OFF DUTY WITH BEDI OTHOW
25 July 2024 | Words by PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival
Introducing our new series ‘Off Duty’ where we get to know the faces behind the Festival - on and off the job.
Bedi Othow wasn’t just the star of our 2024 campaign - she's also a champion for diversity and inclusivity. As the co-founder of DivTal, she’s dedicated to creating culturally safe workplaces. Since making her debut on our Independent Runway in 2022, Bedi continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a model. Whether she’s breaking into dance on the runway or advocating for change, Bedi’s passion and authenticity always shines through. Hear from Bedi who gives us a glimpse into her world, both on and off the job.
How were you involved with PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival (PMFF) in 2024?
I was in the campaign – ‘the face of PMFF’ eeek! Still feels like a dream. I also walked in a couple of shows this year: Urban Oasis Runway x Fujitsu & Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne.
What was your first ever encounter with PMFF?
PMFF 2022, I walked in my first runway as part of the Independent Programme at Collingwood Yards and stole the show wearing a red Yokhana dress.
“The amazing designer approached me after and thanked me for bringing his design to life. I mean, what a moment and look how far has Yokhana come now.
“My favourite moment from this year’s Festival is when I got to break out into a dance move on the runway in the closing show. So much fun!”
Do you have a side hustle? If so, tell us about it.
When I’m not gracing the fashion runways or at my 9-5, I’m the proud co-founder of DivTal - my side hustle. DivTal is a HR consulting and training firm that supports organisations in cultivating diverse, inclusive and culturally safe workplaces.
How would you like to see the Victorian fashion industry evolve or innovate in the future?
More and more diversity...designers, models, stylists. I think for the fashion industry to evolve and keep up with consumer and market trends, it needs to inject more creativity and expression. To put it simply, the fashion industry won’t get far without diversifying, challenging the status quo and embracing difference.
Let’s not forget that embracing difference will also require a purposeful focus on ensuring there is a safe and inclusive environment to allow diversity to thrive and slay.
“As a curve fashion model, always remember to own your uniqueness and be confident in who you are and what you bring to the fashion world.”
What do you love most about Melbourne style?
Love our street style and no one rocks a black-on-black fit better than us Melburnians!'“
If you had to describe your relationship with fashion in just one word, what would it be and why?
Expressive or DNA – fashion has always been an essential part of how I express my confidence and self-love. I may forget to do a lot of things but being fashionable is ingrained in who I am and how I like to show up in spaces. I think I enjoy breaking the stereotypes and assumption that society may have about curvy women being fashionable and then slaying outfits.
Bedi wears Amber Days on Urban Oasis Runway x Fujitsu
Bedi wears Homie on Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne
“My black pleather trench coat is currently on high rotation...so Melburnian of me, no shame.”
Bedi wears Yokhana on the Independent Runway (2022)
Bedi wears Erik Yvon
If you could only shop from one Victorian fashion brand for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I like Erik Yvon and Yokhana as I’ve worn their amazing designs on runways and at shoots. Their designs always look fierce and extenuate my curves.
What's your favourite non-fashion hidden gem to visit in Melbourne?
I love to go to Migrant Coffee in West Footscray - such a cute and hidden gem.
What's something most people wouldn't know about you?
I never learnt how to ride a bike...is it too late to learn? Or that I’m obsessed with reality TV shows.