The line-up of events at this year’s Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) reflects the fashion industry’s growing concerns with social responsibility and sustainability.
Local enterprise The Social Studio (TSS) is joining forces with creative London duo, Art Comes First (ACF) for an exciting exhibition.
It’s a huge achievement for the Melbourne studio, as collaborator ACF has worked with the likes of Kanye West and Mos Def.
Underneath the exhibition’s dazzling display of projections detailing the story of TSS lies a social enterprise that has helped local refugees gain invaluable experience and skills.
The exhibition also features a collection of clothing created by TSS staff, including teachers and managers, who used upcycled materials and were mentored by ACF.
Grace Dlabik, of GiDi CREATIVE, has collaborated with TSS curating the event, and said the exhibition is focused on sustainability and “regenerating old pieces into new life through craftsmanship”.
“People are becoming more aware of how important it is to be environmentally responsible and conscience,” Dlabik said.
Based on Smith Street in Collingwood, TSS offers refugees the opportunity to learn about fashion and textile manufacturing using fabrics donated by local Australian designers.
Through a collaboration with RMIT School of Fashion, students are given the chance to obtain a Certificate III or IV in clothing production, and are guided towards employment opportunities.
TSS is also home to a cafe that trains and employs refugees in hospitality.
Anther MSFW event, the Emerging Designers Market, features young, local designers who strive to incorporate sustainability into their brands.
Designers include Cadia Belante, who upcycles sleeping bags, and The Fabric Social, an enterprise that aims to empower disenfranchised women.
The growing focus on sustainability and social responsibility is inspiring for young fashion students and designers with an interest in environmentalism and ethics.
RMIT Bachelor of Fashion (Design) student Maddy Jost is inspired by the attention ethical fashion is receiving throughout MSFW.
“I’m really excited about it. It’s been a long time coming, and it’s so good that people are becoming more connected to the value of their clothing and its industry.”
“I can’t wait to see the film Traceable during MSFW, which explores the idea of the disconnectedness to our clothing and where it has actually come from or who has made it,” Jost said.
Local designer Charlotte Campbell of brand Campbell Charlotte is grateful that the slow fashion movement is gaining traction locally.
“It is so great to be living and working in a city surrounded by so many local labels and creatives looking to produce their work using ethical and sustainable processes. We are fortunate that here in Melbourne we have such a large community of consumers who take this into account,” Campbell said.
TSS X ACF Exhibition will run from Tuesday, August 25, until Saturday, August 29, 11am – 5pm. No Vacancy Gallery, 34-40 Jane Bell Lane, Melbourne. Free event.
Talk by ACF, Saturday, August 29, 2-4pm. No Vacancy Gallery, Concession $20 and Adults $25. Free for RMIT Students and Staff.
TSS X ACF Live Curated Exhibition Show, Sunday, August 30, 7.30 – 9.30pm, No Vacancy Gallery. Free event.
The Emerging Designer Market will occur on Sunday, August 30, at 67 Swanston Street.
Traceable will be showing at ACMI from August 30 until September 13.
