MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK: OPENING NIGHT QUICK TAKEAWAYS
The Melbourne Fashion Festival would have to be one of my favourite times of the year. Whether you are going to the opening night, the up and coming runway or any of the amazing talks and panels that run during this period you are bound to have a ball. This year I eagerly attended the opening night on the 3rd of March. This evening of the festival showcased some of Australia’s most popular designer brands, from the florals of Aje through to the sleek elegance of Viktoria and Woods. In. no capacity could I comfortably pick a favourite from the evening, with each brand demonstrating a different side to Australian fashion that we could expect in 2025. I CAN however provide you with my highlights from such a memorable evening.
MANNING CARTELL COLLECTION
WINTER BLUES REIMAGINED
Though we as a city refuse to admit it and cling to our façade of a puffer and black pant uniform, the demonstration at Melbourne fashion week very much proved otherwise. The colour blue was present in every aspect. From the wonderful outfits that attendees put together, through to the various looks presented on the runway, it consumed the festival. My favourite blue moment from the festival would be on the Viktoria and Woods runway, in which they opened with a gorgeous sky-blue monochrome outfit. From the mock turtleneck knit top through to the bright, oversized blazer over the top, it felt almost like a chic twist on the 90’s business woman. This look was such a highlight from the show and drew significant attention from the audience, proving that if the colour black is our first uniform, then shades of blue may be a very close second.
VIKTORIA AND WOODS COLLECTION
POP CULTURE REFERENCES AND FASHION
Though I know I said I could not in any capacity pick a favourite from the show, if I were made to pick a top 3 then this brand would definitely be somewhere in the mix. Romance Was Born presented such gorgeous pieces that felt more like artwork rather than ready to wear. It was so different and stood out amongst the crowd of pieces shown. My favourite aspect of this runway would be the references made to such an iconic Australian film, Muriel’s Wedding. The pieces from the runway drew inspiration from this P.J Hogan classic that put Toni Collette on the map. She utilised a variety of ABBA hits, from Fernando through to Dancing Queen. Every element of the show tied in so nicely to the story that the film tells. It felt almost like I was watching the film through every outfit. Nothing could prepare me for the closing piece however, in which the model strutted out in a gown with the classic image of Toni Collette in her wedding dress looking up to the sky blown across it. To have been able to capture the audience’s attention and tell the story of an Australian masterpiece (if I say so myself) through a ten-minute catwalk is no easy feat. To do this successfully, however, is an even greater challenge that they absolutely passed with flying colours.
ROMANCE WAS BORN COLLECTION
To say that my favourite event of the year lived up to its expectations would be a massive understatement. Every aspect of this event is an incredible experience that if given the opportunity I could not advise enough to attend. Every show demonstrates such incredible growing talent in the Australian fashion community and has such an incredible energy of excitement in the air. If this was not reason enough to attend, it is worth going just for the opportunity to wear your dressiest, most out there pieces in your wardrobe that you never get the chance to put on otherwise. I know I will be attending again in the future.
