Local designers take centre stage

LOCAL designers and brands will soon see their creations hit the runway as Creative Coast returns to Geelong on February 23.

Hosted by non-profit organisation Revival Runway, the show features more than 10 designers and brands from Geelong, the Surf Coast and Mornington Peninsula, along with models, make-up artists, hairstylists and fashion installations.

The show will be part of the Melbourne Fashion Festival Independent Program and is the first regional show to be included.

Established brands such as Jade and May and Shortlist will have designs featured in the show, with new labels including Marisol, Pretty Parcel, Here Again and Happy Here also involved.

Textile artists Lea Oldjohn and Kate MV Sylvester will showcase their wearable fashion pieces, while artist-makers Lazarus Gordon and Emily Rastas will get creative with upcycled textiles as part of a central fashion installation.

Shortlist, owned by sisters Tracey van Ingen and Julie Chrisy, will return to the fashion event for its second year, and looks forward to showcasing a new range.

“It was such a good event and what was really good too was the way it brought designers together,” Ms van Ingen said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing some of the people that I did connect with last time and I haven’t seen since and the opportunity to showcase some new things that we’ve got coming in.

“We all sit front row and it’s always so rewarding to see your stuff there and to see people’s reactions.”

Ms van Ingen said people can expect to see wearable, timeless and ageless pieces in their designs on the runway.

“We pride ourselves on natural fibres, elevated essentials; they’re ageless and timeless so they have longevity and that’s our key to slow fashion.”

Revival Runway is run by volunteers and aims to bring lovers of fashion together, supporting and showcasing local independent Australian designed fashion.

“We feel strongly about supporting small, independent designers, particularly those who are located in regional Victoria,” founder Sofie Carfi said.

“The rising cost of living in Australia has made it even harder for emerging brands to make an impact and reach their audiences, which is why we feel events like Creative Coast in Geelong matter.”

Creative Coast will take place at Novotel Geelong between 1pm and 4pm, with the event split into two mini-shows.

For tickets and more information, head to revivalrunway.com.