Marilena Di Florio’s statement about the stadium was pulled from a runway at the last minute

There’s a message behind the designs of Marilena Di Florio, but one particular item with a statement about the stadium didn’t make it to the runway of her most recent show.

Fashion designs from the Tasmanian Fashion Runway at Rosny Barn. Models Xanthea McCartney, Amy Coppleman and Gemma Barnes in designs by Marilena Di Florio. Picture: Linda Higginson

An air force veteran turned designer hoped to make a statement about the proposed stadium at Macquarie Point at a Hobart fashion event, but the idea was pulled at the last minute.

Marilena Di Florio showed off her designs on Sunday at the 2023 Tasmanian Fashion Runway.

“[Sunday’s] looks were all fabrics I’ve used from previous designs, using leftover fabric,” Ms Di Florio said.

“A lot of designers are left with dead stock or leftover fabric.

“Part of my ethos is slow fashion, ethical and fully sustainable to not have to purchase new fabric.”

Fashion designs from the Tasmanian Fashion Runway at Rosny Barn. Picture: Linda Higginson

Fashion designs from the Tasmanian Fashion Runway at Rosny Barn. Picture: Linda Higginson

Ms Di Florio said her ethos inspired her to put a spin on a Tasmanian essential.

“The puffer jacket is made from lace and lined with leftover satin from dresses I’ve made,” she said.

“Considering a lot of Tasmanians wear puffer jackets it’s great to put a different spin on it and have a more dressed up version of the puffer jacket.”

Marilena Di Florio hoped to make a statement about the proposed stadium at Macquarie Point at a Hobart fashion event, but the idea was pulled at the last minute.

And she’d hoped to make a different kind of statement on the runway.

“I had a tote bad that had the words ‘yes stadium’ on there, it was pulled by the event co-ordinator moments before the runway,” Ms Di Florio said.

“I don’t see it as a political statement, I see it as a personal statement.

“Statements are made on runways around the world, there’s no reason Hobart should be different... but I do respect the sensitivity people have around it.”

Ms Di Florio will also showcase her designs at the Tasmanian Fashion Festival in September.