In 2 weeks time Melbourne will be getting frocked up for the annual VAMFF (Virgin Australia Fashion Festivals) as we attend runways and events in style. 

It's great to see this year has a strong emphasis on sustainable fashion, with multiple dedicated events and runways. Personally, I believe this is because a new generation of designers have stronger values when it comes to how and where their clothes are made. 

I couldn't be more excited to attend some of these events, meet and hear from inspiring, creative people and learn what 2017 has to offer. 

If you're yet to plan your VAMFF itinerary, we have you covered with the schedule below. Hope to see you there! 

 

MARCH 2nd - A GOOD EVENING: HOW FASHION CAN EMPOWER WOMEN

2017 has definitely shown how women can stand together and empower each other, with the women's march taking over cities all over the world. So, this event fit's perfectly. 

Ethical Clothing Australia and Well Made Clothes have partnered to bring you an evening of cocktails, canapes, and conversation with fashion experts, Clare Press (author and renowned fashion journalist), Sigrid McCarthy (Ethical Clothing Australia), Kristy Barber (Kuwaii), Jeff Ward (Freeset) about how fashion can empower women

Get a complimentary, limited edition, gender equal tote bag designed by artist Caroline Walls.

All profits from ticket sales and tote bags will be donated to Freeset, a fashion production company which employs women who have been trapped in Kolkata’s sex slavery industry.

Click here to book tickets 

 

MARCH 2nd  LUSH TERRAIN - VAMFF OFFSITE RUNWAY

A beautiful runway, in a stunning setting dedicated to sustainable fashion, hallelujah! I couldn't think of ANYTHING better! 

Walk through the gardens to the Fitzroy Conservatory, where at dusk the show commences. Sip on a complementary champagne and view the runway against the backdrop of lush flora. Up-cycling, recycled fabrics, zero waste pattern making and organic materials are some of the methods used by these considered designers to create desirable fashion that treads lightly upon the Earth. 

Discover carefully cultivated fashion inspired by sustainable methods and materials. Designers Surrender Yoga, EDITION by Alice Sutton, Gehrich, Cadia Belante and Heidi Hibberd invite you to Lush Terrain.

Click here to book tickets 

 

MARCH 4th - HoMie BLOCK PARTY 

OK, so it may not technically be part of the VAMFF programme but the guys behind HoMie have done awesome work over the past 12 months and their celebratory block party is on during the fashion festival. 

HoMie is a social enterprise that provides brand-new clothing, retail training and job opportunities to people experiencing homelessness.

They've blocked off the entire lane-way behind their shop for one day only to host a block party for the ages.

Some of Melbourne's best up-and-coming DJ's will be spinning tunes from 2-8pm (dancing compulsory), with cheap bevs available for purchase, live art taking place and good vibes guaranteed. 

Click here to book tickets

 

MARCH 9th - CTF CURATED | MELBOURNE

Brought to you by the Council of Textile & Fashion (CTF), the best way to shop is locally. 

Shop a unique, curated selection of Australia’s emerging labels at this exciting quarterly retail event in Melbourne.

Support local. Meet the people behind the labels. Connect to the skill and care behind every garment.

Menswear | Womenswear | Childrenswear | Intimates | Jewellery & Accessories

Learn more here 

 

MARCH 9th - STAND STILL: VAMFF OFFSITE RUNWAY 

Red is a symbol of action, whilst simultaneously attracting attention and directing its viewer to come to a hault. As designers and artists who work with slower approaches to production, the colour was chosen to represent a pause to consider the process of creating what we wear, how we wear it and how we can consume more consciously.

Presenting the collaborative capsule collection as a performance, the hybrid fashion show will draw attention to the detail and artistic process of the four designers featured- whilst focusing on using only shades of red. Abbey Rich, Caitlin Shearer, Campbell Charlotte and Eat Me Do present STAND STILL.

Click here to book tickets

 

MARCH 11th - TALKING SUSTAINABLE FASHION WITH CLARE PRESS

Why is ethical fashion such a hot topic right now? How does the fashion system work? How did it get so fast? Why should, and how can we slow it down? And who is leading the charge?

Writer and eco-influencer Clare Press is the author of “Wardrobe Crisis, How We Went From Sunday Best to Fast Fashion”, a new book that explores the history and ethics behind what we wear.

She will be sharing the stories behind the book with Melissa Singer, fashion and lifestyle editor of The Age and The Sunday Age.

Click here to RSVP (Limited Availability) 

 

MARCH 11th - THE FASHION ADVOCATE RUNWAY 

The Fashion Advocate Runway is a celebration of Australian made fashion and unique style. Bringing together independent labels from around Australia, The Fashion Advocate Runway will showcase the cool, the quirky and the quintessential look of Australian fashion, as well as promoting local production and ethical manufacturing.

Click here to book tickets