharine pastels. Because let’s face it, spring isn’t just for those who want to play it safe. Mix time-worn leather with delicate lace, homespun fabrics with showgirl lurex and Bauhaus prints with Edwardian frills for a new take on vintage dressing.

Diamonds and rust

Terumi wears Topman Oxford shirt, $65, and trousers, $115, from The Men's
Department at The Department Store. Singlet, $49, from Deadman Vintage.
Jacob Stone belt, $75. I Love Ugly coat, $320.
Jenna wears Liam dress, $389, worn over Juliette Hogan skirt, $699.
Mimco neckpiece, $499. Leather jacket, $69.50, from Deadman Vintage.

Happy house

X-plain jumper, $205 and skirt, $185. Karen Walker frill-neck blouse, $450. Veronica B pearl drop earrings, $99. Isabella Anselmi heels, $209.90, from Overland. Trelise Cooper embossed leather jacket, $799.

Cult classics

Jenna wears Prada dress, $9020. Terumi wears Pin Up T-shirt, $79, from Strangely Normal. Topman trousers, $95, from The Men's Department at The Department Store.

Voodoo lounge

Karen Walker suede top, $995. Rolla's flared jeans $149.90. Isabella Anselmi heels, $209.90, from Overland. Paula Ryan necklace, $695. Veronica B jewel necklace, $179.

Tomorrow never knows

Strangely Normal shirt, $195. Mexican bolo tie, $49, from Strangely Normal.

Heaven's gate

Jenna wears Prada cashmere knit top, $1960, dress, $8580, scarf, $420 and shoes, $1520. Karen Walker earring, $45 (a pair). Socks model's own. Terumi wears Topman Oxford shirt, $65, from The Men's Department. Topman trousers, $115, from The Men's Department at the Department Store and jumper, $129.

Electric kool aid

Terumi wears Salasai shirt, $185. Topman trousers, $115, from The Men's Department at the Department Store. Converse sneakers, $90, from Stirling Sports. Jenna wears Twenty-seven Names blouse, $330. Cooper skirt, $429.

Valley of the dolls

Adidas top, $39, from Dead Man Vintage. Carlson dress, $359. Kathryn Wilson heels, $299.

Stylist: Dan Ahwa
Photographer: Mara Sommer
Hair: Sara Allsop from Dharma Salon
Makeup: Kiekie Stanners for M.A.C Cosmetics
Models: Jenna Klein from Clyne and Terumi MacIntyre from Unique Model Management
Photographer's Assistant: Kingy Hsu
Stylist's assistant: Danielle Clausen
Thanks to Emma Gleason

Stockists
• Carlson
• Converse
• Cooper
• Dead Man Vintage
• I Love Ugly (09) 377 7707
• Jacob Stone
• Juliette Hogan
• Karen Walker
• Kathryn Wilson
• Liam
• Mimco
• Overland
• Paula Ryan
• Prada +61 2 922 3168
• Rolla's
• The Department Store 0800 DEPARTMENT
• Veronica B
• Stirling Sports
• Strangely Normal (09) 309 0600
• Trelise Cooper
• Twenty-seven Names (09) 360 6127
• X-plain