The National Graduate Showcase is VAMFF‘s cherry-on-top for many Voxfrock loyalists, a celebration of fashion’s fledgling talent and a big fat sparkly spotlight for its promising future stars. Which is why I commissioned a full crew of Voxfrockers to cover it. I’m thrilled the remarkable Robin Cowcher could sketch her favorite exits from the front row, and that Monty Coles and his crew of RMIT rookie photographers could crystalise a few of the poignant and unguarded backstage moments that ordinary mortals like you and me don’t usually see. And, I’m triple thrilled, with bells and whistles, to be joined by The Human Chameleon, a.k.a. Kristine Walker who offered to scribble a few notes as she eavesdropped on the front row. “I love people watching,” she said, but; “Not in a creepy way; a curious way.” Kristine primed her pixie ears at the National Graduate Showcase, then stuck around for the GQ Menswear Runway…
NATIONAL GRADUATE SHOW (BELOW). Runway photos: Lucas Dawson Illustrations: Robin Cowcher Words: Kristine Walker
If you tune out the stomping music and tune in the whispers (some not so quiet) around you, you will hear some interesting opinions. They add drama and real world perspectives to the live entertainment walking past. Fashion not only inspires creativity; it also inspires conversations. So, as I sit on the ‘frow’ (front row if you’re not ‘in the know’), I keep my eyes peeled and my ears finely tuned…
My favourite show is always the student runway. The collections are generally rule breakers because they aren’t usually designed to be sold into stores, so you just never know what to expect. I was wedged between various levels of fashion enthusiast and this is what I (over) heard from..
A novice (a “plus one” guest)…
“That looks good but she’s got the body to wear it.”
“It’s the festival’s 20th year? I had no idea Melbourne was so into this fashion thing. Fashion is a serious business!”
“Who comes to these things; only people who work in fashion?
Backstage. Photo: Zhonga Wang, member of Monty Coles’ RMIT/Voxfrock Rookie Crew
The novice’s friend (the ‘fashion pro’)…
“No, there’s lots of students here to support their friends. There’s lots of buyers as well.
Backstage. Photo: Maggie Baird from Monty Coles’ RMIT/Voxfrock Rookie Crew
Some pretty girls..
“Oh hellooooooooo (referring to a cute male model while fanning herself)”
“Omg isn’t that…. Oh what’s her name… you know the one that does that thing… Oh you know who I mean…”
“Hmmmm I dunno about that, how would you wear it?””Well he’s a big fan of himself! (about a male model)”
“Oh, I like that, that’s really different. Yeh, I really like the black.”
Backstage. Photo: Andy Tran, from Monty Coles’ RMIT/Voxfrock Rookie Crew
Fashion Appreciators…
“That’s out… of… control!!!”
“I’d so wear that out to lunch tomorrow…”
“Omg sooo good…!” (to every second outfit that walked past)
GQ MENSWEAR SHOW (BELOW). Runway photos: Lucas Dawson Words: Kristine Walker
I was wedged into an interesting cross section of the male population. Surprisingly, they had a lot to say about the show. I spent most of the time with a grin on my face as I tried not to laugh at what I (over)heard from….
An awkward guy..
“Now that’s a great jacket, you could dress it up or down..”
“Oh look, there he is… I didn’t think that Prince Charming was real but he just walked straight passed us!”
A gentleman…
“White shoes and skinny pants just aren’t practical.”
“There’s so many flat shoes but where are the boots? It’s meant to be winter fashion, they should be in boots.”
A larrakin..
“Loosen up chief, no need to look so serious…”
“Oh now he’s got great skin, we should ask him if he moisturises…”
“He’s rippin’ up the runway…”
“You’re all hot, it’s not fair, you’re all better looking than me…!”
