It’s night number four at Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) and we are celebrating International Women’s Day. It’s Virgin Australia’s Grand Showcase presented by Marie Claire, showcasing Australia’s most successful designers: Ginger and Smart.
Prior to the runway, we grab a quick bite, a lovely sashimi bento box from the Mr. Miyagi activation with a glass of Pinot Noir from sponsor 6ft6 at the VAMFF Plaza. Photographer James McPherson takes a snap of a fashion influencer with a ‘Girl Power’ top because yes, today is all about women.
James McPherson Photography
Tonight’s show is a little bit different from the previous nights; we’ll be sitting front and centre at the ‘Risers’ or better known as the ‘Media Pit’ with prime shooting view of the runway. Exciting! I love being behind the camera.
We enter the Royal Exhibition Building, with Australian television, music and fashion personalities, influencers and bloggers, to start with media pics on the runway.
The crowd take their seats and lights fade to black. Welcome to the Grand Showcase, where internationally-renowned label Ginger and Smart will take you through a stylistic roller coaster of all the oohs and aahs, and all of the YASSES.
James McPherson Photography
The opening look for Ginger and Smart is a burgundy-deep plum, long sequined dress; round-neck long sleeves, glimmering straight to the ankles, with open-toed black ankle boots for some elegant edge. A semi-circle clutch of the same tone is matched, with an exaggerated tassel. I’m seeing a lot of thick ponytail-like tassels for the new season. Big tassel earrings, or little add ons as accessories.
Then follows some blush pink — add on more burgundy and even a leather jacket. A little bit of sequined sparkle is also an addition to the Ginger and Smart collection.
James McPherson Photography
The looks play with a contrast of future and feminine. A long tasseled black dress, with rows or sheer black fabric. A little bit of skin, and so much sophistication. Long leather gloves, to match a timeless black stiletto boot. Yum.
Then comes along my absolute favourite collection for evening. Angelic, goddess-like but fierce. Think light pinks, rose golds and soft golds, and white for purity. Butterfly-like cutout metallic hand-created pieces — oh, like I actually need this in my wardrobe (sigh!). Feminine yet bold textures.
James McPherson Photography
As I said, it was a stylistic rollercoaster of all the contrasts and playfulness. LOVE! Because that’s how you want to feel when you come to a runway show.
You can Shop the Runway – have a look-see and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
– Sheena
Follow Sheena Reyes’s journey on Instagram: @sheenareyes.
VAMFF runs until 18 March 2018 – make sure to check out all of the upcoming events at vamff.com.au. Check out VAMFF’s Shop The Runway for all runway styles.
View The Plus Ones’ coverage of VAMFF 2018.
