Alix Higgins AFW 2025: Childhood Wonder Brought to Life

Last week, Alix Higgins unveiled The Needle, his Resort 26 collection, before a packed, star-studded front row that included RUEL, Bambi Northwood-Blyth, Sarah Ellen and more. From the first note of Joan Banoit’s folk-tinged soundtrack, the space felt less like a fashion show and more like stepping into a living storybook.

A digitally printed carpet (an heirloom scanned from Higgins’ grandmother’s rug, recoloured in acid brights and overlaid with his poetry) stretched the length of the runway, setting the tone: handcrafted nostalgia viewed through a glitchy, digital lens.

Thirty-nine looks followed, each riffing on childhood dress-up memories: silk-chiffon crowns, embroidered wool jerseys, gradient-print suiting and fluid jacquards that floated like imaginary capes. Painted faces and handmade headpieces amplified the playground fantasy; custom silk crowns by milliner Ann Shoebridge and hand-drawn medieval doodles by artist Harley Jones strengthened the whimsical thread.

Stand-out moments included a portrait of muse Nina Treffkorn, painted by Gian Manik, splashed across liquid-silk dresses; up-cycled wool suiting streaked with glowing text; and a charm-laden pendant created with Pandora that transformed jewellery into tiny talismans.

The show stitched together childhood wonder, craft and community, proof that Alix Higgins remained one of Australian Fashion Week’s most fearless dreamers.

Photography by New Moon.