Elle_Australia_Sep_2019

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“OUR MOODBOARDS AREa

women with substance and style–

Lauren Hutton, Joan Didion, Naom

Veruschka, Jackie Kennedy and

sisters,” says Ilona Hamer, oneha

behind Matteau (with her sisterPe

The brand began as a havenf

swimwear,but has grown expone

launch, marking itsrunw

des-Benz Fashion WeekA

witha welcome expansion

ear. “As with everything wed

k to the Matteau woman and what

otivates her. What does she need?Where

she going?” Hamer says.

True to the brand’s MO, the 28-piece

ollection was a considered display of

odern detailing, luxe fabrics and aclassic

olour palette. Elevated yet comfortable,

egant yet accessible. The

ghlights: a ’70s-inspired paisley

ressthat would be as ideal worn

o a wedding as it would

beachside bar, a timeless white

nensuit and slinky jerseydressesin

arthy tones, allofwhich

GIR

lwaysfullof

• ElsaPeretti,
  mi Campbell,
  d the Lijadu
  alf oftheduo
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IN FO

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up daydreams of an effortless afternoon in

Cannes or Cairns. The show was equally

celebrated for its diverse casting — a group

of women (including the brand’s long-time

muse Phoebe Tonkin) that felt genuine

rather than tokenistic.

Matteau’s evolution from swim to resort was

a natural one. “We wanted to explore more

of the Matteau woman’s wardrobe when she

travels somewhere warm,” says Heinsen.

“Things to wear to the beach, dinner or

a destination party or wedding. We just want

to do our own thing and make simple, beautiful

pieces that make a woman’s life easier

because she can rely on them.”

It’s this authenticity

and sense of self that

has caught the eye of

international buyers.

“It was so beautiful

to see them branch

out into suiting and

eveningwear,” said

MatchesFashion.com

buyer Chelsea Power

after the show, citing

it as a highlight of her week. “Their DNA is so

clear... the casting was fantastic. I just loved it.

They’rea brandwhoknowwho they are.” E

“We JUST

WA N T to

MAKE

BEAUTIFUL

PIECES that

WOMEN can

RELY ON”

Swimsuit, $300

Bikini top, $135

All MATTEAU, matteau-store.com

Swimsuit, $300

Skirt, $400

Words: Madeleine Woon. Photography: Sevak Babakhani (still-life); Hannah Roche; Lucas Dawson; courtesy of Matteau

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Bikini bottoms, $135

Phoebe Tonkin