They dressed to express and celebrate the ever-evolving art of the fashion on film. Voxfrock Rookies Tiana, Emma and Ash were there with them for the announcement of the 2021 Melbourne Fashion Festival Film Award.
Words: Tiana Mallen and Ash Bagga Photographs: Emma Gillett
Bright colours, big smiles, self-expressive styles, the unofficial dress codes of the Melbourne Fashion Festival‘s film awards night were everywhere at the Capitol Theatre.
Inside the exotic venue and outside milling on the street, a diverse and multicultural guest list appeared to have dressed to echo the connections between real life fashion and the films on screen.
In the crowd young Sara Mohamed’s passion (main picture, top) caught our eye. At just 10, Sara was thrilled to attend such a glamourous event. “My aunty lent me these shoes and I’m trying not to crease them,” she joked, referring to her Nike Air Force 1s.
We met film makers Alexandra Kirwood and Stanton Cornish-Ward from the renowned video company Hiball productions both expressing nervousness and excitement to be on the awards’ judging panel. “We’re hoping to see some experimental films this year,” said Stanton. “(And) works in different mediums,” added Alexandra.
Their wish was granted. The line-up included films shot in Australia, the Netherlands, France, and Peru but it was local designer and filmmaker, Anna Cordell, who took out the major award with a unique and artful reflection inspired by her own bespoke designs and the local music industry.
Her film was shot on desolate landscapes with otherworldly models; tapered jawline, large oval eyes, long long limbs moving fluidly to convey the beauty of the garments.
A well-deserved win, and another echo of the connections between screen inside and street outside.
Meet the rookies
Tiana Mallen
Tiana (above) is studying fashion marketing at COLLARTS and has a particularly keen interest in its PR and journalism links. This is her first turn on the Voxfrock Rookie crew. This is Tiana’s first turn on the Voxfrock Rookie crew.
Emma Gillett
Emma (above) works as a photographer’s assistant in a creative agency. She is studying filmmaking and striving to merge her passions for fashion and film into her career. This is Emma’s third turn on the Voxfrock Rookie crew.
Ash Bagga
Ash (above) is a marketing and finance professional with more than a decade’s experience in creative (mainly fashion) industries in the UK and Australia. She has a Master’s Degree in Fashion Management and Entrepreneurship and in her social identity “Ash Wore That” asserts an achievable realistic approach to fashion. This is Ash’s second turn on the Voxfrock Rookie crew.
