Off Duty with Charlene Davies
17 July 2026 | Words by Kate Jacobs
Welcome back to ‘Off Duty’ where we get to know the faces behind the Festival – on and off the job.
You've almost certainly spotted Charlene on our Forecourt, turning heads before the runways have even begun. Charlene Davies is a creator, entrepreneur, fashion commentator and the founder of Culturesse. She has a deep love for Melbourne style that is daring, individual and “far less boardroom-approved than anywhere else.”
How were you involved with PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2026?
I wore two hats at PMFF 2026 - front row observer and backstage supporter. I attended several shows, captured street style, and spotlighted student designers who had that raw, “watch-this-space” energy. Behind the scenes, Culturesse supported styling across three runways, which made watching the final looks come alive feel extra special.
What was your first encounter with PMFF?
My first PMFF encounter was very dramatic, and very 2020. Culturesse had been approached by a stylist to support a runway show, and I was so excited. Everything was packed, sent and ready. Then, just as I was heading in, lockdown hit. So technically, my first PMFF moment was collecting a styling box outside the Royal Exhibition Building.
Can you share your favourite moment from PMFF 2026?
My favourite PMFF 2026 moment was the street style. I work solo a lot: fast shoots, fast turnarounds, fast decisions. So PMFF felt like a rare social burst of creative oxygen. It brought me closer to photographers, designers and image-makers whose eyes I genuinely appreciate. Fashion, but with conversation, chaos and community.
What advice would you give to people aspiring to be in your position?
My advice: learn when to turn the page, and when to cook it slow. Celebrate the wins, laugh at the flops, then keep moving. Not every piece of work will instantly “earn” you something, but steady effort with a sharp goal compounds. Momentum loves patience, and a sense of humour.
“Not every piece of work will instantly “earn” you something, but steady effort with a sharp goal compounds. Momentum loves patience, and a sense of humour.”
Charlene with her impeccably well-dressed miniature schnauzer
Charlene with Daintree Estates, the Australian home-grown chocolate company she and husband Tim made their own
Do you have a side hustle?
Yes, my side hustle is deliciously dangerous. I’m helping my husband Tim rebuild Australia’s own home-grown chocolate, Daintree Estates, which we saved from liquidation. I came for the taste, then visited the cocoa plantations in North Queensland, met the farmers, learned the science, and became obsessed with Australian cocoa’s zero-waste potential.
How would you like to see the Victorian fashion industry evolve or innovate in the future?
I’d love to see Victorian fashion become more locally looped: from fabric and makers to retail and waste. Some smaller labels already work with seven or eight local businesses in their cycle, which is incredible. It is slower, yes, but that kind of connected ecosystem is where real innovation starts.
What do you love most about Melbourne style?
Melbourne style has guts. It is daring, individual, and far less “boardroom-approved” than other cities. I love that it celebrates art, age, body diversity and real personal expression. There is a laid-back ease to it too: people dress to live in their clothes, not just pose in them.
If you had to describe your relationship with fashion in just one word, what would it be and why?
Tension. I’m always caught between cherishing the old and craving the new. I love reworking curated pieces rather than constantly starting from scratch. That tension also drives how I style: control and chaos, elegance and rebellion, polish and instinct. Fashion is most exciting when those opposites start arguing beautifully.
“I’m always caught between cherishing the old and craving the new. I love reworking curated pieces rather than constantly starting from scratch.”
What piece in your wardrobe is currently in high rotation?
My current high-rotation piece is a jewel-embellished black oversized blazer by David Koma. Oversized is my comfort zone, but this one still has drama. I love the strong shoulders and adjustable waist ties - small changes create different moods. I’m always drawn to garments with built-in styling flexibility.
What's your favourite non-fashion hidden gem to visit in Melbourne?
McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery in Langwarrin. I lived nearby during my early years in Australia, so it feels personal. The outdoor sculpture park is spacious, quiet and refreshing: perfect for wandering solo or with family. I love that art feels unforced there: open-air, accessible, and slightly away from the city noise.
What's something most people wouldn't know about you?
I rename my two miniature schnauzers DAILY. I give them new nicknames, call them different cute things, then secretly worry I’m giving them an identity crisis. But somehow, they respond every time. So either they’re very clever, or they’ve simply accepted my chaos.