Before we start, I must acknowledge the amazing carpet and lighting design that graced this runway event. The vibrant colours and boldness of the design elevated the show to a remarkable level, setting it apart from others.

Colour and design are integral to First Nations culture, and this was evident at the Melbourne Fashion Festival. I was fortunate enough to attend and witness this firsthand. The diverse range of styles showcased and the inclusivity of the event made it a truly remarkable experience.

The runway started off with a vocal performance from Jada Weazel kicking off the beginning of the show. Different from most performances in the past, Jada entered the runway from the media pit side, adding to the atmosphere as she slowly made her way to the middle rows of the runway.

The lighting was a mixture of beautiful red tones and hues, with an amazing performance from Jada Weasel. Im a little disappointed I didn’t capture a video to give the full representation. But there is always next time!

Corin Corcoran

First onto the runway was designer:

Corin Corcoran 

With a collection of works incorporating leather textiles, fabrics and metals. Corin’s designs where a modern take on more traditional techniques of cloth making, with large hand stitched seems, open tears, excess fabric and unique patterns, different from the neatly stitched and clean looks from other designers. 

I particularly like the two designs worn by both models: Hana Schlesinger (Left) and Ina Anackov. (Right)

With the feathers being quite a nice contrast with the white ripped pants. Giving almost a futuristic nomadic vibe.

Corin specifically uses recycled and scrap materials in all her design showcased on the night, every piece of fabric and textile shown has either been up-cycled or recycled showcasing the sustainability of her designs. 

Take Pride Movement

Next on the purple carpet was:

Take Pride Movement

A label created by Benjamin Thomson. The showcase had a upfront, loud and bold presence with the designs and colour choice. This runway show speaks not only for the person behind the designs but also the message his trying to send. To be proud of who you are and let nothing stand in your way

I quite liked the styling and the collection as a whole. The throwback vibes of turn of the century fashion mixed with new and unique first nation design, gave it a fresh street style look. 

Yapa Mali

Yapa Mali was the third designer to exhibit at the MFF runway.

Greens, browns and yellows were the colour themes on the night, mixing traditional Ngiyampaa patterns on fabrics and giving them a casual look. Something for everyday wearing.

This collection included a lot of light fabrics and airy designs, more so for warmer climates or for the spring or summer seasons. All designs are made with 100% linen giving them a soft but durable shimmer. I quite liked the look of male shirts and they would make a great look for evening outdoor events. 

Miimi & Jiinda 

Fourth Designer:

Miimi and Jiinda 

Model: Portia Jade Talib lead the start of the showcase in a very summery girl dress. The actual design of the skirt was nice, I liked the use of the uneven cut at the bottom which made the front a little shorter than the back. Plus a ruffle at the bottom of a dress is always a good idea to add movement, which is also a lot better to photograph. 

The daughter and mom designer duo certainly had some great looks for the showing. Melissa being the fashion designer with her mom Lauren designing the hand woven aspects of the outfits. 

As a whole the collection had pretty much every aspect of fashion design, from swimwear, evening wear and a beautiful puffy sleeve dress, which was the final outfit of the collection, the long train at the back made the outfit my favourite from the label. 

Gali Swimwear 

Now not to be critical, In fact to be absolutely honest. There is not a great deal to talk about with this collection due to the fact that the amount of fabric used for this collection would’ve amounted to one dress from a previous designer :).

I thought the patterns were nice, they are at the end of the day colourful male swim briefs. Well done to the models for keeping themselves looking very sharp. The ladies of the audience quite enjoyed the event! 

Banbu 

Now as I said in my last post, this years fashion festival included me capturing some videos. Banbu’s colourful and vibrant collection included loosely hanging fabrics for evening dresses, ruffled bottoms and tops, all in a very two tone and shinny presentation, lets not forget the unique doily styled dress at the opening of the showcase too. 

Josh Dean

Josh Dean

showed his latest collection the mixture of pop culture and street art with his bold use of colours and print. 

From a fashion standpoint, you’d be hard-pressed to miss one of these outfits on the street and they definitely make an impression.

One of the outfits included a artistic drawn fire design like something you would see from an old school 50s hot rod. If you look closely enough you will see cockatoos and barbwire included too.

Delvene Cockatoo-Collins

Delvene Cockatoo-Collins Queensland based designs made it way onto the runway with very deep, dark tones. (Model: Ben Hebbard)

Giving a very moody vibe for the second last designer at the Melbourne Fashion Festival’s Back in Blak Premium Runway Event.

One of the unique things about this collection was the use of Duster like jackets. The one worn by Model: Ben Hebbard, a black-and-white bird print outfit looked great, the contrast between the black coat and the cream one piece romper suit look awesome. Now I’m no Bird expert but from what I can see it’s either a Darter or a Black necked Stork. Correct me if im wrong! 

Another unique item was a one off black tutu dress, combined with a brown gold printed top and fibrous natural earrings

Lychee Alkira 

Last but certainly not least we have NSW designer Renee Henderson with her label Lychee Alkira.

Last but certainly not least we have NSW designer Renee Henderson with her label Lychee Alkira.

A recent graduate, Renee showcased her latest collection ‘Pathways’ with bright colours and prints. All her work is natural fibres and dye, with her prints being environmentally conscious in its process.

The first piece featured a vibrant red and white floral print party dress, subsequently transitioning to a bathing suit adorned with an oversized pocket vest, both looking to be crafted from the same material.

Bathing suits seemed to have had a theme at this runway event with more than three designers showing there latest swimwear designs.

One of the pieces I found I liked the most from the collection, was a grey and white skirt worn by Model: Ina Anackov.

The pattern and print work of the skirt was beautiful and you could see it suiting a lot of different styles, from formal gatherings to street style

Good vibes were definitely the theme for this runway finishing her collection off with another party dress. 

To Wrap Things Up:

Without a doubt, Melbourne fashion festivals Back In Blak premium runway was an absolute blast to photograph, the crowds enjoyed it. The musical performance was exceptional, and the atmosphere was electric as the event commenced. Having missed last year’s event, I approached the runway with an open mind, eager to witness the offerings. I must express a round of applause for the designers, as I was thoroughly impressed. This year’s event undoubtedly helps create Back In Blak to become a highly anticipated fixture in the Melbourne fashion festival calendar.

Shot on Canon R5C 

Lens: Canon RF 70-200mm F/4

Location: Royal Exhibition Building Melbourne

Words and Photographs by: Aidan McCorry

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