Cassie Callegher (Calibre), Justin Lacko (the male Face of MSFW) and Ty Henschke (head designer at Calibre). Photo: Fashion Aid / Robert Anthony Photography
Fashion with a passion for charity is on its way to Crown Palladium this September as stars gear up for Melbourne’s fundraising event of the year.
Fashion Aid 007 is set to leave Melbourne shaken, not stirred on September 13 with this year’s annual event drawing inspiration from James Bond to celebrate its seventh year.
The one-night extravaganza combines food and art with some of Australia’s finest fashion designers and performers to raise money and awareness for deserving charities and causes.
This year, Fashion Aid 007 will support the Love Me Love You Foundation.
Lance Picioane (founder of Love Me Love You) and Emma Picioane. Photo: Fashion Aid / Robert Anthony Photography
Love Me Love You is a not-for-profit organisation founded by former AFL footballer Lance Picioane. The charity, which is still in its infancy, is committed to the prevention and control of youth mental health disorders in Australia and aims to empower young people to achieve their full potential.
Picioane experienced anxiety and depression from an early age and says he felt pressure to meet the expectations of those around him.
“I didn’t deal with depression very well for a long time; I used to escape reality by partying and living a lie. I had to hit rock bottom before I was able realise the position I was in.”
After battling through the downward spiral many professional athletes face after retirement, Picioane spent three years rebuilding his life and preparing for the launch of his organisation.
“Accepting and acknowledging your issue is really hard but I was lucky I had the support system to help myself. Its very important that people are made aware that they are not the only one that is suffering.”
With a vision to take the foundations programs into schools and local sports clubs, Love Me Love You aims to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues and help create programs to teach kids how to better them.
“Seventy-five per cent of mental health issues are developed before the age of 25,” Picioane said. Empowering youths with coping strategies and the tools to strive to their potential is of big importance.
Fashion Aid’s founder and director, Emma Rombotis, said the charity was close to her heart.
“I have known a few people affected by mental illness and felt like this was the opportunity to bring the stigma associated with mental illness out of the dark and help in the fight to prevent suicide,” she said.
Picioane says he is “ecstatic” to be involved with the “unbelievable” fashion event.
Host Em Rusciano at the launch at La Chinesca. Photo: Fashion Aid / Robert Anthony Photography
Hosted by comedian and singer Em Rusciano, the night will include performances by electronic duo EMPiRE LIVE and The Voice stars Harrison Craig and Prinnie Stevens.
Katie Tanner (EMPiRE LIVE) and designer Matcho Suba. Photo: Fashion Aid / Robert Anthony Photography
Stepping on to the runway will be the garments of Sara Fox, Alannah Hill, Belluccio, Connie Simonetti, Matcho Suba and the highly anticipated new menswear label Sheep Shearer.
Red Carpet Host Emma Davenport. Photo: Fashion Aid / Robert Anthony Photography
Expect slick hair, tight tuxedos and gorgeous gowns on the myriad of celebrities who will strut their stuff down the red carpet. Emma Davenport will be on the front line digging up designer names and inspiration from the stars. She says her favourite part of the gig is never knowing what to expect.
“I’m looking forward to lots of colour and few surprises for sure,” she said.
She’s also pegging Connie Simonetti’s bridal show as the highlight of the night.
“We got a taste of her gorgeous gowns at the launch this year, so if that is anything to go by we’re in for a treat.”
Couples Karstan and Maxine and Jenna and Chris, from Channel Nine’s The Block. Photo: Fashion Aid / Robert Anthony Photography
The event was launched in style last Tuesday night (August 12) at Collins Street’s funky La Chinesca. Stars from Channel Nine’s The Block, Channel Ten’s MasterChef and Channel Seven’s House Husbands were among the celebrity guests, while designers Connie Simonetti, Matcho Suba and Ty Henschke mingled with their models.
The big event kicks off at 6.30pm, September 13 at Crown Palladium.
For more information visit www.fashionaid.com.au
Fashion Aid Launch 2014 from Diprose Media on Vimeo.
If you suffer from mental illness or this article brings up issues for you, please consider contacting any of the following organisations:
SANE Australia helpline 1800 18 SANE (7263) or www.sane.org
Lifeline Service Finder lifeline.serviceseeker.com.au
Mindhealthconnect www.mindhealthconnect.org.au
beyondblue: the national depression initiative 1300 22 4636 (1300 bb info) or www.beyondblue.org.au
