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MSFW | opening gala

thewunderblog
Jul 5, 2016
2 min read

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week perfectly embodies that unique Melburnian vibe which flows across the whole city. Although it may not be an internationally acclaimed event complete with Karl Lagerfeld in the front row, it is certainly safe to say that there is a certain magnetic pull towards the buzz that comes with a fashion show. Featuring growing Australian designers and labels every year, MSFW always manages to showcase all walks of Australian fashion with just the right amount of glamour. Aside from the nightly fashion shows, the week sees the nooks and crannies of the city filled with pops of fashion, from a ball pit in Emporium to a marketplace style fashion hub in city square. The accessibility and diversity of MSFW separates it from other events, giving everyone a chance to experience the excitement that the words ‘fashion week’ offer.

On Tuesday I attended the Opening Gala at the Town Hall. From bloggers to families to fashion students, the grand building was filled with voices filled with anticipation. Inside, the space bore barely any resemblance to the historical feel of the building itself. The shadows created by the dim lighting paired with the beautiful flowers and walls of greenery exuded a lush spring vibe. It was a safe haven from the chill and darkness of the great outdoors.

After a good 15 minutes of narcissistic photo-taking (where I would take a photo of mum, mum would take a photo of me, we would ask someone to photograph us, and we would return the favour), our eyes were sufficiently dazed to warrant the finding of our seats. The best thing about a runway show is that talking and photography is allowed. As the lights on the runway began to focus, there was still a constant relaxed chatter going on. The show itself was an exciting mix of music and aesthetics. The models walked to the accompaniment of a funky long-haired guy playing an instrument which remains a mystery; perhaps a violin/guitar/er-hu hybrid?

The designers featured included:

Akira
AURELIO COSTARELLA
Carla Zampatti
CHRISTINE
CRAIG BRAYBROOK COUTURE
Gwendolynne
JASONGRECH
Nevenka
nicolangëla
RACHEL GILBERT
Zhivago

Every segment of the show featured a different designer and as each new segment started, a fresh idea was conveyed. Carla Zampatti took the concept of bright spring colours out of the context of ‘nature’ to produce a feeling of extravagance and decadence with the simplicity of colour blocking and fabric. Craig Braybrook’s attention to detail and rich colour combinations personified the vitality of spring. In one night, the audience travelled through gypsy lands, first class functions and Prince Charming’s ball, with the common denominator of spring as the foundation. The night was rounded off with some opera to top off the decadence of the garments. Stepping back into the cold reality of the first couple of days of Melbourne’s spring only left me with more hope and excitement for the coming months of warmth and hayfever.

MSFW packs the style and glamour associated with fashion into a week-long event, with the added bonus of a uniquely Melburnian vibe. The diversity of Melbourne’s urban edge balanced with the historical frame of the city makes up for the lack of Karl Lagerfeld. Almost.