Undress Runway – Melbourne 2019 | New Releaze
“We believe in looking good responsibly.”
To sum up Undress Runway Melbourne 2019 in two words? The future. We collectively as a society can no longer deny the existence of climate change, nor the impact we are playing in its expanse. We can not deny the negative impact the fast fashion industry has on the environment and the wellbeing of its workers in developing countries – enter Undress Runways.
Undress Runways began in 2011 as a pop up runway in a Brisbane car park. Since then, it has grown into Australia’s leading sustainable fashion runway, and continues to push for sustainability, diversity, and setting the bar for the industry. The program, which for the first time included a conference with keynote speakers – the people at the very forefront of the sustainability movement – led important discussions on recycling, ethics, and diversity within the fashion industry.
Set up in charming, rustic warehouse in North Coburg, the 10 hour event began with the conference. Each speaker brought such passion and drive, each convincing in their own way of just how much they believed in their cause and their strategies. It was a wonderful cornucopia of diversity and inclusivity. While all of the speakers were exceptional, a few that stood out to us at New Releaze was:
New Releaze’s Favourite Fashion Activists
Dominique Drakeford – An absolute pioneer of sustainability in fashion – and the role that people of colour have to it’s origin. She merges sustainability with style, working toward the goal of healing the earth and pushing positive social change. Having received a Master’s Degree from NYU in Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Fashion, she has worked with many companies to understand what it takes to achieve a regenerative future. Dominique is the chief curator of Melanin and Sustainable Style, (@melaninass) a blog showcasing the place of indigenous culture and people of colour within sustainable fashion lifestyles.
Natalie Isaacs – Founder and CEO of @1millionwomen, a movement of 880,000 women (and counting) who are fighting the climate crisis by changing the way they live. A former cosmetics manufacturer, Natalie realised that individual action is a powerful path to solving the climate crisis. Leaving behind the over-packaged world of skin and beauty care, she is now a pioneer in the gender and climate change arena in Australia. Her mission is to be a global organisation inspiring women all over the world.
Faye Shee-Durnion – In her own words – “My name is Faye Shee-Durnion and I am currently a year 12 student finishing high school at the end of this year. Having an interest in global politics and law, I aspire to study environmental law and later translate my interest into politics. As a young person the prospect of climate change is an issue that directly affects my future, among others and so I am passionate about the need for action in the limited amount of time we have before irreversible change. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I believe that educating others about the issues of climate change and the necessity for sustainable alternatives in life is incredibly important and so I often use my social media and profile as a school captain to spread the word. Having grown up a big fan of David Attenborough, the adverse affects of climate change are apparent to me but the hope still remains.”
Felicia Fox – Felicia Foxx performing as a drag queen at 16 to inspire young people to be their most authentic selves and to broaden the engagement of the LGBTQIA+ community in Aboriginal communities.
Felicia is an inspiring, vocal, and proud queen of colour, inspiring many people all over the world. Felicia’s goal is to continue to break down stereotypes, eradicate stigma and create awareness everywhere she goes for Indigenous & Queer rights.
After the conference, we were ushered into the showcase for mingling, networking, and appreciating the works of:
Next, we all bustled along excitedly to find our seats for the runway; the part we had all been waiting for. The phenomenal 20 designers blew us all away with their chic, stunning pieces – some suited for a quiet night in, others for an outrageous night out. While all pieces were a wonderful showcase, the few that stood out to us were:
New Releaze’s Fave Designers
Gliese 504 – “I was just sitting there staring at my wardrobe, after watching the True Cost. I just I couldn’t wrap my head around it, I couldn’t accept it. Things had to change. So I started with me. Got my old clothes and my singer out and started reworking them. Other people waste became my treasures. Then it became a business.” – The story of Gliese 504
CANAN – “The CANAN label presents a series of relaxed, easy to wear capsule pieces created with a holistic approach to dressing. Our clothing is processed without synthetic chemicals or dyes. The clothes are made in small batches from organic cottons that are dyed using Ayurvedic medicinal herbs. Each piece is imbued with a certain utility and respect for simple tradition.”
SÜK Workwear – “Function, sexuality, fluidity, integrity and fierceness combine in these garments, whose design champions feminine expression, rather than attempting to dismiss and disguise under the usual workwear norm.” – Mimosa Schmidt
Amity Guild – “The Amity Guild was born from the love of hand-crafted suits and connecting likeminded individuals whoa are passionate about leadership and impact. Stan Yarramunua understands the power of art to break down cultural barriers and share stories. Through Stan’s work, the Amity Guild and Oscar Hunt Tailors partnership can bring culture to offices and boardrooms across the country, and connect the wearer to a growing movement of reconciliation in Australia.”
REMUSE – “Fusing artisan techniques, low-impact dye technology, and natural fibers, REMUSE investigates the ways the future of a fashion is simply fashion that takes inspiration from the earth.”
Pendulum Studios – “PENDULUM Studios is all about creating new solutions to the major sustainability issues within the fashion industry. The brand focuses on eliminating fabric wastage through zero waste pattern cutting and establishing circular supply chains through up-cycling waste textiles and using completely biodegradable materials and garment components.”
And of course, it wouldn’t be a fashion runway without the incredible models. Each of the 30 models did a wonderful job of representing each brand with poise and precision, giving each outfit the time in the spotlight that it deserved. Below are some of our favourite models from the magical night.
Stand Out Models
Model Casting by Gustavo Pallacios
Undress Team
But there wouldn’t even be an Undress Runways without the team behind the scenes, especially the Head of Production; Edda Hamar, who ran such a large scale event, with thousands of factors, with grace and ease. The success of the show was a testament to the team work behind the scenes, something Edda made look easy. We can’t wait to see what she does next!
And their wonderful partners:
Partners
We at New Releaze can’t wait to see where the Undress Team takes us next. See you all next year!
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