GUEST VOXFROCKER SARAH HARRY OF BODY POSITIVE AUSTRALIA FOUND LOTS TO LOVE AT THE VIRGIN AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE FASHION FESTIVAL’S CURVY COUTURE ROADSHOW.
I’ve been to a lot of fashion shows. Some in the front, some out back with my head down dressing models, soothing nerves and egos, but I have never seen anything like last night’s Curvy Couture Roadshow.
All the usual elements were there; great venue, professional lighting, pumping soundtrack and the celebrity front row (Tess Holliday, for instance, pictured in her new campaign for plus-size fashion brand Torrid, the supermodel and warrior for positive body image, had slipped into town). But, the similarity stopped there. And, it felt like a game changer.
Tess Holliday, supermodel and body image activist, at size 22, is the largest model to be signed to London Agency Milk Management’s plus-size division. According to Erin Cox of Curvy Couture Inc., Tess Holliday (formerly known as Tess Munster) is a gratifying “sign of the times”.
First out, a show-stopping electric blue lingerie set by Miss Scarlett Did It, set the tone for the night. Gone (for the most part) were the almost-plus-size runway models and in their place were these vavavavoom real deals. The room crackled with excitement. This was a catwalk with true diversity; not just a nod towards body positivity. Sizes ranged from 12 to 28, at a guess,and heights and ethnicity were just as varied. Tattoos were worn proudly, models oozed confidence and swagger. Chins were up; walks were fierce and as good, if not better, than any international show.
The fashion didn’t disappoint either. Who knew the depth and breadth of the Australian independent plus size fashion scene? Everything from swimwear to evening bling. A couple of frumpy outfits came down, but for the most part, it was right on trend, a fashion-forward kaleidoscope of colour, texture and print. Standouts were the sharp silhouettes of Meri by Design’s polished separates, and the fun prints and colours of Huudaverti. Hope and Harvest showed key pieces in a playful way, and the skirts in Seraphim’s La Catrina’s range will hopefully make it into my wardrobe.
Curvy beauties before the Curvy Couture roadshow runway
The few hundred strong audience (mainly women) were enthusiastic and joyful. They were dressed like any other fashion crowd, with a strong lean toward strong lips, sequins, skin and a rainbow of hair colours. It felt like a celebration, and it was. Women and designers were reclaiming their fashion space. Inclusivity and body confidence were downright infectious.
I’ve never seen such an atmosphere of fun and serious fashion fuse with such celebration before. Fashion seemed to expand, became accessible for everyone. Body positivity was everywhere, and it was a privilege to see. At the end of the show, just as the lights came up, there was a loud cheer from backstage. They too, knew they were creating history. I hear the party lasted well into the night…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Harry worked for Valentino and Max Mara before retiring from the fashion industry. She is now a psychotherapist, university lecturer, yoga teacher and runs Body Positive Australia, established to help women “feel good in their skin” www.bodypositiveaustralia.com.au
MORE INFORMATION
Curvy Couture Roadshow and market were elements of the VAMFF Cultural Programme which continues for several more weeks. For more information www.curvycoutureinc.com.au and for a full schedule of fashion shows, business events and other dates on VAMFF’s core and cultural calenders, www.vamff.com.au
MAIN PICTURE, TOP, CURVY COUTURE MODEL KOBI JAE
