Both have the star power to shut down Darling Harbour's Chinese Garden of Friendship.

The design duo, of resortwear label Double Rainbouu, staged their Fashion Week presentation in the tranquil gardens on Wednesday after five weeks of negotiations with the NSW government.

"They've never done a show here before and the only time they've ever closed the gardens before this was to shoot The Wolverine film," Jones told AAP.

"I guess you could say we're both superheroes."

Rather than a traditional runway show, guests were taken on a journey through the garden, with models clad in Double Rainbouu placed in situ.

Inspired by 1960s and 70s travellers of Hippie Trail - an alternative Silk Road of sorts that wound through Europe, the Middle East and Asia - the unisex collection featured Asian-inspired embroidery, kimono jackets and Japanese died prints.

Oversized denim, Hawaiian shirts and board shorts in an array of colourful patterns - all Double Rainbouu hallmarks - also featured prominently.

The Double Rainbouu guys, who first worked together as creative directors at Ksubi, are among a number of Australian designers shunning runway shows at Fashion Week's Carriageworks HQ for more intimate showings.

"We want to transport customers whenever they put on a shirt so that flows on to shows as well," Nolan said of the decision.

Last year, Double Rainbouu held their show inside a Chippendale pub.

"We wanted to do something that was in total contrast to the pub, we wanted to create something that was a bit more peaceful and in a natural sort of setting," Jones added.

"We were looking at places by the water because swim is such a big part of our brand - we looked at all the obvious places, Bondi and all that, but we wanted something a bit different.

"We came here and saw it and we thought, 'we have to have it here.'"

Also opting for an off-site show on Thursday is international menswear label Justin Cassin.

Staged at Luna Park's Big Top during the evening, the show is expected to feel more like a rock concert than a fashion show, with some local celebs due to take a turn on a custom-built runway that juts off the stage.

* Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia runs until May 18

Australian Associated Press