Revival Runway: Independent Melbourne fashion designers on display

Trendy Melburnians can still shop ethically. Take a look at some of the city’s emerging fashion designers.

Not for profit platform called to promote local Victorian independent fashion designers to gain exposure. Models Aayushi Badhwar wearing LH Clothings design and Musanda Michelle wearing Scenic Flaws design. Picture: David Caird

Fashion-lovers will have front row seats to Melbourne’s emerging designers at the historic Abbotsford Convent.

The former monastic complex’s courtyard will for the first time be transformed into a catwalk on Sunday for Revival Runway’s upcoming show.

The volunteer-run event will showcase 10 of Melbourne’s independent and small fashion labels who share values of sustainable fashion, cutting down on waste, and ethically produced clothing.

Revival Runway founder Sofie Carfi said global players made it difficult for smaller brands to “cut through the noise” and be noticed.

“By introducing our guests to local fashion brands and micro businesses that are conscious of their social and environmental footprint, we cannot only offer great marketing opportunities for these brands, we can also support a cleaner, greener fashion industry,” she said.

Show-goers will have front row seats to the runway regardless of where they are sitting, because of the courtyard’s rectangle shape.

The organisation’s creative director, Niki Bruce, said models would be walking around all four sides of the area.

“It’s got a real Melbourne vibe to it, and the clothes will look fantastic against the red brick of the whole space,” she said.

“A lot of the clothes are bright colours which I think will look really cool.”

Ms Bruce said the Sunday show was the first of three planned events, but the following two scheduled for May and October were reliant on the success of the first.

“Everything is pro-bono, so we can’t have another event unless people buy tickets for this one,” she said.

“It is voluntary, and is specifically designed to help small business and young creatives who want to work in the fashion industry.”

The Revival Runway show Summer Daze will take place at the Abbotsford Convent Courtyard, from 6pm to 8pm on Sunday.

All guests will get a front-row seat as well as receiving a drink and a small gift from one of the designers.

Tickets can be bought for $55 per person and are on sale here: https://www.trybooking.com/BVUMF

To donate to the not-for-profit visit: https://revivalrunway.com