Backstage beauty report: MERIT x St. Agni Resort 2026
Independent Australian design studio, St. Agni debuted its Resort 2026 collection with the brand’s first see-now, buy-now presentation, hosted off-schedule at its Melbourne Armadale boutique.
Guests enjoyed a view of the collection in the brand’s own space, underscoring its focus on intimacy and tactility.
Customers are now able to view the collection online with early sign-ups available, before the full range launches October 23rd.
Resort 2026 marks St. Agni’s most expansive wardrobe offering to date, spanning ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, swim, and eyewear – presented together for the first time.
The collection explores the convergence of soft power and femininity, drawing on timeless forms such as the circle and hourglass. Fluid silhouettes and sheer silks sit alongside brushed leather and belted details, balancing structure and softness to express the quiet strength of modern femininity.
"Resort 26 explores the tension between strength and softness," said creative director, Lara Fells.
"Capturing refined femininity through flowing silhouettes, ethereal textures and balletic touches, we’ve created balance through brushed leather and belted details, creating a collection that feels refined with a distinctly elevated edge."
The beauty look:
Minimalist beauty brand, MERIT was the official sponsor of the show, previewing the launch of its Solo Shadow Sheen which is on counter October 22nd.
Designed by make-up consumers, not artists, MERIT simplifies what it takes to get ready by creating only well-edited essentials that help you do more with less. The brand is intentional about what it creates, spending years perfecting every detail to ensure that each of its products become a beloved part of your routine for years to come.
"We’re so excited to partner with St. Agni, a brand that shares so much of our ethos with considered, minimalistic design principles, for their Resort 26 Show," said MERIT CMO, Aila Morin.
"This is an especially exciting moment for us, marking the debut of our newest product, Solo Shadow Sheen – a shimmer eyeshadow so easy, it can be worn on and off the runway, no occasion required."
Get the look:
In a first for the brand, models applied their own make-up for the show, guided by make-up director, Isabella Schmidt.
"For Resort 26, the make-up look is all about natural yet polished skin," said Schimid.
"Applying soft contour through the cheeks to create depth and a subtle wash of colour around the eyes for natural definition."
"Lips were kept matte and nude, blending seamlessly with the skin for a tonal effect."
"Our hero products were the MERIT Great Skin Serum and Great Skin Moisturiser for hydrated, radiant skin and the Minimalist Complexion Stick to conceal, correct and softly blur."
"Brows were naturally defined and brushed up, while Day Glow was applied to cheek bones."
"MERIT’s new Solo Shadow Sheen in Sartorial and Glace were used in the centre of eyes to finish off the look," shared Schimid.
You can shop MERIT in Australia via www.meritbeauty.com, and St. Agni via www.st-agni.com.
Image credit: Supplied/MERIT/St. Agni
