On a night out in Stonnington, Miss Alexia discovered fashion’s future is in good hands and, “you’re never fully dressed without a smile!”
Words and pictures by Alexia Petsinis
A snap-happy crowd of all ages got a sobering dose of reality and a catwalk show with a twist when they packed into Malvern Town Hall for the 2014 Expression Fashion Gala on Friday. Hosted by the City of Stonnington and The Butterfly Foundation, the event offered fashion’s youngest emerging designers, aged 14 to 25, a rare chance to show in a professionally orchestrated setting. It quickly became clear, however, this fashion show was also underpinned by a powerful social message. “The fashion industry constantly bombards us with images of how we think we are supposed to look and behave,” said Danielle Rowlands, manager of Education Services for The Butterfly Foundation. “Expression Fashion is designed to encourage everyone to challenge these beauty ideals and support positive body image and diversity within our community.”
Exuberant girlwear by Penny Drop
Diversity was certainly delivered. From the striking collections by 11 young designers, to the funky playlist and gorgeous troop of girls (and one guy) parading the catwalk, the audience of mums, dads, grandparents, best friends (even folk off the street) was warmed to the core by this beaming vision of fashion’s future. And, the best news? BIG smiles and BIG laughs are SO back in. “The Expression Fashion Gala is an excellent forum for showcasing fashion as being something that everyone can enjoy and feel good about, regardless of their shape and size,” said Cr. Adrian Stubbs, Mayor of the City of Stonnington.
Tech-chic by Tahlia Quan
The collections were bright and brave, everything from a D.I.Y spray painted dress by Betty Liu, to the organic ‘exoskeleton’ dresses featured in Tahlia Quan’s collection. “Clothes are an extension of the body and mind,” Ms. Quan explained. “They allow individuals to ‘create’ themselves into something more than a physical body…”
Betty Liu’s model spray-paints on stage
Each designer expressed their appreciation of clothing as something that can exceed the hyped marketing whirlwind of ‘fast fashion’ in our society. With no shadow of the Australian fashion industry’s ‘gloom and doom’ prognosis hanging over them, these young designers’ desire for a long term career was universal and robust. “You have to love it [fashion] so much that it just becomes part of your life,” said Evelina Kaganovitch, first year student in RMIT’s Bachelor of Design programme. “For me, there was never any doubt in my mind that I wanted to work towards a career in fashion – I need that creative release.”
Sarah Gleeson’s fruity patch-patterned pompom fringed summer components
Fashion’s future does look rosy if the Expression Fashion Gala is any indication. It’s ongoing success and sponsorship by local businesses proves a vital message about the beauty of individuality is reaching us all, loud and clear.
For more information about the Expression Fashion Gala go here and for information about The Butterfly Foundation, here.
intern@voxfrock.com.au
