Bendigo Real World Fashion Runway

In case you were wondering – yes – I do venture outside Chadstone and urban fashion events.

I even find myself styling in charming gold rush cities.

So last Friday I was  delighted to host the Bendigo Market Place Real World Fashion Runway event.

Thanks to online shopping, cities like Bendigo now have access to an array of retailers and products but I was invited to showcase fashion that can be found in the city itself. The event also saw every day locals take to the runway and of course some inspiring style transformations.

Now, I’m quite spoilt for choice when it comes to sourcing clothing and accessories for style events in Melbourne so I knew I’d have to be a little more creative with my smaller pool of products. But I needn’t have stressed as I was warmly welcomed by gorgeous shop assistants and enthusiastic store managers all excited to help and secure an opportunity to have their new season collections on display.

While the likes of Portmans, Lovisa and Just Jeans were off limits, I curated the entire runway with the following brands:

• Dotti
• Famous Footwear
• JacquiE
• Jeans West
• Katies
• Knot &Crop
• Man to Man
• Motto
• Novo
• Roger David
• Suzanne Grey
• Tarocash
• Valley Girl and
• Price Line for make-up and Hairhouse Warehouse for hair

Our seven models ranged in ages and sizes; from 20 to 66 years of age and size 6 to size 16. Our male model wearing XXXL.

Five of the models volunteered through the centre and the other two were my lovely clients of many years – one living in Bendigo and one in Echuca.

Like all runways, there are tight deadlines, schedule challenges and it was extremely hectic in the lead-up to the event. I’m proud to say we pushed through and delivered a successful show.

One of my favourite part of these events is the courage our models demonstrate by putting themselves in our hands to be styled and take their first runway walk in front of a large audience.

It can be quite daunting!

Now unlike a traditional fashion show where the clothes are the “showcase”, I like to think that the Real World Runways prioritise the person wearing the clothes. It’s important that models are more than a hanging rack and are relatable to the audience. Once styled, their confidence is contagious and audience members can see what a difference style can make to not only the appearance of a person but the way they feel.

It was lovely to see smartphones out and notes being made of curated looks and style tips. Post show, stores were then inundated with people ready to try on runway pieces they’d seen.

And that’s really what it’s all about. Finding your personal style is a consistent evolution, a journey and should change with your age and lifestyle.

It was great to show the Bendigo audience how to make style work for them. Clothes are nothing without the people wearing them.

Now it’s onto the runway photos of which there are only a few to show.  I hope this gives you a brief look into the event and perhaps a visit to some of the stores in your local centre.

 

 

Well done to all the models and to The Bendigo Market Place for putting on such a fun event.