There are very few things that excite me more than a fashion event.
Travelling is one thing. Seeing my fiance when he returns from his interstate job is another. And then there is raw chocolate.
But the upcoming Cross Conscious Eco Fashion Event is one of those rare events that I’m so excited about that all else pales in comparison.
A collaboration between renowned fashion design school, the Whitehouse Institute of Design and not for profit organisation Australian Red Cross, this fashion charity event is shaping up to be the only reason to leave your house mid-week!
I was invited to an exclusive preview to the fittings and a behind the scenes look at the making of the event and I was honoured to meet the creative team responsible for planning the show, some of Australia’s up and coming movers and shakers of our fashion industry. I was also very vocal in my praise of their decision to embrace sustainable concepts. The team explained to me the reasons behind some of their creative choices. Such as the decision to highlight the colour red which they said represents their involvement with the Red Cross and raising awareness of their 140 stores nation wide. They are also including upcycled street wear in the show which represents the idea of what it is to be a Melbournian, urban cool, edgy and avant garde. And the choice to allow the involvement of JVDB Productions, who are responsible for sound and lighting and using LED lighting throughout the venue, is even more evidence of the extent to which the team are embracing eco concepts.
And why upcycled and repurposed fashion? The team explained that this came about organically as many of them are aware of sustainable practices now more than ever given the level of awareness of the subject across other areas of life. They also explained that these issues are highlighted in their course curriculum. But one of the primary reasons is that the Australian Red Cross approached them to do a collaboration, and the students really liked the concept of transforming donated clothing. So the fashion show centres around garments from the Australian Red Cross stores that have been upcycled and re-purposed by third year students as well as established designers.
I got to have a look at the creations being offered by labels such as Godwin Charli, Olga de Polga, Ameca Calleja, Yesterday’s Virgins, Jimi’s Voodoo, El and Tino, Elenii and Res Denim and fell in love with some of the pieces including an upcycled tartan jacket created by Godwin Charli and the distressed denim clothing by Res Denim. One of a kind, individualistic, wearable and sustainable, ticking all of my boxes! Given my own reaction to witnessing the pieces first hand, I think the audience is in for a treat! In addition, the model talent, from two of Australia’s leading modelling agencies Chadwick and Vivienne’s, means that eco fashion will get somewhat of an equal footing to some of the other established unsustainable brands that have unfortunately flooded our market.
The event is being held at the ground floor of the iconic building that houses the Whitehouse Institute of Design on Wednesday 12th June at 7pm, with live performances from DJ’s and street artists and celebrity appearances including event ambassador, Miss Universe Australia Jesinta Campbell. A night of inspiration, conversation and sustainable awareness which also just happens to be on my birthday. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it really!
And if you are planning to attend, make sure to bring your wallets and purses as Cross Conscious will have it’s own ‘Thread Shed’, a pop-up boutique showcasing upcycled garments, vintage pieces and designer wear giving guests a chance to purchase sustainable fashion and unique items. I have personally witnessed the rows of donated denim jeans that will be up for purchase and really looking forward to grabbing myself a bargain! And this would not be an eco fashion event without the requisite donation to a good cause, so a good thing to know that all proceeds from the ‘Thread Shed’ will go directly to the Australian Red Cross.
So come and join me for a fun winter night filled with music, entertainment, fashion and sustainable shopping. And don’t forget to tap me on the shoulder and say hello. I love meeting passionate people with a shared love for fashion and sustainable design! And if you haven’t already got your tickets, head to their website here.
