‘Test the boundaries of your taste. Admire the beauty of this dark thunderstorm. Challenge your preconceptions, explore the edge and spectacle of what fashion can be. This show is for those who love the unconventional, the unexpected.’
– Fashfest Show notes
Hardy show-goers that we are, it only took a few more M&Ms and some frenzied activity on social media before we were ready for our second show of the evening. Make sure to catch up on our coverage of show one, ‘Reverie,’ here.
Melanie Child
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New Zealand designer, Melanie Child, focuses on sustainable fabric choices with an emphasis on upcycling. You may recall that we chatted to her about her sustainable business practice earlier in the week. Black and white tailored separates and dresses were elevated by pieces cleverly constructed from various shades of denim. The way in which Melanie used denim was unique and innovative; it appeared as panels, strips, and was quilted. A vest that appeared as a harness at the front, a skirts with an asymmetric hem and a dress with a cut out back were highlights, as was the closing look of a fitted bodice cascading into strips of denim.
Leiden Editor, Emma Batchelor, was lucky enough to wear one of her creations. See our outfit post for details.
Sketched during the show by Lexi Keelan
Rebel Muse presents MLM & Hansen & Gretel
Local fashion boutique, Rebel Muse, presented a selection of pieces from two labels in its stable, MLM and Hansen & Gretel.
MLM
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Like the Rebel Muse pieces shown in the first show, the vibe was feminine and summery. Shoulders were often bare and hemlines short in this presentation of pastel, single hued garments from MLM.
Hansen & Gretel
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Pieces were clean and simple, made up in a neutral colour palate. Details such as eyelets, and kimono like belts added interest to what was a sensual but not overtly sexual presentation. Models were styled with 90s style hair, with one look reminiscent of Emma Bunton’s Mickey Mouse buns.
Sketched during the show by Lexi Keelan
Red Corner Boxing
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The collection from Red Corner Boxing, a label which offers gender customized fits and innovative design, was certainly a fun collection thanks largely to the runway choreography. Models stormed the runway, pausing to pose and punch with the colourful gloves upon their hands. Points went to the second model out (she was wearing pink tights) who had by far the best walk of the evening, so much sass and personality. Gloves featured a whole range of prints from monochrome artsy patterns right through to the more bold, big cat face, pineapple, and flamingo prints.
Sketched during the show by Lexi Keelan
A’au Eleu
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Founded by two brothers, this label mixes contemporary streetwear with traditional motifs from the Pacific islands. Black and white pieces were elevated by hits of colour, print, and slogans. Worn on a diverse group of models, the clothes were highly wearable with some items exploring gender neutrality. Old favourites such as the bomber jacket and denim cut-offs were reinterpreted with particular success.
Sketched during the show by Lexi Keelan
University of Canberra @TAFE Queensland
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This group show featured the work of second year students studying a Bachelor of Applied Fashion in Queensland and explored sustainability and ethical practice in the fashion industry. Pieces were neutral in colour and featured draping, cut outs, and tailoring while also playing with proportion and texture. The closing look, an 80s style pink taffeta gown, was similar in look and feel to pieces from British designers such as Ashley Williams and Molly Goddard.
Sketched during the show by Lexi Keelan
Cameron & James
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Melbourne based label, Cameron & James, explored bold graphic prints on contemporary street wear silhouettes. Designer Cameron Dixon places an emphasis on ethical and sustainable practice, which you can read more about in our interview with him. Loose shorts and pants, athletic singlets, and tees all featured alongside more feminine pieces with peek a boo panels. Different prints were artfully matched together to create bold, graphic looks. The top half of models faces were painted red, accentuating the raw, urban, tribal feel of the collection.
Sketched during the show by Lexi Keelan
VFP
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All models gathered in a group at the top of the runway, peeling away one by one to reveal this highly conceptual collection from VFP. A collaboration between designers Pollah Howe and Vincent Nguyen, the collection was full of statement pieces made from unconventional materials in a futuristic colour palette of white, silver, gold, and bronze. The back was clearly the erogenous zone of choice for the designers with most looks revealing the area in some way. Dresses were strong and detailed yet had an element of the undone, with pieces of fabric draping and trailing from the body. Hair was half slick and half braided, makeup bold and polished.
Sketched during the show by Lexi Keelan
Words: Emma Batchelor
Photos: Jesse Petrie
Illustrations: Lexi Keelan
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