“OWN YOUR POWER” - DRESS FOR YOURSELF THIS FESTIVAL
28 February 2024 | Words by India Curtain
As the kick off for Australia's largest consumer fashion event grows closer, so does the time where one stands in front of an open wardrobe in disarray. While the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is about discovering new styles on the runway, it also acts as an opportunity to celebrate one’s own fashion identity.
Many experienced the pre-going-out ritual from a young age, of pulling piece on and off, a possible breakdown one button-catch away. “It's not a fashion show,” says an exasperated parent through the crack in the bedroom door. For those familiar, it’s time to shine.
Previous Festival attendees can attest to the fact that, while so much inspiration comes from the plentiful showcases that the featured brands present, it also comes from the atmosphere that eclipses Melbourne during this time. The truth is, PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is a space for people to experiment with styles, textures and layers, but also to don their favourite pieces, and feel their most comfortable self.
However, the lead-up can still sometimes cause the classic wardrobe anxiety that so many have felt before; What the heck do I wear?
To settle the first-timer nerves, PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival have spoken to some seasoned veterans of fashion events about their best practices when experiencing a blank stare at one’s closet.
Q: What can I expect when visiting Melbourne Fashion Festival?
According to Festival Acting Program Manager, Thea Basiliou, attendees should come ready for a good time. There are plenty of free admission and ticketed options available throughout the week.
“Everyone is also welcome to come and visit our Fashion Forecourt supported by City of Melbourne to soak up the energy” she says. “There really is something for everyone!”
Whether it’s a runway show, workshop, showcase or exhibition, expect to be met with a lively crowd. PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is a night filled with music, stalls, freebies and plenty of insta opportunities. Fashion and Celebrity stylist and brand-owner Lana Wilkinson loves the way that Melbourne ‘comes alive’ during the festival weeks.
“It’s such a busy time but it’s so worth it... I’m really excited to be a part of it,” she says.
Journalist, podcaster and content creator Maggie Zhou has been attending the festival since 2017, where she started as a volunteer. She adores the buzz and excitement of the week.
“You always leave feeling inspired and reinvigorated (despite the sore feet),” she says.
Each year, March in Melbourne can be temperamental in weather, but always spilling with energy. Riding on the back of the summer months, it’s common to see the previous season’s trends flow into the Festival style. Lana notes that colour are back in a big way, and advises to have bold, daring moments.
Q: How do I dress for the runway shows?
As a stylist, Lana has the task of settling the odd fashion crisis, and says her most crucial piece of advice is that fashion is meant to be fun. She believes in the importance of “owning your power” through styling confidently and fearlessly.
“You have to feel and look like your best version, Embrace the parts of yourself that you love and highlight them.”
Maggie agrees that the real fun comes from getting dressed up and pushing your fashion sensibilities. She tells festival first-timers “not to get sucked into what you think you should wear, and stay true to your personal style.”
Whether or not you choose to align with the style of the runway show you attend, is up to you. A streetwear show like Block Party allows you to experiment with your edgier side, while Suit Up Runway (supported by Network 10 and Esquire) might offer the opportunity to dust off that tailored-paint-blazer combo you’ve been dying to wear. It’s easy to stress about looking the part, but the reality is, everyone is coming and going from one place or another, and you’ll fit in regardless.
Lana emphasises the way accessories, hair and makeup can change the impact of an outfit. It’s helpful to take in every element, rather than just clothes, to put together something you feel good in. As the owner of Lana Wilkinson shoes, the stylist will sometimes build a look from the ground-up. A core piece such as a handbag or statement necklace could also be a fun starting point to experiment with styling oneself.
“More is more, there’s no such thing as being over-styled. Just have fun!” She says. She loves to think outside the box, styling a piece in a complete different direction to its mannequin look.
Q: Do I need to buy something new?
Short answer: No!
Queen of the train station fit check, Maggie loves to mix and match a wardrobe staple with a core piece or accessory. “It’s more interesting when people wear pieces they already own from their wardrobe,” she says. “Rather than buying entirely new outfits.”
Lana agrees, stating that “rewear is king.” The time going through one’s wardrobe and rediscovering pieces can be underrated, and sometimes all it needs is a refreshed accessory to do it justice again.
On the other hand, many aspects of this years Festival seeks to showcase the beauty of vintage and pre-owened fashion, such as the Trashie x FJ Clothing Exchange, the Swap and Style event, the Love It Longer Johnston Collection Discussion and the Upcycle Couture Soirée. Explore your own signature style in a sustainable fit and practice your “thanks, it’s vintage” response.
It’s important to treat yourself for a special occasion, and Program Manager Thea is excited about sourcing pieces from emerging local labels that she can pair with her wardrobe staples for this years Festival.
Q: What’s a non-negotiable to bring to a PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival event?
Maggie’s response was simple; “a charged phone and confidence!”
Lana swears by the use of jewellery and accessories to complete an outfit, but also to help you feel confident.
“Whether its a great heel so you walk taller, a great bag that makes you feel powerful or a great pair of earrings to feel like you’ve completely styled up, accessories are your armour,” she says.