Tuesday was gaggingly hot but Melbourne’s fashionistocrats didn’t falter: jewellery artist Emma Abrahams threw a cracking party to launch her Delusions of Grandeur exhibition at Sophie Gannon Gallery, Yuzuha Oka combed the frow and runways on your behalf, and Monty Coles’ crew of Rookie photographers from RMIT swarmed across VAMFF, front and back of house, on their never ending quest for snappable moments. Your Day Two VAMFF-FIX starts and ends here….
The RMIT Rookie Crew VAMFF/Voxfrock 2016, presented by RMIT adjunct professor of photography, Monty Coles...
Zoe Kostopoulos’ hauntingly lovely detail from J’aton’s runway segment.
Mathias Foley observes the frow.
Reannon Smit gives J’aton’s bride the attention it deserved.
Premium Runway 1, presented by Vogue. Photos: Lucas Dawson
Some of the ridiculously good looking people who joined Emma “Heart of Bone” Abrahams (below, far left) to celebrate her exhibition of celebrity-inspired skull artworks…
Premium Runway 2, presented by Elle. Photos: Lucas Dawson
Premium Runway 3, presented by Instyle. Words: Yuzuha Oka. Photos: Lucas Dawson
Red flowers bloomed on a black flat top hat at Camilla and on By Johnny’s hoop earring, while Megan Park models held bouquets of flowers. Akira’s Banshu Frilled Neckpiece also reminded me of a flourishing blossom. This Banshu textile, known for its soft texture and high artisan quality, is from Hyogo of Western Japan. Hyogo is a sister state of Western Australia, and last year Akira mentored three emerging WA designers through Banshu Fashion Textile Program.
And, speaking of a WA talent, Aurelio Costarella from Perth featured feathers in his collection. Five models dressed in black stormed in first with distinctive feather antler headpieces, a startling contrast after Rachel Gilbert’s elegant three-dimensional silhouettes.
Camilla’s turquoise silk crepe jumpsuit with crystal embellishments was inspired by Turkey’s Topkapi Palace tile work. Indigenous model Samantha Harris, watching on the frow wearing a burgundy lace dress, said her favourites were Camilla and Akira. Also among those on the Frow, UK reality TV star Oliver Proudlock, in designer Vincent Li’s jumper, said he enjoyed his first full day in Melbourne; “Such an epicentre of fashion, arts, and culture.”
