Words & Photography by Cesar Ocampo

On Day 2 of Australian Fashion Week, I stepped into the FARAGE Summer ’26 runway show not quite knowing what to expect—but walked away thinking about shoulder pads, trench coats, and the quiet confidence of well-cut suits. And if there was one thing this show made perfectly clear, it’s this: tailoring is back, and it’s not playing small.

From my seat along the runway—camera in hand, eyes scanning the light—I watched a story unfold. This wasn’t just a collection. It was a reminder of why fashion can be timeless and sharp, nostalgic and forward-thinking.

 

Tailoring for the Now (and Then)

FARAGE’s co-ed collection opened with a look that felt like the beginning of a modern noir film: a woman in a tightly belted trench coat, red tie, crisp white shirt, collar up as if she had just walked out of the storm and into the frame. There was tension in it, but also strength. That moment instantly set the tone for what followed—menswear and womenswear that danced between utility and elegance, with a clear nod to the drama of the 1980s.

The silhouettes were strong and deliberate. Charcoal double-breasted suits—worn by both men and women—featured padded shoulders, sharp lapels, and nipped waists that turned every step into a statement. It was power dressing reborn, not as a costume of the past, but as a blueprint for today’s confident dresser.

Function, Flash, and Detail

What I loved photographing most were the contrasts. Sleek nylon parkas layered over structured wool suits. The movement of outerwear against the discipline of tailoring. The occasional flash of red or high-gloss aviators—styling touches that hinted at the thrill of espionage or cinema.

Every detail served a purpose. A trench collar casually popped. A suit that looked built for boardrooms but styled like streetwear. It all came together in a show that understood the strength of suggestion—how clothing can imply power without shouting.

 

Capturing Energy

As a photographer, I’m always chasing lines, light, and energy. FARAGE gave me all three. The cut of the blazers. The sway of the coats. The shine of fabric under the lights. This show had rhythm. It had restraint. It had presence.

You could feel the care in the construction—and the confidence in knowing exactly what kind of person this collection was for. Someone decisive. Someone stylish. Someone who appreciates a tailored suit that feels just as powerful in the office as it does on the street.

  

What I Saw, What I Framed

Photographing this show reminded me why I love runway photography. It’s not just about getting the shot—it’s about documenting a moment of design clarity. FARAGE showed us that strong shoulders, defined silhouettes, and classic tailoring can still surprise. Still seduce. Still say something.

And maybe, for this season at least, the best accessory is simply the stance you take when you wear something that fits just right.