Romance Was Born Embeds Us Into ‘Done Zone’ Inspired By Ken Done

Romance Was Born blends its sense of color and whimsy in their ‘DONE ZONE’ inspired by Australian artist Ken Done.

Romance Was Born’s latest appearance at AAFW 2022, which was set to the pounding sound of Sydney rock band Icehouse’s legendary ’80s classics, plunged us into the label’s unapologetically whimsical and Australian landscape. This is a world in which sequins’ gowns ripple like water, starfish rest atop shoulders, and trumpet coral-like ruffles flutter on bodies. It was a continuation of the Sydney label’s previous collaboration with Ken Done, whose vibrant paintings are among the most renowned in our country’s history.

From Ken Done’s reef paintings, sprinkled with a dash of his signature clothing line, made in collaboration with his wife, Judy Done, came the original splash of inspiration for the collection.

According to Sales, the opportunity to work with such a “living icon” was really thrilling, and he noted that Done was truly the first artist he knew as a child growing up in Australia. Sales said that the opportunity to collaborate with Done was exceptionally exciting.

At AAFW’s main stage of Carriageworks, last year’s RWB Forever collection featured a carousel in which models sat at the end of their walk, seated on romantic outfits that had been crafted by Sales and Plunkett for the event. Although the Ken Done gallery is much smaller than the Carriageworks halls, there was still a tiny but visibly interested crowd there to see the collection’s unfurling. At AAFW’s main stage of Carriageworks, last year’s RWB Forever collection featured a carousel in which models sat at the end of their walk, seated on romantic outfits that had been crafted by Sales and Plunkett for the event. Although the Ken Done gallery is much smaller than the Carriageworks halls, there was still a tiny but visibly interested crowd there to see the collection’s unfurling. “Watery disco grotto” is what Sydney artist Rosie Deacon came up with to change the room, which included a variety of coral-colored set pieces.

Every attendee had their cell phones out to record the wonder of the duo-tone gold gown with pleating and ruffled embellishments, which rippled like live coral in water as it was paraded around the gallery.

Romance Was Born took us to a world where fashion is a bit more adventurous, where the glitz and glam that we often shy away from in favour of something more modest are instead embraced. If you look at that, you just can’t help but join them.

Have you seen the latest fashion show by RBW x Ken Done at AAFW 2022? I’d love to hear about your experience, so please leave a comment and tell me about it!