The Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival or VAMFF has officially launched their program for 2019 and yours truly had the opportunity to hear from festival CEO Graeme Lewsey all about it.
The invite said dinner at Mercedes Me on Collins St and to be there at 6pm for drinks. With a thunderstorm brewing I did consider whether wearing shoes made out of fabric was wise, but festival chic wasn’t exactly the looking I was going for, so the wellies stayed at home. Which makes me think: as attending a music festival includes camping, don’t you think all those people in crochet and sandals would be more comfortable in active wear? I always think that when I see street style from Coachella.
I digress.
Frocked up, the guests were Melbourne based media, a smattering of designers, board members, PR and only a handful of influencers and bloggers.
I was inspired to hear from Graeme who’s been at the helm for 8 years but is just as excited and thrilled by the whole thing as though it was his first time in the seat. I think he might have said ‘super excited’ at least 20 times and by the end of it I couldn’t help but feel that way as well.
The thunderstorm waited to burst until I was walking back to my car and the soggy drive home gave me time to reflect on some of my highlights. Will I see you there?
It’s no secret that Melbourne is considered the fashion capital of Australia (Anna Wintour didn’t even bother with Sydney on a recent trip) and so with that comes an exciting line up of independent runways. I’m looking forward to seeing the ‘Micky In the Van’ show at Rivoli Cinemas on March 2nd, before I jet over to see what The Fashion Advocate has planned in her show at Como House called ‘Identity.’ These runways are endorsed by the festival, but the designers have complete creative control meaning you are going to see the cities finest creative minds on display.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST
Who doesn’t love a breakfast, am I right? Now imagine you get to listen to the likes of Camilla Franks, Miranda Tapsell and Australian marie clare editor Nicky Briger over your eggs and OJ.
This will be Camilla’s first public foray since her diagnosis with cancer and the birth of her daughter, making this forum unique and a chance to hear her incredible story. I’ve interviewed her before and the woman is nothing if not a force of nature so the breakfast is sure to be a highlight.
You might remember that last year I spent a huge chunk of time here because, well, it’s STUNNING. I’m so excited the atrium will be back for another year, offering patrons complimentary touch ups, hair dos or you can try out the very latest runway trends to wear to the parades. It’s free, opens at 5.30pm every day and I can tell you right now – you will love it!
For the full program and to buy tickets, head to www.vamff.com.au
