After lagging in the
sustainability stakes, the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival is starting to focus on the environmental side of fashion, with the 2012 looks set to be the most innovative and relevant on record. The sustainability program incorporates a range of pertinent exhibitions, runways and symposiums to give a multifaceted view to a discerning and concerned audience. Here are our picks.
Nobody was Dirty at NGV
The culmination of my MPhil thesis, Nobody was Dirty displays 32 pairs of worn jeans in an olfactoy installation with the aim of questioning current cleanliness. The public is invited to come and smell the worn jeans, and contribute to the discussion on frequency of washing and the conservation of energy, water and chemicals.
10-31st March, NGV Studio, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square. Open Sun–Wed, 10am–5pm and Thu–Sat, 10am–10pm, free entry.
The Front Row
The Frotn Row is an evolving and dynamic exhibition, showcases dresses that have been worn, unstitched, transformed and worn again by LMFF festival attendees. This aims to demonstrate the ephemeral nature of event wear from a sustainable perspective. Capitalising on the glamour of the front row, designer Georgia McCorkill will dress participants in her elegant handcrafted garments that employ principles of design for sustainability, including design for disassembly, repair, upcycling and reconstruction. The dresses in their various mutations will be exhibited in an open studio where McCorkill will work over the festival. The exhibition is an evolving documentation of the process of dressing The Front Row.
1 - 22 March, Matt HQ, room 343, The Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston st, melbourne, free entry.
The Spirit of the Black Dress
This exhibition showcases ten of Australia's most innovative emerging designers in a gallery style exhibition. Selected through a national competition based on both the aesthetic quality as well as the approach to design for sustainability, the dresses are styled and shot by a team of exciting Melbourne creatives. The dresses are displayed alongside the iconic images to give a multi-dimensional view of the eco-garments.
7 - 20 March, The Trust, 405 Flinders Lane, free entry.
Bike Runway
A runway that puts the chic in cycling, models wearing beautiful and functional garments will storm the runway on two wheels. A selection of commuters and local designers, the runway aims to include a variety of shapes, sizes and approaches to dressing for stylish riding. Rumour has it that attendees will be able to ride the track wearing specially curated outfits.
15 March, 1000£Bend, free entry.
The Social Studio Parade
The Social Studio Parade will show off fashion, jewellery and adornment from the diverse multicultural Social Studio fold. As part of Penthouse Mouse program, the runway will be supplemented by an interactive show room where you can see the clothes at close quarters and meet designers.
1-8 March, Penthouse Mouse, 211 Kerr st, Fitzroy, free entry.
Behind the scenes with Bento
Sustainable fashion designer Sam Hardman opens her label up to celebrate everyone who has been involved in bringing her concepts to fruition – photographers, illustrators, makeup artists and models.
21 March - 1 April, One Hundredth Gallery, 49 Porter st, Prahran, free entry.
The Clothing Exchange
The Clothing Exchange adapts the dematerialisation concept whereby clothes are exchanged rather than bought. To combat the high levels of consumerism, and 'dead' garments festering in wardrobes, the clothing exchange reactivates old favourites.
12 March, BMW Edge, Federation Square, tickets via clothingexchange.com.au.
Fashion and Global Culture
Bringing together many of Australia's leading fashion academics and commentators, this one day seminar explores the interstices, challenges and future trends of fashion in global culture and urbanisation. The afternoon session focuses on innovation and sustainability in the fashion industry.
10-4, 14 March, New Seminar Room, Storey Hall, RMIT, tickets $25 9925 9130.