Learn the ins and outs of the fashion business, see how garments are made, catch a runway show and more.
Melbourne Fashion Festival was cut short last year, just as Australia started to realise that you-know-what was kind of a big deal. A year later, after plenty of uncertainty, the festival is back with a slightly different look. More online events have been added to the roster, but there are still plenty of in-person runways, discussions and more. We’ve picked the best events to help fashion industry hopefuls take the next step in their career.
Gain some business knowledge and get inspired at this panel discussion that focuses on entrepreneurship, mindset and the future of Australian fashion. Run as a live version of the Fashion Business Mindset podcast, you’ll hear from seven industry experts and learn what it takes to make it in the business of fashion. All proceeds from the event are donated to IJM, an organisation that combats slavery and violence against women and children.
Fashion. Business. Mindset is online on Saturday March 12 at 2pm.
It’s not a fashion festival without a runway, and this one will showcase some of Melbourne’s favourite designers. An eclectic mix of styles is sure to inspire – see pieces from Akira, Ellery, Rebecca Vallance and several more Aussie labels. Wear your best outfit and come with an open mind.
All fashion festival runway shows are currently sold out, but you can join the waiting list for extra tickets if coronavirus restrictions are eased and allow for more capacity. Alternatively, there are online runway events running during the festival.
Runway 2 is on Monday March 15 at National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank at 7pm.
Learn the ins and outs of how garments are made and follow their journey from creation to consumer. This exhibition showcases fabric artists and printers, patternmakers and machinists, and everyone in between – as well as focusing on the important of protecting garment workers’ rights. This is crucial learning for anyone looking to enter the fashion industry ethically and properly.
Many Hands: The Making of a Garment is on at 6pm on Tuesday March 16 at Collingwood Yards, 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood.
This online event showcases the work that First Nations Fashion and Design does in the community. FNFD is a not-for-profit organisation that creates ongoing access to opportunities, skill development, and industry engagement to create a self-sustaining fashion industry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The screening brings the country to an urban setting and explores the concept of walking in two worlds, as well as explaining how and why FNFD exists in these two settings.
Walking in Two Worlds Screening runs online from Thursday March 11 until Saturday March 20.
This event run by Melbourne label Jude shows you how to create and style looks you can wear throughout multiple seasons – an important skill to have in Melbourne’s erratic climate. There’ll be free drinks and snacks during the event, so come with an empty stomach and a curious mind. There are some great lessons on stylistic and seasonal fluidity to be learned for fashion industry hopefuls.
Seasonless Style Sessions is on Thursday March 18 at the Jude Flagship Store, 252 Johnston Street, Collingwood at 6pm.
Photography: Courtesy of Melbourne Fashion Festival
