‘It’s fashion Christmas’: The most stylish people at fashion week

At fashion week, the attendees can be broadly divided into two groups. The first are the celebrities, influencers and VIPs who walk the red carpet, often wearing gifted or borrowed looks by the designers featuring on the runway. Then there’s everybody else.

Beyond the front row, some of the best fashion is in the so-called cheap seats, where the “real” people sit (that is, the ones who bought – or made – their own outfits, and tickets).

Fit check … Molly Hisgrove at the Melbourne Fashion Festival.Credit: Eddie Jim

Some of them spend months carefully buying and styling their ensembles with the same level of detail and care as a Taylor Swift fan. “It’s fashion Christmas!” one industry figure who couldn’t contain her excitement shrieked as the parade of looks descended on the Melbourne Fashion Festival on Monday.

While many were there to witness up close the star power of Elle Macpherson, who walked in the show as a special guest of sponsor PayPal, some of the best fashion was seen outside, in the plaza.

Photographer Liz Sunshine, who has documented the festival for about 10 years, gave this year’s street style an early thumbs up, praising people’s creativity and reduced reliance on labels to attract attention. “I see no two looks the same, no fashion tribe unrepresented, no clear trend, no clear street style ‘winner’,” she says.

“Compared to previous years, I see less known or obvious brands, less black, less ‘peacocking’, and more people looking at ease within their clothes.”

Doff your cap to that.

Joshua Jessup, 27, and Matt Moss, 28, designers and content creators

Josh Jessup (left) and Matt Moss.Credit: Eddie Jim

What inspired your outfit?
Joshua: In our interior design work we are known for colour and having a bright energy, so we wanted to reflect that.
Matt: I am very inspired by [American designer] Kelly Wearstler. We love mixing plants and the interior together, so I wanted to feel like a bit of a walking garden.

What are you wearing?
Joshua: My outfit is a pre-loved Issey Miyake shirt with new Issey Miyake pants, a pre-loved Louis Vuitton bag (bought at auction), Balenciaga sneakers from Depop, Loewe glasses and thrifted jewellery.
Matt: I am also wearing Issey Miyake, Golden Goose sneakers and some random jewellery and Gucci rings.

What did your outfit cost?
Joshua: About $3000.
Matt: My pants were a present, my shirt was $500, so maybe a couple of thousand all up.

What is your style tip?
Joshua: Find your own authenticity because as soon as you start wearing things that feel like they reflect you, you will feel powerful.

Jo Smith, 49, hairdresser and salon owner

Jo SmithCredit: Eddie Jim

What inspired your outfit? I am a massive Victoria Beckham fan, so with her just showing in Paris I thought it was a good tribute.

What are you wearing? Gucci shoes and watch, Victoria Beckham clutch and slogan tee, a Zimmermann skirt and a Zara blazer. The clutch and tee are the only new elements.

What did your outfit cost? About $4000, over time.

What is your style tip? Dress in what makes you feel good. If it makes you feel confident and happy, then it’s always the right outfit.

Robert Bonomy, 39, campaign manager

Robert BonomyCredit: Eddie Jim

What inspired your outfit? I feel like a colouring book. This shirt is my blank canvas, and I have my palette [with my bag].

What are you wearing? The bag is Emilio Pucci, the jeans are UNIQLO, Comme des Garcons x Converse sneakers and a shirt by Drole de Monsieur.

What did your outfit cost? A little over $2000, but who’s counting?

What is your style tip? I love to dress high-low, especially in this cost-of-living crisis. The best thing everyone can do is shop their wardrobe. You’ll be amazed at what’s at the back.

Vivienne Gidakos, 50s, retail store designer

Vivienne GidakosCredit: Eddie Jim

What inspired your outfit? I found this coat, which is made from recycled tote bags, and built my outfit around that.

What are you wearing? Marine Serre coat, Bottega Veneta shoes, Loewe glasses, Prada bag. The coat and glasses are new.

What did your outfit cost? A couple of thousand dollars.

What is your style tip? Don’t copy a trend exactly, add your own twist to it.

Jess Rae King, 34, model and content creator

Jess Rae KingCredit: Eddie Jim

What inspired your outfit? Melbourne is so stereotypically black, so I wanted to inject a little bit of colour.

What are you wearing? Top and pants by Silk Laundry, Alias Mae shoes and Mimco accessories.

What did your outfit cost? Nothing. I am lucky enough to work with the brands [as an influencer].

What is your style tip? Forget trends and just wear what makes you feel great.

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