Catch a runway, up-cycle your clothes or learn the secrets behind sustainable fashion.
This online workshop will explore trends and unpack skills in the world of adaptive fashion. With lessons centred around making garments for people living with disabilities, you’ll learn tips and tricks for creating and styling seated fashion from some of the brands at the forefront of the production process. A great workshop to help you gain a new perspective on fashion processes from concept to creation.
Styling for Adaptive Fashion is online on Friday March 4 at 10am.
Get together with like-minded designers and fashion industry hopefuls at this carnival of up-cycling and reimagining. Bring some garments that aren’t quite right for you but could be great for someone else and swap clothes to help prevent them ending up in landfill. You’ll also learn how to repair, upgrade and alter clothes to suit your style and give them new life. A small donation from each piece collected or repaired will be given to First Nations Fashion Design.
Fashion’s Moment to Reimagine is on Sunday March 6 at LCI Melbourne, 150 Oxford Street, Collingwood at 12pm.
This talk focuses on influential textile designer Frances Burke and her influence in Australian fashion during the 20th century and beyond. You’ll hear from a panel made up of Melbourne designer Beci Orpin, Social Studio director Dewi Cooke and co-authors of Frances Burke: Designer of Modern Textiles Nanette Carter and Robyn Oswald-Jacobs. Some fascinating insights into Burke’s life and ongoing influence will be discussed, with great lessons for any fashion industry hopefuls to be shared.
Cultural Fabric is on Thursday March 10 at Collingwood Yards, 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood, at 6pm.
This online event will showcase the sustainable fashion practices in the production process of garments from Indonesia. Broadcast from Surabaya, Indonesia, the panel discussion will highlight technical obstacles and how they’re overcome and give attendees a glimpse at a sustainable clothing line made from handmade materials and natural dyes.
Styling Sustainable Fashion is online on Thursday March 10 at 7pm.
Anyone with an interest in fashion knows that markets are a great place to score rare finds, source vintage pieces and give clothes a new life through reselling. Stay Soft Market will welcome a range of fashion-focused stallholders to sell their wares in the Collingwood Yards courtyard, soundtracked by Hope Street Radio. There’ll be drinks from Stay Soft, food from Polly's Kitchen and The Travelling Pizza Pie, as well as coffee from Padre. Once you’re done browsing, post up at Hope St Radio for dinner and drinks to take in the atmosphere.
Stay Soft Autumn Market is on Saturday March 12 at Collingwood Yards, 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood, at 3pm.
It’s not a fashion festival without a runway, and the closing night will showcase some of Melbourne’s favourite designers. An eclectic mix of styles is sure to inspire as you take in pieces from some of Australia’s best labels. Plus, all attendees will receive a gift bag. Wear your best outfit and come with an open mind.
Closing Runway is on Saturday March 12 at a venue TBA at 7pm.
Melbourne Fashion Festival runs from March 3–12. You can view the full festival program here.
Photography: Courtesy of Melbourne Fashion Festival
