SYDNEY–Rosemount Australian Fashion week (RAFW) kicked off yesterday in chilly Sydney, where homegrown labels showcased the season the land of surf and sun does best: summer.

Relaxed minimalism reigned supreme at Arnsdorf’s spring/summer 2012 collection entitled ‘The Circle.” Melbourne born, New York-based designer Jade Sarita Arnott took a detour from her signature aesthetic which is all about structure and volume, instead delivering a collection of soft tailoring in airy silks and linens that came across almost ethereally in their lightness and ease.

Julia Nobis opened the show in a stark white collarless blouse and skirt with mint detailing at the waist. The next few looks continued in the same color palette and featured halter neck dresses with bold side slits, tunics and paneled blouses.

The introduction of fuchsia popped against the whites, nudes and mints, especially a floor length silk trench-like dress with asymmetrical buttons. Then came inky blacks and midnight blues, transitioning away from the sporty almost resort feel of the first half of the show into a more glam, evening feel. Halter tops were sexy with low backs and there were one-shoulder tops paired with hip skimming skirts.

The show was styled by effortlessly cool RUSSH editor Stevie Dance, who lent her signature nostalgic, retro feel in the most modern way.

**All photos: Getty