Monday, December 9, 2024

Off Runway Highlights of the Melbourne Fashion Festival

MFF Must-See Off Runway Events

It’s true that MFF runways are always exciting showcases that inform, inspire and entertain. We all make mental notes of what we’ll be wearing in the coming season and how we’ll be styling them. And as good as the runways are, the line-up for those MFF off-runway events this year are especially exciting. This year’s events are some of the best offerings we’ve ever seen and we’re excited to share our picks and where you’ll find the COCKTAIL REVOLUTION team at this year’s MFF off-runway events.

Party

First Nations Fashion Design
Image credit: Thelma Plum

It’s a tea party, but not the tea party you think it is. Clothing The Gaps x HoMie are throwing a TEE party to celebrate their new partnership. And it really is a party, with headline act, Gamilaraay woman, Thelma Plum, hip hop artist, Isaac Puerile, and a multicultural dance crew by Brothers In Arms. DJs will also be spinning tunes alongside food trucks and drinks all day long while you kick back and relax with friends.

Conversations

First Nations Fashion Design
Image credit: Lindy Ashline

Hosted by Persephone Thacker with Frances Cannon, Silika Baselala, and Onella Muralidharan, the In/Visible Bodies In Conversation will share unique perspectives on fatphobia, pride and how fashion and art intertwine. Expect a complex conversation on the process of acceptance and celebration of self.

Fashion Talk: Sustainability Update –  The ethics of fashion, innovation and fabrics will all be discussed and dissected in this in-depth discussion with trail blazers in the fashion industry. Conversationalists include Cathryn Wills (Sans Beast), Charlotte Hicks (Esse Studios) and Courtney Holme (A.BCH). Hosted by RMIT’s Dr Harriette Richards.

Future From Waste Lab Open Studio is showcasing its experimental retail space that turns waste into new via creative upcycling. Learn their process of regenerative fashion production and how we can sow the seeds for an industry shift to a cleaner fashion system.

Markets

First Nations Fashion Design
Image credit: @trashieexchange

Take your pick. There’s so much on offer when it comes to markets for careful consumers. Try these four…

Bring out that box of clothing squashed under the bed and swap it for something new at TRASHIE: Clothing Exchange.

The A Plus Market is stacked full of stalls that feature sizes 16-32+ and XL+ for anyone who wears clothing. With everything from closet clear outs to Melbourne designers, you are sure to find new threads for your wardrobe.

Searching for some conscious clothing? Conscious Fashion Market is the place to go. Meet with local designers who are dedicated to championing sustainable fashion.

Revamp Thrift Fashion Market will be open to satisfy all your thrifting needs. Find a new look for the runways or set up a stall to sell your old threads.

Pop-Ups

First Nations Fashion Design
Image credit: @christopher_esber

Need a look for a runway and don’t want to buy new? Then pop by the Wardrobe Play Powered by Rntr to get your hands on some outfits to rent. Try on some classic Australian designers such as Christopher Esber andalk away with a new look and a lower footprint on the environment.

To be honest, the only reason we included this next one is because we get to see cute photos of DOGS! Get Lit Photography Pop-Up will make your pooch the star of their very own professional photoshoot. We can’t think of anything better!

Keen to meet some like-minded friends? Then come along to the Circular Innovation Club Meet-Up and chat all things sustainability and circularity. This is a particularly great event for small business owners.

Upcycling Workshops

First Nations Fashion Design
Image credit: @kitiyapalaskas

Here are four top workshops that will inform, entertain and inspire…

That white tee with a weird spot has been staring at you for far too long now! Upcycle it with Kitiya Palaska’s workshop. Her Coburg workshop, Re-Make: An Upcycled Fashion Workshop, will brighten up any dull garment with upcycled techniques such as embellishment, embroidery or iron-on decals. The opportunities are endless!

If you feel like getting crafty and putting the needle to the uhh… fabric? Then TRANS-FORM-ATIONS can help you create new things from the old stuff laying around. That includes amazing hand-made rugs!

First Nations Fashion Design
Image Credit: @cardigang_knits

Want to get those needles clicking again or are you a total beginner in the knitting game? Luckily CARDIGANG is here to help you move those needles with their Crochet and Knitting workshops. You are sure to walk away with a cardigan that Harry Styles would be jealous of.

There is nothing more annoying than popping on your favourite jacket only to find a button hanging off or a hole under the arm! Save your wardrobe and learn a new skill with Fashion Fix

Featured Image: Cardigang Knits

See our picks for top runway offerings at this years MFF.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jenna flood

Jenna Flood, known as the Ironic Minimalist
is a slow fashion stylist and specialist in
sustainable dressing and living.

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