OFF DUTY WITH KARINDA MUTABAZI
31 October 2024 | Words by PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival
Welcome back to ‘Off Duty’ where we get to know the faces behind the Festival – on and off the job.
Karinda is a Melbourne-based stylist and creative director who brought a creative edge to 2024’s National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne. From being on judging panels to spotlighting emerging talent, she’s been a Festival regular for years and knows the Melbourne style scene like the back of her hand. With a passion for inclusivity and love for Melbourne's unique aesthetic, Karinda is all about creating looks that tell a story and fit everybody. Now, she’s back as a judge for our 2025 National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne.
How were you involved with PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2024?
I was fortunate enough to be entrusted with judging and styling the National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne.
What was your first ever encounter with the Festival?
It’s been years now in an unofficial capacity from back in the early days of the Festival when my bestie was the Sponsorship Manager. More recently though, I have curated panels and events for the Independent Programme and have now styled a runway.
Can you share your favourite moment from the 2024 Festival?
Meeting the student designers for the first time and actually seeing the collections IRL. It was also really magical watching the lighting tech late at night with the Royal Exhibition Building empty and all the buildings lit up.
Provide some insight on judging the National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne.
It’s such a tough process, there are so many incredible collections that enter. I would say to designers thinking of entering to make sure your photos are really clear! We don’t get long to delve into each submission, so make it easy for us to discover how amazing you are.
Backstage at National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne in 2024. Photographer: Dan Castano
Designer William Tjong at National Graduate Showcase Runway x Emporium Melbourne in 2024. Photographer: Lucas Dawson
“My advice for aspiring stylists is to listen and collaborate as much as you can. Styling is not really about you, it’s about how you can tell the story of a person, brand and identity through the looks you put together.”
Karinda giving styling tips at Festival Ready Presented by Emporium Melbourne in 2024. Photographer: Ben Dowd
Karinda styling backstage at National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne in 2024. Photographer: Dan Castano
What do you love most about Melbourne style?
I love that Melbourne style celebrates being unique, is environmentally minded and champions independent makers.
If you had to describe your relationship with fashion in just one word, what would it be
and why?
Consumed…But in the best possible way. It’s a never ending source of inspiration and discovery.
What piece in your wardrobe is currently on high rotation?
A pair of black tailored shorts from Bassike that I got at a consignment store. I need a million pairs of these! Also a pair of Rowland Vision archive ‘Vision C’ sunglasses in a neon green (which is a neutral right? Yeah I feel like neon green is the new black hahaha).
“I’d love to see bigger size diversity offered as the standard. It would also make my life so much easier if there was some standardisation in sizing. These are more systemic changes but we can aim high. We should be striving to create something incredibly beautiful for all bodies.”
If you could only shop from one Victorian fashion brand for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Are you serious? This is like asking a chef to only eat one food for the rest of their life. I am the queen of options, I could never commit to just one. Although my forever fave design human is Erik Yvon; for the person, the clothing, and the joy that comes with both.
What's your favourite non-fashion hidden gem to visit in Melbourne?
Food related obviously, but Mademe Sourdough bakery in Mont Albert is insanely good. It’s a family run bakery that's only open Fri-Sun. They have hot cross buns all-year-round and sell fresh sourdough pizza dough with makes the most incredible pizzas. The bread is good too.
What's something most people wouldn't know about you?
I used to be a professional musical theatre performer…it was a long time ago.
Karinda pre-Revelry Runway in 2024. Photographer: Lucas Dawson
Karinda wears Country Road at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2022