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OFF DUTY WITH KARINDA MUTABAZI

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…

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**

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OFF DUTY WITH DAN CASTANO

27 August 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.

Shooting for the likes of David Jones, Henne, NGV and Dan Murphy’s, it’s safe to say Dan Castano is a creative Melbourne legend. Dan first picked up a camera at our 2010 Festival and now she’s our go-to for backstage content. Dan's unique perspective shines through in every shot, so keep reading to learn more about the person behind the lens.

How were you involved with PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival (PMFF) in 2024?

I’m a photographer and shot all the backstage content every Premium Runway night.

What was your first ever encounter with PMFF?

I went to L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (as it was called at the time) in 2010 and it was the first time I ever picked up a camera to shoot street style. I turned up with a point-and-shoot Olympus, took two terrible photos from a distance (because I was too scared to get close to anyone), and then left, vowing to come back when I knew what I was doing.

And then I did the following year, and I’ve been to the Festival and photographed it in some capacity ever since.

Can you share your favourite moment from PMFF 2024?

I really loved the closing Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne. Soo many good local designers doing cool stuff. I literally shopped that runway straight after.

**Backstage at National Graduate Showcase Runway x Emporium Melbourne**

**Backstage at Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne**

“My advice for aspiring photographers is to make the type of work you want to get booked for and start sharing it. If you’re not putting it out there and no one can see it, then they won’t know you can do it.”

Do you have a side hustle? If so, tell us about it.

Not anymore. Ironically, photography used to be my side hustle.

How would you like to see the Victorian fashion industry evolve or innovate in the future?

I’d love to see more organic and meaningful support for the industry across the year, not just during the Festival. From supporting local designers with opportunities to upskill their business acumen to continuing the ‘local fashion’ conversation in the media more regularly. This needs to happen to educate people about the incredible local designers we have around us here in Victoria and be an ongoing, consistent conversation, not a once-a-year thing.

I’d also love to see the continuation of support for our First Nations fashion community through actual job offers across all areas of the industry, not just token placements.

If you had to describe your relationship with fashion in just one word, what would it be and why?

Enduring. I’ve always loved fashion and everything that goes on around it; the beauty, the spectacle of it. I always wanted to be involved with the creation of something beautiful
in the fashion space.

“I love how Melburnians mix and match. Melbourne style to me is all about mixing, whether it be high and low designers or different styles. We are so good at mixing things to create unique looks for ourselves.”

If you could only shop from one Victorian fashion brand for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Aside from thermals? My black Neuw jeans and my Lucinda Babi x R. Sport tee. My Tibi joggers have also been getting a thrashing for over a year now too.

What's your favourite non-fashion hidden gem to visit in Melbourne?

Austro Bakery in North Melbourne. They do the most delicious baked goods with an Austrian influence. The coffee scroll is outrageous.

What's something most people wouldn't know about you?

I’m a qualified makeup artist.

Dani wears Haulier

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OFF DUTY WITH BEDI OTHOW

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…

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)**

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.

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INSIDE OUR FIRST NATIONS PATHWAYS PROGRAMME

For the third year in a row, leading property and design firms, Architectus, MPA and Slattery, have come together as a consortium to fund our First Nations…

11 July 2024 | Words by PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival

For the third year in a row, leading property and design firms, Architectus, MPA and Slattery, have come together as a consortium to fund our First Nations Pathways Programme in collaboration with Mob in Fashion, supporting First Nations talent in the fashion industry.

The First Nations Pathways Programme equips First Nations creatives and event professionals with learning and training placements, networking and relationship-building opportunities, and pathways to paid work and scholarships at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, in collaboration with Mob in Fashion.

In 2024, with the Consortium’s funding support, the Festival expanded the breadth of roles offered by the Programme, and First Nations talent were employed in the following paid positions - media pit photographer, Kyle Archie Knight; behind the scenes photographer, Joshua Howlett; makeup artist, Kahealea Coleman-Wilson; assistant stylists, Grace Evans Craig and Renee Henderson; and front of house, Tarriaki Lee Duncan.

The Festival worked closely with Mob in Fashion, a First Nations owned and led creative agency and programme, on the development and execution of the Programme, as well as sourcing the talent.

Mob in Fashion and the First Nations Pathway Programme also played an important role in the delivery of one of our most exciting Premium Runways, the Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway x Fujitsu. The designer talent lineup for the runway included artists  Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Jasmine Craciun, Lychee Alkira, Yapa Mali; local Naarm designer Corin Corcoran; resort and swimwear labels  GALI and  Kirrikin; and sustainable jewellery makers Solid Ochre and Wagan Metals.

“Mob In Fashion sincerely values the ongoing support from the Consortium of the First Nations Pathways Programme. Our goal is to offer meaningful industry-level opportunities that will significantly benefit individuals participating in the program. This support directly influences our community members and profoundly impacts the lives and careers of the creatives engaged with the Festival.” - Nathan McGuire, Founder of Mob in Fashion.

“It’s our honor to support and uplift First Nations talent and voices throughout the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, and specifically the First Nations Pathways Programme, alongside Mob in Fashion and the Consortium. We acknowledge, embrace and celebrate the extraordinary First Nations creativity and talent in the Australian fashion industry and are proud to play a part in supporting and facilitating their growth.” - Caroline RalphSmith, CEO of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival

*The designer talent lineup backstage at Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway x Fujitsu*

The Consortium’s ongoing involvement in the Festival and continued support of the First Nations Pathways Programme is testament to their shared commitment to reconciliation and to the development, recognition and celebration of First Nations talent in the design and creative industries.  Each firm in the Consortium is committed to Reconciliation Action Plans, with Architectus and Slattery achieving Innovate status and MPA achieving Reflect status.  

“It’s wonderful to be able to play a part in recognising First Nations design professionals and the creatives working behind the scenes to deliver a major event which seamlessly merges the worlds of art, fashion, design, and culture.” - Ruth Wilson, Architectus, Principal Clients and Communications

“As a practice we recognise that meaningful change can occur through genuine engagement with people, their work, and their passions.” - Sarah Slattery, Slattery Managing Director

“The 2024 PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival marks our third year partnering with Architectus and Slattery, awarding bursaries for First Nations creatives and their participation in the event. This solidifies our commitment to the ongoing development of the First Nations Pathways Programme, and the continuation of our support of opportunities for emerging Indigenous creative talent.” - MPA Client Relations Director,  Sarah Hogan 

This year, the Consortium’s support also expanded to fund the Festival’s Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at the entrance to the Fashion Forecourt supported by City of Melbourne, as well as the inclusion of First Nations entertainers, including 2Joocee, DJ Pgz and sovblkpssy, at the Fashion Forecourt’s live stage.

MEET ONE OF THE PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS

Hello, World!

As part of the 2024 Festival, Wiradjuri woman Grace Evans-Craig was an Assistant Stylist at the Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway x Fujitsu.

1. Describe your role working with Mob in Fashion at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2024.

I was the Assistant Stylist at the Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway x Fujitsu. Fortunately, I got to work around most of the major aspects of the show, from beginning to end. This included castings, fittings, lots of emails and lists! I was lucky to work alongside Mob in Fashion’s incredible team and designers, it was an amazing experience.

2. What new experiences or skills did you gain from working with Mob in Fashion at the Festival?

As the Assistant Stylist for the Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway, I definitely gained new experiences and skills. For example, learning how to communicate with industry professionals and forming leadership skills under the guidance of Mob in Fashion Founder, Nathan McGuire, and Creative Directors, Rhys Ripper and Garth Ernstzen.

3. What was your favourite moment at the Festival?

There’s a photo of Rhys, Garth, Alice and me backstage watching the runway run-through and it captured such a great moment. The models gave it everything and it brought it all to life. We all couldn’t stop cheering and smiling - it was awesome.

4. How has your experience working with Mob in Fashion at the Festival supported your career ambitions?

It’s given me a lot of confidence in my skills that I can apply as I continue my journey. Knowing I have the support of Mob in Fashion is really comforting.

5. What advice do you have for other First Nations talent starting out in the fashion industry?

My advice is to just go for it. If it’s something you want to do or even try – just make it happen. There are so many incredible people and organisations, like Mob in Fashion, who will support you, so all you need to do is take the first step.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT EMERGING MOB IN FASHION RUNWAY x FUJITSU

PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Architectus, MPA and Slattery recognise the First Nations People of Australia and celebrate their continuing cultural practice and Connection to Country. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respect to Elders past and present. 

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MELBOURNE MUSEUM HOSTS INDIGENOUS FASHION EXHIBITION

From Paris, Taipei to Rockhampton and now Melbourne, the international fashion phenomenon, Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion exhibition…

30 May 2024 | Words by PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival

*Photo credit: Bronwyn Kidd and Virginia Dowzer*

Piinpi Contemporary Indigenous Fashion

When: Tuesday 28 May - Sunday 17 November

Where: Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC

BUY TICKETS

The travelling exhibition has now made its way to Melbourne!

From Paris, Taipei to Rockhampton and now Melbourne, the international fashion phenomenon, Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion exhibition is now here. Museums Victoria, our official Festival partner, shines a light on Indigenous art, history and culture through contemporary fashion and design. The exhibition brings together a selection of garments and textiles by First Nations designers and artists from around Australia. Featuring the work of Indigenous artists and designers from the inner city to remote desert art centres, Piinpi highlights the strength and diversity of the rapidly expanding Indigenous fashion and textile industry.

‘Piinpi’ is an expression that Kanichi Thampanyu (First Nations people from the East Cape York Peninsula) use to describe changes in the landscape across time and space. For many First Nations people across Australia, knowledge of the land and seasons is culturally important. While the number of seasons can vary across many First Nations groups, the exhibition is themed around four widely recognised seasons.

Exhibition organised by Bendigo Art Gallery

INSIDE THE COLLECTION

CREDITS

Image 1: Maicie Lalara, Pink dress 2018. Plant dyes, recycled sari silk. Courtesy of the artist and Anindilyakwa Arts. Photographer: Anna Reynolds

Image 2: Legacy Dress by Peggy Griffiths, Delany Griffiths, Anita Churchill, Cathy Ward and Kelly-Anne Drill

Image 3 : Rosabella Ryder, Take me dancing! skirt and top 2019. Silk, wool, cotton. Model: Lekita Malbunka. © Maurice Petrick, Cornelius Ebatarinja, Quincy Stevens, Dennis Brown, Desart and Yarrenyty Arltere

Image 4: Shannon Brett, Femme gem, top, pants and bag, 2020

Image 5: Grace Rosendale (artist), Joash Teo (garment design and construction) , Seedpods dress 2019. Silk organza, elastic, sequinned fabric. Courtesy of the artist, Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre and Queensland University of Technology. Model: Magnolia Maymuru. Photo: Bronwyn Kidd and Virginia Dowzer

Image 6: Grace Rosendale, Seedpods Top and Pant 2019. Linen. Courtesy of the artist Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre and Queensland University of Technology. Model Magnolia Maymuru. Photo: Bronwyn Kidd and Virginia Dowzer

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MEET OUR 2024 NATIONAL DESIGNER AWARD FINALISTS

For its 28th year, the National Designer Award presented by David Jones celebrated the creativity and excellence of Australian fashion designers in their…

23 May 2024 | Words by PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival

For its 28th year, the National Designer Award presented by David Jones celebrated the creativity and excellence of Australian fashion designers in their first five years of business.

Past winners include some of the biggest names in Australian fashion such as Christopher Esber, Dion Lee, Romance Was Born, Alémais, P.E. Nation, Toni Maticevski and Strateas Carlucci. As Australia’s most established and prestigious fashion award program, the National Designer Award highlights the future of Australian fashion, providing finalists with opportunities for mentorship, networking and critical industry exposure.

Finalists and one winner were chosen by a panel of esteemed industry judges and the winner was the designer who best demonstrated vision and cohesion in creativity and design; adherence to high quality manufacturing standards; high attention to detail; strong business acumen; and a genuine commitment to to addressing environmental and social impact. 

In recognition of the industry's pressing need for positive change, one deserving finalist was awarded with the Honourable Mention for Sustainability in acknowledgement of their dedication to sustainability, clear in both their product and overall business ethos.  In addition, a People’s Choice Award also allowed fashion enthusiasts and consumers to get involved by submitting an online vote for their favourite finalist.

Special thanks to our esteemed judges PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO, Caroline Ralphsmith; David Jones General Manager of Womenswear, Bridget Veals; David Jones General Manager of Menswear, Chris Wilson; Style Editor of Sydney Morning Herald & The Age, Damien Woolnough; Ngali Founder & Designer, Deni Fransisco; Alemais Founder & Designer, Lesleigh Jermanus; and Sustainable Fashion Expert, Lucianne Tonti.

See below for an insight into our 2024 winners and finalists.

HAULIER: WINNER OF NATIONAL DESIGNER AWARD

Jeremy Hershan, founder of HAULIER

HAULIER goods are designed to live a full life and will be all the better for their experiences. Established in Sydney in 2020 and crafted in Europe to the highest standards from materials of superior quality, HAULIER makes timeless goods that endure. Its founder, Jeremy Hershan, draws on a career designing for the world’s top luxury and legacy brands. He takes cues from the glory days of travel, his dual Australian and European heritage and the lasting fashions of the past to create contemporary heirlooms using traditional manufacturing techniques.

IORDANES SPYRIDON GOGOS: WINNER OF HONOURABLE MENTION OF SUSTAINABILITY

Jordan Gogos, founder of Iordanes Spyridon Gogos

Iordanes Spyridon Gogos is a circular brand - continually striving to produce sustainable outcomes in their design processes. The brand currently has a ‘zero’ waste process of reusing wastage through compression techniques, investing in specialised machinery that furthers their commitment to sustainable processes.

CLEA: WINNER OF PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Natasha Gordon, founder of CLEA

Founded in 2021, by designer Natasha Gordon, Clea is a premium womenswear label, distinguished by an appreciation for exceptional quality, cut and finish. Designed to be cherished, classic silhouettes and wardrobe staples are reimagined with a modern approach. Embracing an aesthetic which proposes a fresh balance of opposing elements – masculine and feminine, textural and clean, strength and softness, intricate and minimal. With meticulous attention to detail and carefully considered creation, each garment is designed with enduring elements and longevity at its core.

ALIX HIGGINS

Alix Higgins, founder of Alix Higgins

Alix Higgins is a fashion designer from Sydney. After studying in Paris and working with Marine Serre, Alix returned to his hometown to start his label in 2021. The brand focuses on imbuing everyday pieces with magic, poetry, a love letter to the internet, and to a future commerciality. The brand is produced in Sydney, Australia, and stocked in independent boutiques worldwide. Alix Higgins was awarded ‘Emerging Designer of the Year’ 2023 by the Australian Fashion Laureate, and is also a proud member of the Australian Fashion Council's Fashion Trademark, a group of brands producing in Australia with shared values.

IKUNTJI ARTISTS

We are Ikuntji Artists, a not-for-profit, Aboriginal art centre. We are based in the remote Aboriginal community of Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff) in the Northern Territory with a total population of 150 people.

The art centre was established in 1992 as the first Indigenous art centre in the Western Desert by women and for women. Printmaking has been a part of our history, starting with screen-printing t-shirts. The return to our roots in the past six years has been crucial to the strength of the development. Our art centre is about the intergenerational transfer of knowledge from our elders to our emerging artists. It is an inclusive space, in which experimentation and innovation within our own knowledge systems are fostered. Art-making is a meaningful way to create income and employment as it is based on culture, knowledge and skills. Our art centre creates employment and career opportunities for all of its 45 members.

Ikuntji designs have become a trademark of innovation and sustainability. Our textiles inspire makers around the world to be innovative and create bespoke wearable art.

THDR

Timothy Aquino, founder of THDR

THEODORE is an Australian menswear brand that utilises artificial intelligence and emerging technology to redefine the fashion landscape. Our mission is to revolutionise consumer interactions with fashion by utilising a personalised made-to-measure model that transcends standardised sizing and increases sustainability.

At the heart of our revolution is the Pocket Tailor App, integrating AI to ensure the perfect fit, complemented by 'WaveWear' NFC tags that bridge the physical and digital realms. THEODORE has disrupted & redefined luxury designer menswear in Australia inviting you to explore a new era where technology meets timeless style in every tailored piece.

Madison Brown 4/30/24 Madison Brown 4/30/24

OUR FAVOURITE LOOKS FROM FAMILY RUNWAY PRESENTED BY KMART

Returning for their second year at the Royal Exhibition Building, Family Day presented by Kmart can be described in one word…

29 April 2024 | Words by PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival

Returning for their second year at the Royal Exhibition Building, Family Day presented by Kmart can be described in one word: joyous.

With interactive activations, activities and a runway, Kmart created a memorable day for all. On Saturday 9 March, guests were invited to have their picture taken on the media wall and walk the funway ahead of the main show, which included flash dances in the middle of the runway and not to mention, everyone went home with a goody bag. The Family Runway presented by Kmart had everyone up on their feet as a brass marching band emerged from the audience and dancers of all ages caused a wave of smiles and excitement - to put it simply, it was a party.

The runway showed some of the latest styles and trends fit for the whole family. Whether you are looking for the latest viral product on TikTok, a new activewear look for brunch, working in the office or looking for your next go-to outfit, Kmart has got you covered. The runway included a line up of Buy Now, Wear Now items alongside a sneak peek of never-seen-before pieces developed locally by Kmart’s in-house design, product and buying teams.

WOMENSWEAR

Kmart featured some of the latest trends combined with classic, timeless pieces. From feminine, soft suiting, denim staples and a-line cut dresses to sheer edgy tops, cropped leather bomber jackets and colourful activewear, Kmart is your style catalyst.

LOW AND MID-RISE
Kmart’s womenswear showed that low-rise waist-bands are here to stay, as models were seen sporting pleated skirts and fitted trousers - perfect for dressing up or down.

EVERYDAY DENIM
Everyone loves good-quality denim pieces and Kmart is no exception to the rule, providing options of denim dresses, matching skirt and jacket sets as well as the perfect denim coat…and lets not forget, the trench which went viral on TikTok immediately after the show.

MENSWEAR

Menswear strutted elevated styles that are transeasonal blending comfort with everyday layering essentials that can be dressed up or down for any occassion. As the models walked with confidence and beaming smiles, they proved that Kmart’s runway is about friendship and uplifting one another.

THE EVERYDAY JACKET
Kmart showed an array of jacket and coat options for menswear for cooler days. From fleece to linen, there are many offerings for all kinds of occasions and personal style.

SPORTSWEAR FOR EVERYDAY
We saw a wide range of courtside inspired gear that can be worn on a casual day or for hitting the gym. As the dancers made their way down the runway, Kmart proves that you can look cool and be comfortable while exercising.

KIDSWEAR

The runway would not be complete without the cutest kidswear collection yet! These rising stars commanded the runway as they rocked all the colours of the rainbow with a stellar attitude. The girls delivered preppy 90s style while the boys rocked relaxed, sporty silhouettes.

Shop Kmart’s collection now.

DISCOVER MORE KMART LOOKS

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HAULIER TAKES HOME THE 2024 NATIONAL DESIGNER AWARD PRESENTED BY DAVID JONES

The National Designer Awards (NDA) is an annual and highly coveted event held by leading Australian…

9 April 2024 | Words by PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival

We’re pleased to announce the winner of the National Designer Awards is Jeremy Hershan of HAULIER!

Introducing the National Designer Awards finalists for the 28th year: Alix Higgins, Ikuntji Artists and THDR by Timothy Aquino, Nastasha Gordon of Clea, Jordan Gogos of Iordanes Spyridon Gogos and finally Jeremy Hershan of HAULIER. As the winner, Jeremy’s prize included $130,000 in prize money and his brand HAULIER stocked at David Jones.

The National Designer Awards (NDA) is an annual and highly coveted event presented by leading Australian premium department store, David Jones. These awards are pivotal in developing and nurturing emerging Australian designers. Other honourable mentions went to Jordan Gogos of Ioardanes Spyrigdon Gogos for the brand’s sustainability efforts and Natasha Gordon won the People’s Choice award for brand, CLEA.

This year’s panel consisted of Caroline (Ralph) Ralphsmith, Chris Wilson and Lucianne Tonti who carefully selected the the best brands based off of a criterion including creative vision, quality of manufacturing, detail, business planning and sustainability concerns.

Past winners of the National Designer Awards are the likes of Dion Lee, Alèmais, Yeojin Bae, P.E Nation and STRATEAS.CARLUCCI. Now presenting the National Designer Award for the eighth consecutive year, David Jones is committed to providing a platform and supporting the next generation of Australian designer talent.

Winner: Jeremy Hershan of HAULIER

Looking for your next European holiday outfit? Well, look no further than HAULIER. Jeremy Hershan draws inspiration from travel stories and his dual citizenship between Australia and Europe. From utility tote bags, breathable shirting and gift cards shaped in the style of passports, you’ll feel like you’re on an endless holiday when wearing one of Jeremy’s designs. After beginning HAULIER in 2020 in Sydney, his brand has quickly gained traction for its unique and refined brand vision of timeless, elevated, everyday items.

Visit HAULIER here.

Jordan Gogos of IORDANES SPYRIDON GOGOS

Jordan Gogos takes staple items such as suiting, vests, trousers, dresses and more to then turn them into psychedelic, cutting edge design using a ‘zero’ waste policy at Iordanes Spyridon Gogos. Jordan was also featured at our Fashion Film Awards with Powerhouse X Jordan Gogos, directed by Sophie Georgiou, plus showcased his newest collection at Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne - the final show of our 2024 Premium Runway series.

Jordan was awarded a $10,000 cash prize and bespoke mentorship program led by David Jones for achieving the Honourable Mention for Sustainability. Ioardanes Spyridon Gogos is a vegan, Sydney designed and made brand focussed on using compression techniques to avoid waste in the production process.

Visit Iordanes Spyridon Gogos here.

Natasha Gordon of CLEA

With sleek but bold styles, it is no surprise that Natasha Gordon took home the People’s Choice award for CLEA’s - a premium and diverse womenswear collection. CLEA was founded in 2021 and is a Melbourne-based label known for creating contrast through a blend of unique design elements. CLEA displayed an array of refined details including appliques, blouson sleeves, soft fabrics and lustrous cuts, blending traditional masculine and feminine styles together to create a modern wardrobe.

Visit CLEA here.

Thank you to all our finalists, judges and David Jones for their ongoing support of this prestigious award that is the pinnacle of the festival’s Industry Development Programme, and was created to support and grow emerging local talent on a national and international stage.

Madison Brown 4/8/24 Madison Brown 4/8/24

CULTURE, SUSTAINABILITY, INNOVATION: A HIGHLIGHT OF INDEPENDENT RUNWAYS

PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival hosts a wide range of independent events, from workshops, to talks…

8 April 2024 | Words by PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival

The Festival is not only about celebrating Australia’s well-known and loved designers, but also creating space for the up and coming in the fashion industry.

We host a wide range of independent events, from workshops, to talks, exhibitions and runways every year. Earlier last month, a few runways caught our eye - the Global Indigenous Runway represented First Nations designers creating a visual performance, blending textiles and culture. The RMIT cohort held their runway ‘Revive and Thrive’, which combined elegance and sustainability, exploring the beauty of the natural world. Plus, we saw the LCI graduates put forward a contemporary and experimental design runway with new and exciting ideas, pushing the barriers of fashion.

GLOBAL INDIGENOUS RUNWAY

Global Indigenous Runway, hosted at the Melbourne Museum, presented a show-stopping selection of First Nations artistry on the runway, telling the stories and leaving a lasting impact on the Melbourne community and beyond. The Global Indigenous Runway put forward the a powerful vision of cultural and contemporary design. Featuring traditional print work, beautifully crafted accessories and weaving techniques, this runway was a visual feast celebrating histories and cultural traditions in a modern way.

REVIVE AND THRIVE RUNWAY

RMIT took a special interest in all things nature and sustainable, at their ‘Revive and Thrive’ runway. The combination of fashion while remaining environmentally conscious paves the way for a better future. This runway showed variations of cutting and blending materials together to fuse a carefully curated and conscious design. Painting a picture of what the fashion industry could look like, these students are fashion leaders and cleaning up their eco-footprint as they go.

LCI MELBOURNE

LCI Melbourne’s Fashion and Costume Design Graduates are one of a kind and the runway show was a sight to behold. With unique and cutting edge ideas, LCI pushed the boundaries of fashion and showed that they know what cool is. Using texture, shape, and colour to achieve a non-conformist policy, the designs serve as a form of Pinterest board inspiration, but also a sneak peek into the styles of tomorrow.

Madison Brown 4/4/24 Madison Brown 4/4/24

DESIGNERS AND THEIR HOMES

On Friday 8 March, attendees gathered in the intimate setting of the Johnston Collection house in East Melbourne, to hear Dr Peter McNeil deliver an informed, animated and enlightening talk about the intersection…

3 April 2024 | Words by India Curtain

Our homes are our prisons; one finds liberty in their decoration. - Coco Chanel

On Friday 8 March, attendees gathered in the intimate setting of the Johnston Collection house in East Melbourne to hear Dr Peter McNeil delivered an informed, animated and enlightening talk about the intersection of fashion designers and interior design through the ages.

Dr Peter McNiel is an award-winning historian, known for his work surrounding the culture and history of fashion. He was a Professor of Fashion Studies at the Stockholm University, and is currently a Professor of Design History at the University of Technology in Sydney. His research for PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is a result of his travels throughout Europe and America, discovering museums and installations that told the story of how fashion designers lived.

With humour, flair and contagious excitement about the subject, Dr McNeil explored the concept of the “house of” iconic designers throughout the ages. Peter took the audience through the homes of iconic names such as Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga and Schiaparelli, exploring the strong relationship between fashion designers, artists and interior designers.

Dr McNiel explained that fashion is a form of mobile performance art, that activates space and interacts with furniture and people. In a similar way, interior decorating is a form of expression in a space where one lives and hosts. Ways of living throughout the ages influenced fashion trends, such as the war-time and hostess eras and the luxe glamour of the early 1900s. He explored the origins of interior decorating as a profession in the 1930’s, which began as a female-dominated field occupied by well-off women.

He showcased the work of Lucile, one of the first designers to showcase clothing in a runway-style setting, as well as the Callot sisters, who are one of the first examples of combining interiors and fashion with draping techniques and languid living styles.

“We could spend a couple of days on Chanel,” said Dr McNiel, noting that he’d love to spend a (possibly painful) dinner with the designer. Chanel’s eye for luxury in material and form is evident in her designs as well as her way of living, alongside noting her lucky number 5 being reflected in the interiors. The historian displayed to the the audience a heavy catholic and French influences in her personal and salon spaces, and a platformed bed and Spanish Baroc style in her Monaco holiday home.

Peter explored the ways in which fashion icons and creatives decorate their home with luxurious, antique details. He drew connections between them, noting the charming nature of deers as a recurring theme, alongside oriental influences and earthen tones.

Dr Peter McNiel hosts an array of talks surrounding the history of fashion, including the evolving nature of male fashion, the queer influence of interior design and decoration, Jewish fashion stories and more.

The Johnston Collection is a museum, gifted by art dealer and property developer Sir William Robert Johnston to the people of Victoria. In his lifetime, he curated a collection of English Georgian, Regency, and Louis XV fine and decorative arts, and objet d’art, which can be experienced in a domestic setting as part of a guided tour.

Madison Brown 4/3/24 Madison Brown 4/3/24

THE FABULOUS DESIGNERS OF GLAM UP RUNWAY

The Royal Exhibition Building was awash in red light at the Glam Up Runway, with anticipation high to see the artistry of Australia’s leading bridal and eveningwear brands…

26 March 2024 | Words by Grace Biber

Glam Up Runway supported by Network 10 & QMS

The Royal Exhibition Building was awash in red light at the Glam Up Runway, with anticipation high to see the artistry of Australia’s leading bridal and eveningwear brands. The runway began with a piano ballad and a large screen showing a fizzling static box television, as if to show a portal into another time.

PAOLO SEBASTIAN stayed true to their bridal roots with the shapes and patterns of trains and sashes but showed their first pieces in all-black, perhaps paying homage to Melbourne fashion stereotypes. He closed with four white bridal looks that differed in drama, featuring wide puffy sleeves held above a trailing cape and voluminous ivory skirts that were held bunched above the ankles.

MARIAM SEDDIQ explored how fabric interacts with our bodies, showing skintight looks with bolts of fabric falling from the shoulders or hips. Uber-cool evening glam was represented by matte fabrics in all-black, each dress showing slight bits of skin while using cut-outs to add elements of sensuality. Following these were a group of regal white bridal dresses that defied the notion of what a sleeve is. Whether swooping behind the arms or gathering by the sides, the absence of colour was a reminder that it is the quality of the garment that is most important.

ALK BY LE’KAL BY ALIN LE’KAL contrasted dramatic silhouettes and capes with sparkly mini dresses inspired by bridal elements. A skirt of feathers and beaded ivory bodices characterised the minis, while tulle swept across the runway in bright pastels. Melbourne-black was spotted through the collection in mermaid dresses that poured into wide flares with Lady Julia Morris stealing the show in a tulle coat and close-fitting black dress. Outwear featured prominently, the collection closed with a large purple cape that floated across the runway.

ASIYAM used excess fabric belted around the waist or cinched at the shoulders to perform billowing silhouettes. One of Australia’s finest modest fashion labels, the collection comprised mostly of understated neutrals that were reminiscent of nature—even a fluorescent pink that could have been an orchid. Silken fabric rustled amongst the models walks, falling gently away from the body to provide both modesty and glamour. Paying homage to Islamic fashion of abayat and chadors while adding her own spin, Asiyam cemented modesty as a mainstay of Australian fashion.

CAPPELLAZZO COUTURE provided drama in juxtaposing black and whites, showing traditional bridal gowns with fitted bodices and pronounced waists and minidresses incorporating bedazzled fabric with a party-like edge. Each garment was comprised of multiple fabrics, the most noticeable being a structured organza to create sharp, defined shapes within sleeves or skirts. Both small and large bows speckled the collection, either grouped at the waist or tied under the chest.

JASON GRECH ignored Melbourne’s love for black-clad glamour and showed dresses in a cascading spectrum of light purple to burnt orange and an array of soft greens. While the bodies and tops were beautiful, Grech’s prowess as a designer shone through in his skirts. Whether it was a tulle dress swaying in the wind, or a leg extending from a high slit, the diversity of what comprises glamour was well represented. Playing with how different fabrics in a single dress create a visual feast, the collection was marked by its dedication to representing how femininity comes in different forms—with ginormous bows as well, of course.

PAUL MCCANN X JANE HILL BRIDAL defied the notion of a traditional bridal dress. Within the gowns, Indigenous designs appeared on the ruffles and hems, until being absorbed by the whole garment in a regale of ombre black and white. Captivating with sparkles of glitter and dotted sheer fabrics, McCann’s collaboration with Jane Hill bridal explored the delicate line between a wedding and evening gown, choosing both and neither at the same time to forge a new identity.

As memorial and tribute to the late Count Shiva, the runway closed with a collection that paid homage to his famous love for capes and hats. Six dresses embodying elegance and vivacity swept down the runway in a touching showcase to the man who breathed so much life into the Festival.

Madison Brown 3/27/24 Madison Brown 3/27/24

RECREATE OUR MAKEUP LOOKS

If you loved the runway outfits, then let's take a peek at a some of the beauty looks that we think are just as special. As we wrap up our 2024 Festival, we've put together our favourite Premium Runways makeup styles created…

26 March 2024 | Words by PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival

If you loved the runway outfits, then let's take a peek at a some of the beauty looks that we think are just as special. As we wrap up our 2024 Festival, we've put together our favourite Premium Runways makeup styles created by Lancôme, our official beauty partner.

ROCK ERA

Punk rock is back, so don't be afraid to go all out. Juxtapose an edgy face with feminine outfit details, as seen on the Revelry Runway supported by ELLE.

SIMPLE & ELEGANT

A classic and chic look paired with a bold lip to complement your glamorous outfit, as seen on the Glam Up Runway supported by Network 10 & QMS.

STATEMENT EYE

Embrace your inner popstar and recreate an 80s-inspired vibe - keep on layering eyeshadow or blush for ultimate impact, as seen on the Emerging Mob in Fashion Runway x Fujistu.

UNCONVENTIONAL LIP

Futuristic look for the fashion of tomorrow - rock a metallic lip with not much else, so it does all the talking, as seen on the Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne supported by Nova.

GET THE LOOK

Now you can re-create these trends straight off the runway with some of Lancôme's best beauty products, recommended by the team.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Serum Concealer
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
Advanced Génifique

Madison Brown 3/25/24 Madison Brown 3/25/24

CREATIVE UPCYCLING TRENDS AT THE URBAN OASIS RUNWAY X FUJITSU

Upcycling was all the rage during the pandemic, back when we all had the time to crochet, bedazzle and…

12 March 2024 | Words by Evie Dinkelmeyer

Upcycling was all the rage during the pandemic, back when we all had the time to crochet, bedazzle and embroider the day away.

Years later, as hordes of Melburnians flock to the 2024 PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, 1.5 metre distance requirements a distant memory, those same creative fashion trends are still visible on our runways and in our streetwear looks.

Everybody wants sustainable fashion and upcycling your existing wardrobe is a great way to give your older clothes a new lease on life. Rip up your jeans, paint them, tie ribbons in your belt loops – there’s no wrong way to exercise fashion creativity.

Here are my favourite upcycling looks from Urban Oasis Runway x Fujitsu at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, for you to use as inspiration for your next crafty adventure.

CNN reported the rise of knitting and crocheting during 2020, where teens were finding iconic knitwear pieces by luxury brands like JW Anderson, and recreating and sharing the knitting patterns on TikTok. Harry Styles’ patchwork cardigan was trending in August of 2020 as fans rushed to craft themselves a budget version of his wardrobe. My personal favourite look from the night was Iltja Ntjarra’s ‘Always was, always will be’ knitted balaclava. Another fantastic crocheted look was produced by Amber Days with a playful vest.

Ginny’s Girl Gang made its name upcycling denim jackets with First Nations empowered slogans like ‘On stolen land’ and ‘Always was’. This collection paid homage to that original style, and takes it up a notch with bedazzled symbols and sewn on feathers. Jewels and denim have been having their moment in Australia following Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, where many swifties handmade their costumes from scratch – using lots of sparkles and DIY tools.

JAM the Label shows us an effortless accessory detail with this ribbon tie up necklace. Ribbons and bows as part of the coquette trend have been circling fashion events since late 2023 – a phenomenon that is simple to join in on and playful to wear.

Another avenue for upcycling your existing wardrobe comes from wearing an item differently from how it was intended to be worn. Wear your long sleeve t-shirt as an off the shoulder singlet, or drape your knitted sweater over your shoulder – anything is possible. Take some inspiration from this Iordanes Spyridon Gogos x Akira collection, where pieces are uniquely draping and tying up across the body, or this Best Jumpers look sporting two sweaters on one model.

Iron or sew on patches are a simple and effective avenue for upcycling, with the most minimal chance of messing it up and ruining your original item, for example see the hat featured above by Best Jumpers.

If you’re not creatively inclined but you still want to join in on the fun, upcycling of the highest quality can be found when you Shop the Runway.

Madison Brown 3/25/24 Madison Brown 3/25/24

A TURBO DREAM

As the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival draws to a close, the phrase ‘last, but not least’ comes to mind. Every designer at the Block Party Runway knew the stakes of showcasing in the festival’s final event…

18 March 2024 | Words by India Curtain

Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne celebrates PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s final night

As the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival draws to a close, the phrase ‘last, but not least’ comes to mind. Every designer at the Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne knew the stakes of showcasing in the Festival’s final event, and delivered a powerful hour of fresh and edgy outfits that had the crowd up on their feet and dancing by the end.

PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s big Saturday night saw guests donning their best pieces in the Fashion Forecourt supported by City of Melbourne, the Melbourne heat influenced bold streetwear, lace pieces and summer styles. As the sun set, a buzz surrounded the Royal Exhibition Building, attendees gathering to see a collection of local and emerging brands each with their own unique personalities. There’s a word to sum up Block Party, and that’s attitude. Every featured designer, with the aid of stunning techno-visuals and music by Lord Fascinator, created an unforgettable night that turned the runway into a dance-floor.

Stylist and designer Kirsty Barros has a bold approach to creating an outfit, known for her use of layering and dimension. She outdid herself in this show, calling it a “turbo dream” with combinations that push boundaries. For example, Gary Bigeni’s colour pops with Dinosaur Designs jewellery and Adidas gazelles, or the composition of Homie’s Naarm street-style outfits. The casting of models meant that the runway was spilling with moodiness and charisma, encapsulating attendees with every move.

“I was trying to recreate the feelings evoked when a street party breaks out,” Kirsty explains. “An increased heart rate, sweaty excitement, different personalities expressed through dance.”

Colour was a main theme behind Block Party, alongside intricate use of texture and layering. This is no new concept to Gary Bigeni, known for their vibrant pieces. Polka dots and smudges of colour in loose, flowing clothes were paired with silver handbags and fierce makeup looks. "Everyone knows Melbourne is the city of black and layering,” says Gary. "I wanted to create this vibe, but with colour, so it shows my personal style.”

Designer Youkhana’s signature is their delicately hand-woven pieces, braided into a collection that was introduced by a trio of denim sets, and followed by flowing gowns. Delivered with unmatchable flair, Youkhana’s textural pieces swept the runway, paired with lacquered and iridescent platform footwear. The brand’s craftsmanship is inspiring, oozing time and attention to detail.

THE STREETWEAR TAKEOVER

Both in the Fashion Forecourt and on the runway, Block Party was met with an impressive showcase of streetwear style.

R.Sport, a brand intersecting streetwear and sportswear, graced the runway with their bold sportswear collection and funky accessories, showcasing as a 3/4 length skirt and vest, platform crocs, track-style sunglasses and sports bags. They’ve used this runway to “think outside the box” compared to their core collection. A 90s style was channelled with tennis looks, and an energetic dance break involving a handheld stereo.

“There is such a cross over these days between sportswear, streetwear and high end fashion,” says R.Sport co-owners Anthony and Jasper. “We designed with all this in mind and want to unveil a collection that taps into all three of those areas.”

One standout piece was R.Sport’s signature soccer jersey, with the pink, feminine style of Lucinda Babi in a designer collaboration for the show. Her looks consisted of decadent layers, Victorian details, florals, and striking screen-print patterns. Her intricate lace numbers were a highlight, paired with jewels and delicate footwear.

FASHION FOR THE FUTURE

Various brands that walked Saturday’s runway have cast their eyes toward the future to create original and sustainable pieces, understanding that fashion is no longer just about the clothing. Naarm-based brand The Injury incorporates digital clothing simulation and mixed media in their brand storytelling.

The Injury’s Dan and Eugene explain how their brand bridges the physical world, connecting their material pieces with representations of CG films, music and digital art. “[We] fuse high-end fashion with virtual world possibilities to create its own special aesthetics that connect and and happen in the real world,” they said.

Their pieces were gothic and rugged, with powerful ensembles layered with chains, belts, biker boots and distressed details.

After 8 years and two babies, designer Nixi Killick was excited to showcase the advancement of her brand to a Melbourne audience once again. Growing up in the circus with her artist parents, Nixi Killick’s brand is uplifted by "the momentum and culture of radical positivity.” She leverages technology to not only create a collection of prints made from her own paintings, but to form an interactive experience within each piece. “Garments have augmented reality activated targets within the textiles prints,” she explains, “that activate on your smartphone and exhibit animated experiences that play directly off the garment.”

Her pieces were hypnotising, with esoteric, butterfly patterns signifying her design presence. Tribal drums and infrared visuals transported the audience to a faraway dance festival, with bright prints, colour and shapes.

THE INFLUENCE

It’s interesting to explore the differing themes that inspire each collection at Block Party. Iconic Melbourne-owned brand and social enterprise, Homie, supports young people affected by adversity and homelessness. They also feature an up-cycling range named REBORN, bringing dead-stock back to life and reducing waste. This Fitzroy-based name earned a cheer from the audience straight off the bat with a tech-y showcase of energy and presence, creating dimension with exposed stitching and blocks of bold colour. Either a stereo or a Bugskin tote bag in hand, the accessories tied together each look.

Lucinda Babi’s runway collection embodies the connection we have with the idea of home. Lucinda says that the pieces drew upon themes of comfort, opulence and nostalgia, mixing “girly elements,” subtle sportswear and strong silhouettes taken from the shape of furnishings themselves.

For Gotham, Block Party was an opportunity to explore elemental forces in their designs. They took inspiration from the sea and fishing, as well as the human interactions surrounding terraforming and mining. Their showcase was atmospheric and impactful, with layered pieces in earthy tones and a signature frilled addition.

SETTING AN ETHICAL EXAMPLE

The Block Party pieces come from a considered design process, with many of the brands adopting a ‘made to order’ approach. INJURY has managed to cut down 80% of carbon emissions during the sampling process with this approach, alongside the use of digital clothing simulation. Lucinda Babi and Gotham’s Gautam Kapoor create each and every garment themselves, in a shared Collingwood Studio.

RUNWAY SHOW OR DANCE PARTY?

The Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne was closed with a surprising, yet psychedelic performance from Lord Fascinator that saw the models take their final walk of the week. Their poise, energy and fluidity left attendees with wide eyes, but recovered quickly when invited to take the stage themselves. A dance party on the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival runway ensued, ending the night with music, laughs and great moves.

Madison Brown 3/18/24 Madison Brown 3/18/24

SUIT UP RUNWAY WRAP UP

The Suit Up Runway is never a disappointment. Showcasing both classic and innovative designers, the runway shows where the suit has come from, where it is and where it’s going…

12 March 2024 | Words by Hannah Schmidt-Rees

The Suit Up Runway is never a disappointment. Showcasing both classic and innovative designers, the runway shows where the suit has come from, where it is and where it’s going. Whether you're looking to add one-of-a-kind pieces or reinvent your current wardrobe with a versatile addition, this is the best place to look. This is the forefront of Australia's suiting.

REIGNER

Reigner brings a striking edge to the runway. With brightly coloured suits, ranging from muted pastels to bright primaries, each piece is designed to be dressed up, dressed down, integrated with a current wardrobe or left to shine on its own.

Emboldened with intricate embroidery and crystal details, Reigner's suits are for the pursuit of pleasure, creating comfort outside of your comfort zone. Visual inspirations are limitless; baroque and rococo motifs mix pastel pinks and rich golds, contrast stitching imbues western styles with a minimalist twist and bold colours intertwine to reflect the natural landscape of the Californian desert. The breadth of designer James Noble's inspirations creates a collection that can easily be tailored to each individual's personal style, keeping its bright brand identity while creating pieces that are mean to be worn by anyone, at any time, anywhere.

Oversized collars and high waisted trousers with a subtle flare evoke an understated 70s feeling, structured shoulders and slim waists referencing the mixing between masculine and feminine features. Using fabric from Australian mills or dead stock from luxury brands, each Reigner piece ensures longevity and quality, supporting local industries and preventing the unnecessary waste of unused fabrics.

SILK LAUNDRY

Silk Laundry brings an intimate connection between the garment and the wearer. Charmeuse silk in striking colours; muted lime and rich navy; use their oversized silhouettes to effortlessly drape off the wearer and create art in motion. Combining silk's natural shine with bold tones creates a garment that speaks for itself, each inch lavishing in light and movement. Silk pieces can be styled together, layered together or worn separately, worn in rotation and designed for all seasons and to last.

Designer Katie Kolodinski reinvents the suiting norm, blending relaxed silhouettes with innovative takes on shirting. Worn backwards or off the shoulder, each piece can be tailored to each occasion, complimenting established wardrobes or inspiring innovation. For the times to be bold, subtle, classic, experimental and everything in between.

For a more structured look, crisp cotton is softened with a black and white daisy print, adding texture and intrigue to a classic matching waistcoat and trouser set.

TOMBA

Tomba has the classic style covered. Taking inspiration from traditional Italian style, Tomba has a light hearted perspective on suiting. Combining casual and black tie, soft knitwear wraps around bow-tied shirting, layering textures and providing adaptability for any occasion.

Nautical inspired t-shirt provide the foundation, hiding underneath relaxed blazers and matching trench coats for an added utilitarian feel. Navy velvet blazer paired with a subtle plaid trouser creates a rich yet subtle take on the monochromatic trend, creating ways to add versatility to your wardrobe, without compromising on visual intrigue.

Tomba's suit are versatile, to be loved, enjoyed and worn to death. Features that typically belong to formal looks are integrated with casual features, perfect for a capsule wardrobe. Each piece is made to measure and tailored excellently, designed to adapt to you and whatever you do.

CHRIS RAN LIN

Chris Ran Lin provides a highly experimental take on knitwear. Reinventing wool and traditional techniques, Chris Ran Lin pushes the possible to the impossible, renewing traditional techniques and pushing them to their limits.

Honeycomb motifs emboldened in black and bright colour schemes bring a streetwear edge to traditional menswear. Utilising both subtle and bright colour palettes, ranging from grey, blue and black to a clash of black and neon green.

In other looks, precise details are exaggerated. Contrast stitching is blown up, turning into a statement rather than an unseen characteristic. Used to connect pieces of the garment, the untied strings invoke movement, deconstructing the outfit and putting a focus on the technique and construction. Plush knitwear is paired with sleek yet striking puffer garments and accessories, adding visual intrigue and technical expertise, further adding to the streetwear influence.

Dressed up or down, Chris Ran Lin's garments are highly experimental and versatile, bringing a focus on texture and technique to your wardrobe.

PAR MOI

Designed and created in Melbourne by designer Ashiya Omundsen, Par Moi encapsulates sleek yet playful womenswear. Made to order from dead stock and surplus fabrics, no fabric is needlessly wasted and each garment is produced in limited quantities to create truly one of a kind pieces.

Traditional suiting fabrics are combined with playful feminine touches. A sleek a-line mini skirt is paired with a singlet adorned in 250 pink satin bows, all hand sewn to cover every inch of the garment. Not to forget the matching bag, with 150 bows of its own. Velvet polka dot viscose fabric are turned into flowing singlet dresses and matching sets, combining a sleek and minimalist feeling with whimsy, as the fabric sways with every step.

Dressed down with sleek accessories and minimal makeup, each garment holds it own weight, using either fabrication, silhouette, texture or colour to garner attention. It's understated yet clear, feminine yet powerful.

DOM BAGNATO

Celebrating 40 years at the Suit Up Runway, Dom Bagnato exudes distinction and sophistication. Dom Bagnato takes classic silhouettes and reinvents them with on-trend yet nostalgic materials.

Based on retrospection, each major suiting trend from the past four decades is featured in this collection. Keeping the traditional masculine silhouette, focused on structured shoulders and clean lines, muted velvets and marled knitwear add a soft and vintage influence. Malleable leather revitalises the typical structure of suiting, without compromising on visual strength. Crisp cotton is mixed with the warmth of pin wale corduroy, the perfect blend of classic and contemporary tailoring.

Layering the three piece suit with accessories and outwear, Dom Bagnato creates a cohesive story with every outfit, full of pieces that can be styled on their own or worn together, integrating into a sustainable and capsule wardrobe.

MJ BALE

As Australia's first carbon-neutral menswear brand, MJ Bale prides itself on it sustainability without compromising on quality and style. Utilising mills, tailoring expertise and wool farms from Italy, Japan and Australia, local expertise is supported throughout generations and traditional techniques are kept alive.

Light denim chambre suiting is perfect for the warm Australian climate, ensuring comfort without settling on design. Linen blazers are paired with wool blend trousers, creating adaptability and versatility in a capsule wardrobe. Bright sweaters and t-shirts are layered underneath muted blazers, providing opportunity to dress your suit towards your personal style.

Styled with Converse, each look is casual yet refined, perfect for those occasions that still require an edge of formality. MJ Bale creates garments with integrity, a simple integration into your current wardrobe with no compromises.

GODWIN CHARLI

Made to measure and created in Melbourne, Godwin Charli prides itself on only the best fabric and fit. Presenting both menswear and womenswear, each silhouette perfectly fits different physiques, eventuating and flattering from every angle.

Designed to be versatile from the 9 to 5 to the 5 to 9, each piece can be embellished with accessories or left to speak for itself. Double breasted suit dresses with sleek peak lapels brings a strong edginess to the collection, showcasing powerful feminine suiting. Light cotton blend sets are enveloped in plush wool blend trench coats, worn on the shoulders to give a subtle drape.

Slight pinstripe and plaid patterns, as well as textured linens attract the eye to look closer. Whilst Godwin Charli's designs are classic, their fabrications from high quality materials provide a contemporary twist. Wear it out, wear it to work and feel perfectly tailored anywhere, anytime.

So what are you waiting for? Suit up in the way that makes you feel most distinct. Shop the runway here.

Madison Brown 3/12/24 Madison Brown 3/12/24

TRENDS THAT HIT OUR REVELRY RUNWAY

The theme for the night's show was dressing up for an occasion – because your life’s greatest accomplishments has no doubt been paired with the urge to plot out…

25 March 2024 | Words by Evie Dinkelmeyer

The theme for the runway was dressing up for an occasion – because your life’s greatest accomplishments have no doubt been paired with the urge to plot out your perfect outfit. Hundreds of Melbournians packed into the Royal Exhibition Building to see Australia’s leading designers’ take on the celebratory dress code.

On the deliciously balmy evening of Friday 8 March, the celebration in question was that the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival was slowly coming to a close, with the Revelry Runway marking the second last night of runways.

Ready to wear collections were presented by Sass & Bide, Pfeiffer, Atoir, Hansen & Gretel, Husk, Maara Collective, Manning Cartell and Van der Kooij.

Milling around the Fashion Forecourt supported by City of Melbourne was a feast of unlimited free cookies (an unexpected perk of attending a show) and a feast of inspiration via the guest outfits… Charlene Davies donning a juicy orange Casey Quick design foreshadowed a colour theme for the night’s runway.

Inside the Royal Exhibition Building, our Australian brands manipulated traditional evening wear conventions, playing with structure and shape to create a parade of vibrant and playful collections.

Here are my trend takeaways from the runway.

A METALLIC POP

Both Husk and Manning Cartell played with metallic detailing. In this look, a gold clasp on the right shoulder acts as a cinching tool, drawing the eye to the collarbone as it catches the light.

TANGERINE ORANGE

Tangerine orange is a key colour seen across the collections. This juicy, bright hue can speak for itself – wear it intentionally. Its inverse on the colour wheel is sky blue, which was also used in Pfeiffer’s collection.

SASHES

A recurring motif from the show was the use of silk and other fabric sashes to accentuate the waist introducing a new colour into the palette. Sashes had their resurgence in 1920’s America as many designers attached them to dresses to highlight a curvy figure and create the drop waist effect.

TASSELS

You heard it here first, tassels are back. The 2010’s fashion cycle strikes again – we’ve seen ballet flats and chokers make their way back into the mainstream, and now it’s time for the western tassel. This look by Maara Collective uses tassels to accentuate the legs, and maintains the playful feel of the mini dress.

BOWS

It seems coquette isn’t going anywhere – these looks lean into feminine detailing. Longer ribbons/sashes were employed by Pfeiffer too, as they cascaded down from necklaces and skirt hems.

SUIT DETAILING IN FEMININE DRESSES

Twisting the classics; a modern take on the suit tailored look echoed throughout the collections, as mini dresses appeared with collars, cuffs and suit pockets.

DRAMATISED COLLARS, SLEEVES AND CUFFS

Maara collective, Husk and Pfeiffer all leaned into the 70’s wide and pointy collar for their shirts. Van der Kooij played arguably the most iconic trend in fashion history – the puff sleeve, which dates back to the renaissance. These dramatised details create form and shape for simple looks like mini dresses and shirts.

MFF 3/9/24 MFF 3/9/24

TRIUMPHANT X PAYPAL RUNWAY

The most anticipated fashion night of the year, the Triumphant x PayPal Runway was an opening night extravaganza and explosion of joy…

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RUNWAY ROUND-UP

The most anticipated fashion night of the year, the Triumphant x PayPal Runway supported by Harper’s Bazaar was an opening night extravaganza and explosion of joy! With none other than supermodel and Aussie icon, Elle Macpherson, returning to the runway after 15 years thanks to PayPal.  

The runway delivered a world-class showcase of contemporary style, refinement and fabulousness from Australia’s design trailblazers, international success stories and most-loved brands.

SHOP THE DESIGNERS

AJE
ANNA QUAN
BIANCA SPENDER
MARTIN GRANT
NGALI
OROTON
VIKTORIA & WOODS

SHOP HAIR & MAKEUP
HAIR BY L’OREAL
MAKEUP BY LANCOME

Buy what you love from the runway, pay later. PayPal Pay in 4 lets you split your purchase into 4 interest-free instalments with no late fees.

PRESENTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

PayPal Pay in 4 is provided by PayPal Credit Pty Limited (ACN 600 629 258) to Australian residents and is subject to eligibility criteria and credit application. Available on eligible transactions between AU$30 and $2,000. Use may impact a customer's credit score. Please see full terms and conditions for more details. To use PayPal Pay in 4, you may need to verify your account. You can confirm your identity, by logging in to your PayPal account.

MFF 3/9/24 MFF 3/9/24

BLOCK PARTY RUNWAY X VISIT MELBOURNE

You celebrated the finale of the Festival with the exciting Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne, supported by Nova, featuring established and up and coming designers doing bold, edgy and interesting…

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RUNWAY ROUND-UP

You celebrated the finale of the Festival with the exciting Block Party Runway x Visit Melbourne, supported by Nova, which featured established and up and coming designers doing bold, edgy and interesting things. We reveled in the spirit of Saturday night dressing in all its forms – the party was in full swing after the final walk!

SHOP THE DESIGNERS

GARY BIGINI
GOTHAM
HOMIE
INJURY
LUCINDA BABI
NIXI KILLICK
R. SPORT
YOUKHANA

SHOP HAIR & MAKEUP
HAIR BY L’OREAL
MAKEUP BY LANCOME

Buy what you love from the runway, pay later. PayPal Pay in 4 lets you split your purchase into 4 interest-free instalments with no late fees.

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PRESENTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

MFF 3/9/24 MFF 3/9/24

NATIONAL GRADUATE SHOWCASE X EMPORIUM MELBOURNE

Featured the top 10 graduate designers, hand-picked from Australia’s leading fashion design institutions. Rising to the top from a…

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RUNWAY ROUND-UP

The National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne supported by Fashion Journal featured the top 10 graduate designers, hand-picked from Australia’s leading fashion design institutions. Rising to the top from a nationwide selection process, all featured designers were selected by a highly esteemed industry judging panel. An exciting, whimsical and extraordinarily playful runway, these designers challenged fashion boundaries and inspire awe. Take in every wonderful detail, concept and creation, and remember the names of these exceptional designers as they embark on their very promising careers.

EXPLORE THE DESIGNERS

ABHA GUPTA
ALEXANDER ENTICKNAP
CUITING WU
JESSICA VIRK
KIT LOOI
LEANNE YANSIN CHOI
LINA YU
SAMUEL DE RAADT
WILLIAM TJONG
YUXI LIU

SHOP HAIR & MAKEUP
HAIR BY L’OREAL
MAKEUP BY LANCOME

PRESENTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

MFF 3/8/24 MFF 3/8/24

GLAM UP RUNWAY

The Glam Up Runway showcased joyful event dressing at its grandest. You experienced the breadth of Australian fashion's monumental silhouettes, heightened sophistication and outstanding…

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RUNWAY ROUND-UP

Glam Up Runway supported by Network 10 and QMS showcased joyful event dressing at its grandest. You experienced the breadth of Australian fashion's monumental silhouettes, heightened sophistication and outstanding intricacy. From custom-made to ready-to-wear, these gowns glittered and sparkled, swept and shimmed. A true strength of the Australian fashion industry, evening wear is only set to get bigger!

I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Co-Host Julia Morris walked the Glam Up runway for one night only.