Learn how to build a brand, take a behind-the-scenes look at a garment factory and get inspired at a runway show.
Fast Fashun is an interactive, educational fashion show held in an old Collingwood textile factory. Landfill-bound clothing and textiles have been salvaged for audiences of all skill levels to craft outfits and showcase them on the runway. A great exercise in up-cycling clothes and transforming worn garments, Fast Fashun promises to help you refine your skills in a fun environment. You’ll also get help from local designers, and a low-sensory event will also be offered.
Fast Fashun 2.0 2.0 is on at various times from Wednesday March 4 to Saturday March 14 at Schoolhouse Studios, 81 Rupert Street, Collingwood.
Listening to stories of success and failure is a great way to get inspired. If you’re looking to start your own brand, look no further than this honest discussion between Olivia Cummings of Cleopatra’s Bling and Erika Gerarts from Fluff. The pair will talk about building a brand with integrity, responsibility and creativity at its core, and how to maintain an engaged audience in an era lacking intimate connection. A helpful talk for fashion-label hopefuls and anyone with an interest in the industry.
Storytelling and Responsibility: A Discussion Evening is on Thursday March 5 at Fluff Cosmetics, 198–200 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy at 6pm.
A diverse panel of PhD and Masters candidates from the RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles comes together to answer your burning questions. With a broad range of issues being addressed, you’ll learn how political, ethical, cultural, environmental and sensory factors influence the fashion industry. Audience interaction is welcomed and encouraged in this two-way panel discussion, so come with some questions prepared.
Big Questions and Big Ideas is on Friday March 6 at Design Archive, 154 Victoria Street, Carlton from 6pm to 8pm.
Want to launch your own label but don’t know where to begin? This workshop provides a valuable opportunity to learn from designers who have started their own successful labels and are navigating the fashion industry. You’ll get tips on practical design, business acumen and everything else needed to succeed in the fashion world. Suitable for any emerging designer, regardless of what stage of the journey you’re on.
Emerging Labels Workshop is on Saturday March 7 at LCI Melbourne, 150 Oxford Street, Collingwood from 11pm to 3pm.
It’s not a fashion festival without a runway, and Studio Edit 3 will showcase some of Melbourne’s favourite designers. An eclectic mix of styles is sure to inspire –see pieces from E Nolan, HoMie, Kuwaii and several more quintessentially-Melbourne labels. Wear your best outfit and come with an open mind.
Studio Edit 3 is on Friday March 13 at Showroom 2 Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton at 9.30pm.
Sustainability-focused womenswear label Arnsdorf is opening the doors to its Collingwood factory, offering you a rare insight into the production processes involved in running an ethical label. The tour is guided by a member of the Arnsdorf team, and you’ll have a chance to ask any questions. This is a great opportunity for any emerging designers to learn about garment production, a component that’s often overlooked when labels are starting out.
Open Factory: Arnsdorf is on Saturday March 14 at Arnsdorf Factory, 18–20 Dight Street, Collingwood at 11am.
Celebrate the conclusion of the festival at The Plaza’s massive block party. There’ll be workshops, music, pop-up runways, performance art and a massive clothing swap. Consolidate all you’ve learned and unwind on Saturday afternoon with activities ranging from social to educational.
The Plaza Block Party is on Saturday March 14 at The Plaza, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton from 12pm to 5.30pm.
Photography: Sebastian Petrovski
