Runway show to support independent labels

A unique fashion show celebrating independent Victorian designers from Geelong, the Surf Coast and other coastal areas such as the Mornington Peninsula will hit The Pier later this month.

Hosted by non-profit organisation Revival Runway, the event will feature two parades and showcase 10 different local designers, including the colourful Emipeli Design, Belmont-based Own Kind and the over 60s fashionistas from Geraldine Australia.

The organisation is entirely run by volunteers and began in 2019.

“I just felt a bit overwhelmed with all the fast fashion that’s come in and how we’ve lost sight of our own creatives,” Revival Runway founder Sofie Carfi said.

“And with fashion, I think, sometimes you just need to see the movement of the fabric as people walk and live in it.”

This month’s runway show, named Creative Coast, marks the organisation’s first event outside of Melbourne.

Carfi said the purpose of the show was to provide a platform for small fashion labels to engage with potential customers and increase their visibility.

“It’s quite an inclusive event celebrating our local fashion.

“There’s so many brands out there and with social media it’s very hard for brands to find an audience.

“We just try to introduce different brands to people who love fashion that might want to buy something that’s a bit more unique, not mass produced.”

She said the organisation’s efforts were all about discovery, providing locals with an opportunity to uncover labels “they didn’t know about”.

Tickets to the show are $70 and include nibbles and a complimentary drink on arrival.

“Guests will be treated like a VIP,” Carfi said.

“What’s unique about our shows is every guest has a front row seat.

“There’s none of this peering over someone’s head to have a look at what [the models] are wearing.”

She said the organisation did not make a profit from the event and ticket prices covered the cost of staging the event.

“We’d like as many people as possible to come out and see what’s around, what we have on offer, because I’m impressed with our creative industry and I don’t think we get enough recognition.

“I just thinking understanding a little about fashion and what’s in your own backyard is pretty powerful.”

Creative Coast will take place at The Pier, 10 Western Foreshore Road, Geelong on February 25 between 2-4pm.

For more information or to purchase tickets, head to revivalrunway.com