Katie Bean and Erin Kielty
This year’s fashion show aimed to ‘reimagine sustainability’, promoting eco-friendly fashion in a captivatingly unique showcase. With stunning designs, incredible models and a fitting venue, the event featured the work of a wide variety of talented designers, undoubtedly inspiring the audience to make more environmentally conscious fashion choices. Proceeds from the show were in aid towards Save the Children charity; their pieces were also showcased in the runway promoting the shop on Nicholson St and encouraging preloved second hand clothing.
Ready for the show - guests gathered around the bar area
When walking into the venue, the atmosphere was palpable. The secluded, underground location added an aura of exclusivity - although it was only 7.30, it was bustling, with complimentary drinks being handed out, as well as the nostalgic touch of a party bag for all guests. While sipping my glass of Chenin blanc, I enjoyed mingling before the show - everyone I talked to was rightly impressed by the layout, organisation and decor; the latter reminiscent of a 90s prom, with silver streamers adorning the upstairs section, glimmering with beams of light from the disco ball.
90s core - the decoration of the venue had been meticulously thought-out, giving a vintage feel.
The event showcased design collections from a range of artists, for whom sustainability is central to their work. Kira Margolis’ handmade crochet pieces embodied the theme wholeheartedly, ‘reimagining sustainability’ by adding a modern and trendy twist to a timeless craft. Examples of pieces are the most adorable and cosy-looking balaclavas, cute tote bags and chunky scarves. Kira’s designs can be purchased from her Instagram (@kiramargolisdesigns) and on her website, which is linked in the image below, and are customisable!
Pictured: balaclavas, bags and scarves
Available from - https://kiramargolis.square.site/
Another designer from the show was SCOPED PROJECT who captured the edgy and intoxicating digital playground of the meta-fashion world, showcasing a dark wardrobe of grunge baggy jeans, rhinestone belts, sheer fishnet tops and box-cut cropped black blazers. Designer Tianyi Cheng’s pieces stood out amongst the other sustainable brands with his innovative, futuristic styling.
Check out their Instagram @scoped_project showcasing NFT-style marketing and virtual reality designs.
Pictured: fish net top, baggy jeans, cropped black blazer
BETTY’s BOUTIQUE brought a funky, retro, and psychedelic vibe: Models adorned in Betty’s Boutique bestowed a whimsical atmosphere to the runway with summary and floral palates. A top favourite was the gorgeous, peach dress pictured above introducing a vintage 70s edit to the runway which contrasted with the more modern pieces.
Pictured: High neck peach midi dress
Another brand that was involved was Edit - a brand that focuses on incorporating denim into its sustainable pieces - a choice that ensures that the garments are long-lasting, cherishable and importantly, sustainable items. I loved the relaxed and effortless vibe of the clothes, and I thought that their unique look also brought a classiness, reminiscent of high fashion - perfectly fitting for a runway.
Pictured: Designs from the sustainable brand, Edit.
Malika McKenny is an artist from Miami. Though her main focus in the past has been using traditional media such as ink and acrylic to create visual art, she has recently begun to explore fabric-based designs. Her summery designs fit casually and effortlessly into outfits, elevating them to create unique looks. Malika loves using earthy tones, as she feels that they ‘reflect the natural world’, which aligns perfectly with the theme of ‘reimagining sustainability’.
Pictured: earthy-toned, summery pieces from @malika.mckenny (sites.google.com/view/malikamckenney/home)
A top and dress made using bicycle chains, a suit made from ties, and a jumpsuit made from jumpers are all examples of inventive creations from @sewsbyorla. Recycling and repurposing old garments is a creative and expressive way of practising sustainability - seeing Orla’s designs on the runway revealed the inspiring possibilities.
Pictured: @SewsbyOrla - imaginative designs. (@photosbyshagunjain)
We would both like to say a special thanks and a huge shoutout to UOE Fashion Society’s president Amy, as well as the whole fashion show team and the stunning models, DJ and photographer. It was an amazing show, and we can’t wait for Fashion Soc’s next event!
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