MFW has pitched runways around the city’s iconic spots and loveliest landmarks, a ploy to re-ignite our love after a tough couple of years. And it’s working. Join Voxfrock Rookies Chrissy Dore (photographer) and Kaya Martin (journalist) for a runway through one of Melbourne’s most beloved locations…
With its rich history and interiors the Queen Victoria Market’s Dairy Hall was the perfect location for an evening of playful opulence. Between shuttered stalls filled with truffles, cheeses and hanging loops of salamis and kielbasa, the lights went up on a runway fringed with cafe tables of fashionably dressed guests happily sampling the produce.
Lightness and fun were front and centre among this curated group of designers who served up joy-sparking looks at a time when we could all use a little more.
Mastani kicked it off with monochrome looks in the colour that has dominated the season: flaming fuchsia. Flashy, bright, even a little garish. Paired with the brand’s elegant tailoring, it conjured a feeling that carried through many of the collections: functional, not subtle.
Karishma Kasabia, designer and founder of Khòlò, said this was also a goal of hers . “I released a few black things earlier this year and I was like; ‘No, I want this kind of happy feeling..’ I also want some parts to be OTT and some parts to be very wearable. I like having that high-low mix.”
Khòlò’s collection featured striking prints and sequins tempered with crisp cottons in flattering silhouettes. Its final look, a cropped pinstripe button-down top with glittery mermaid pants, made a pleasing swish as it moved down the runway.
The menswear, too, didn’t shy away from colour. Joseph & James paired midcentury motifs with a bright palm print, showing matching shirt and necktie combinations that felt right at home in the heritage venue.
MNDATORY accented its collection with pastel purple and lime green. Its signature sharp tailoring was elevated with gothic symbols, bulky asymmetrical hoodies, and leather harnesses.
Across many of the womenswear collections, gathered tulle, shiny sculptural bags and bold patterned sets featured prominently. Midi dresses with tie waist detailing were also featured by Ginger & Smart, OnceWas, and Veronika Maine, among others.
House of Campbell (above, and main photo, top) closed the evening with a lighthearted collection, combining pink and purple gingham with voluminous ruffles. A white buttoned dress with a flowing sheer overlay was a stand-out, a cheeky mix of formality and whimsy.
As a body-positive designer, Kholo’s Karishma said she was “so stoked” to be a part of the event which featured a widely diverse cast of models. She feels inclusivity in these spaces is so important. “We think it’s just fashion, right? ‘It’s just clothes, it’s just a runway show.’ But what we don’t realise is every way in which it filters in our lives.”
