Fashion Show Ecothreads – Rags to Runway
August 27th 2016
Ecothreads was a fashion show with a difference, held at the Cherry Bar in AC/DC Lane Melbourne it was a glamorous, extravagant and exciting show, as you would expect of an event that is a part of the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. Staging a fashion runway and an after party with music by the renowned all-girl rock band Stonefield in one of Melbourne’s most iconic rock bars, Ecothreads was definitely an event to be a part of.
Ecothreads is different in the fact that this was a sustainable fashion show that presented up-cycled outfits made by Kangan Institute’s fashion students. All of the outfits were re-designed, re-styled and up-cycled using donated garments from Australian Red Cross Shops that were unsaleable and destined for landfill, the headline of the show speaks for itself ‘Rags to Runway. When Fashion and Music Collide,’ as does the motto ‘Saving the planet…one frock at a time.’
The outfits on show were so impressive, what an amazing effort by these creative and talented students, so contemporary, colourful and original as well as resourceful. There was casual and formal wear and all very artistic and considering the concept behind the project I’m sure it amazed and pleasantly surprised the audience, I certainly was, it was an absolute standout show.
It really raised the bar setting the highest standards for others to follow in more ways than one, in education for the students who participated and equally for the audience, for sustainability and for fundraising, a meaningful outcome where all proceeds from the event will go to Red Cross to help people most in need in Australia and around the world.
I want to emphasise the element of surprise once again as the whole event was so well organised and put together. The runway on AC/DC lane was very ritzy, a laneway already cool with street art and a venue that has staged some of the best Australian and overseas rock legends. Overall the whole thing came together brilliantly, it was a quality, classy and a very ‘rock n roll’ enjoyable night with a purpose and even Melbourne’s unpredictable weather was on side.
Huge congratulations to all who participated and contributed to this worthwhile project, all Kangan Institute staff and students, the models and volunteers and the collaborators The Australian Red Cross and Stonefield.
Creative Stylist: Melissa Jackson
Creative Visual Merchandising: Kate Carroll
Project Creator & Director: Vicki Nicola
Photography: PNP Media
