FASHIONISTAS take note! Be prepared to be dazzled and wowed as the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival returns in March. Darren Boon scours the highlights to bring you all the details.
If you’ve got a passion for fashion, you won’t want to miss one of Melbourne’s premiere calendar events: the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF).
With more than 100 Australian designers presenting their latest work in women’s, men’s and children’s wear over nine days at VAMFF (kicking off March 14 and ending on March 22), getting around to all the craziness of the festival will take some careful planning and preparation.
Fortunately for you, we’ve prepared a few highlights from the festival for a variety of tastes.
The Opening Event of the festival, presented by David Jones and supported by Vogue Australia, will be a gala showcase of alluring collections from David Jones’ top Australian designers.
Renowned Australian designer Josh Goot will have his works featured in the Grand Showcase on March 19 in celebration of his label Goot’s tenth anniversary. If you enjoy his work, this is a show that’s not to be missed!
Meanwhile, the National Graduate Showcase, also on March 19, is exactly that: a showcase of 12 talented graduates from various Australian institutions each presenting their own original collections. Amongst the graduates include RMIT alumni Lauren Acciarito, Alexandra Louise Champion Hackett and Natalie Kieleithner with the remaining graduates hailing from the University of Technology Sydney.
If it all sounds like a female-oriented affair so far, you’re plenty mistaken as a runway has been organised for men’s fashion too. Marvel at the latest in menswear as various labels will show off their new designs in GQ Australia’s Menswear Runway on March 20.
For those who prefer less mainstream indie designs, you can enjoy the breathtaking and refreshing styles and designs from independent Australian fashion labels on March 21. Noted independent labels such Celeset Tesoriero, Dress Up, Elissa McGowan, Emma Mulholland, Pageant, Salasai and Strateas Carlucci all make their mark at this year’s festival.
If you’re looking for something affordable and accessible, the Target Runway on March 22 will be presenting some of its upcoming clothing collection as well.
Finally, the festival will end on a high note on the evening of March 22 with its Grand Finale. The closing show will feature National Designer Award winning alumnus, Romance Was Born which coincides with the closing of the fashion house’s exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.
In addition to the marquee events, there will also be seven runways showcasing impressive and glamourous collections from Australia’s top designers. These runways will all be held at the Central Pier in Docklands.
Furthermore, students and graduates with a vested interest in the fashion industry and looking to further their career should consider heading down to Crown. VAMFF have organised for industry, business and networking events for those who want to make something of themselves in the world of fashion.
The Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival 2015 will run from March 14 and end on march 22. For the full list of events, head over to VAMFF’s official site and learn more. Premium VIP tickets for certain events and seating only tickets are still available for purchase from Ticketek.