The Fair @ Square runway on Friday night provided a stylish platform for some of Australia's most committed sustainable fashion designers. The parade was opened by RMIT co-director of fashion, Karen Webster who gave an impassioned talk calling Australia's fashion designers to be mindful of the environment, and urging shoppers to consider quality and longevity over quantity: “Let's prevent fashion from imploding on itself to create a viable and vibrant community.”
The stage was then taken by some of the most innovative and mindful designers currently working in the Australian industry.
PaulineLoui with Lydra
PaulineLoui showed a range of flirty floral frocks made from organic and recycled garments supported by Melbourne accssories designer
Lydra.
Bento with SOLLIS Jewellery
Lighthearted and oh-so-wearable pieces from Bento breezed down the runway. Timeless cuts and effortless silhouettes were accented with jewellery from SOLIS who use ancient decorative arts and crafts in their approach to design.
Urbandon with Mulberries
Menswear label Urdandon caused a stir with their perfectly executed separates. Cool khakis, whites and charcoal provided beautiful options for the discerning gents.
SOSUME with Mainichi
SOSUME showed some serious skills in pared back cutting. From easy rompers to glamorous thigh high slitted gowns, a myriad of occasions are catered for. Mainichi accessorise with unexpected details and materials including plastics, leather, timber, felt and bamboo.
Roopa Pemmaraju with Ghost & Lola
Roopa Pemmaraju sent out relaxed, plesantville chic pieces that lent themselves immediately to all activities summer. Tomato, aqua and white colour palette tied the collection together. Ghost & Lola accessories from found objects gave interesting statement pieces to complete the looks.
Hobo Boho with Elgar&Lyle
Comfortable and beautiful summery garments in metallics from Hobo were styled perfectly with the glamorous and hard edged Elgar&Lyle statement jewellery. Hobo boho uses organic materials and is Fair Trade accredited, while Elgar&Lyle explore new frontiers of technology and traditional crafts with lazer cut recycled timber, brass and hand stitching.
Cylk with Hand Hook Yarn
The minimalist aesthetic of seamless pioneering designer, Cylk, provided the perfect platform for the intricate hand crocheted Hand Hook Yarn pieces. Hand Hook Yarn designer, Berri Drum, creates beautiful adornments, acknowledging the long tradition of lace collars, yet firmly basing her aesthetic in the now.
Bhalo with Dames and Divas
Billowy silhouettes in summery cottons with perfectly nipped waists in beautiful cornflower blues and saffrons. Bhalo is engaged in working towards ethical and fair trade practices, working with local communities in Bangladesh.
3rd Time with Mulberries
The starting point for 3rd Time is discarded garments and end of roll fabrics. Classically trained designer, Glen Rollason, used his immaculate pattern cutting skills, and eye for quality fabric to reconstruct unwanted pieces to quasi couture covatable items.
Bachhara
Sending out a rainforest themed capsule collectiom, the fair trade label Bachhara provided an injection of colour to the Fair @ Square parade. Bachhara works with JAAGO Foundation in Bangladesh to provide micro business and training to local women.
The Red Carpet Project with Fourth Daughter
Georgia McCorkill's Red Carpet Project raises awareness of environmental problems faced by the fashion industry via special occasion dresses made of silk fabric sourced from Melbourne based designers’ remnants. She showed a cohesive catwalk with pales nudes providing a backdrop to her skills in hand detailing, and creating interesting silhouettes. Fourth Daughter jewellery complimented the show beautifully, supporting and providing interest with some bold pieces.