Voxfrock photographer Reannon Smith fell hook seam and hemline for the National Trust’s The Vault runway of recreated fashions at Melbourne Fashion Week. This is her ode and photographic tribute to Upcycling, the practice and craft saving fashion one top, frock and trouser at at time. (Scroll south to meet Reannon and click back soonish for more daily coverage by the Voxfrock crew of MFW 2023.) Photographs and words: Reannon Smith
The VAULT Upcycle Runway is a celebration of sustainability, slow fashion, individuality, creativity – all attributes reflected across the hundreds slowly filling the Block Arcade, spilling onto Collins Street, waiting eagerly for the show’s doors to open.
The show’s line-up of designers was impressive too, and local, which meant the crowd was naturally peppered with proud friends and family. There was a buzz in the air as they seat-searched, mingled and finally, settled.
Models walked a mix of casual through to avante-garde wearables “upcycled” from pre-loved garments.
A show of pleasant shocks, little surprises. Ten minutes flew, cheers erupted, and the models, instead of returning to change, melted into the crowd.
From a photographer’s perspective, this was a rare opportunity to closely inspect each design.
So often, the details of a garment are lost in the work and excitement of photographing the runway.
This was my chance to appreciate the intricacies and craftsmanship, to acknowledge the true narrative of each design.
As I walked out onto Collins Street to make my way home, I felt a sense of contentment knowing The VAULT Upcycle Runway had lived up to the hype of its first year.
It had brought together likeminded lovers of fashion, enthusiasts who appreciate the importance of reclaiming and breathing new life into clothing that already exists, that could be otherwise wasted. And that is a very good thing.
Meet the Voxfrock Rookie – Reannon Smith
