Words: JASMINE SHEPARD
Pictures and video: CHARLOTTE MORTON
The younger generation made creative use of affordable fashion at Runway 4 in Melbourne Fashion Week, while designer investments were more popular among the older women and men.
Zara and Boohoo produced some interesting current ensembles, including a neon pink two-piece suit, while Gucci was popular among both the younger and older attendees.
Mojo was on the lookout for an outfit that seamlessly encompassed both designer and affordable fashion.
Outfit 1: I Am Gia pants $109.95; Acne T-shirt $270; Jacket price unknown
This was a great combination of designer and vintage finds. The model is wearing high-waisted Mira pinstripe pants from this season’s "it" Australian-designed label I Am Gia, paired with an Acne T-shirt. “I definitely still shop in store, but I shop online too and in op shops for vintage pieces,” she said.
Outfit 2: prices not known
The look on the left was created by the artful draping of a man's shirt. The mustard jumpsuit was bought online, and both women agreed they spent a majority of their time shopping online for their sartorial choices.
Outfit 3: Zara jacket $89.95; Collette bag $34.95; Aquazzura heels $800. Outfit 6: prices not known
Petra was a stand out in pink, the colour of the season, but created an edgier feel with her bright red Aquazzura heels and the striking KISS appliqué emblazoned on her Zara pink denim jacket. Petra was modeling a dress from her own label Street Box Melbourne – a recent offshoot of her Street Box Zagreb label – and a Collette bag.
Petra and her boyfriend said they liked to shop overseas and most of her outfit was bought in her home country of Croatia or online. Petra's boyfriend, co-owner of Street Box Melbourne, favoured online shops including Boohoo Mens and Zara in his tailored houndstooth pants, white shirt and faux leather jacket.
Outfit 5: Saint Laurent T-shirt $560; Racil pants $570; Atmos & Here heels $119.95; Gucci bag $1250. Outfit 6: Scanlan Theodore pants $99.95 (on sale); Massimo Dutti top $119.95; Deadly Ponies $399.95; Valentino heels $1300.
Lily channelled Melbourne street style in her high-end outfit, with her Saint Laurent T-shirt, Racil tailored pants, Atmos & Here heels and Gucci bum bag. The whole outfit retails for well over $2000, coming in at the most expensive featured.“My favourite part of the outfit should be the (Gucci) bum bag ... but it would be the shoes, except they’re so uncomfortable,” she said.
Carly sought inspiration from her recent Instagram feed for her classic look, including Scanlan Theodore black flares, Massimo Dutti lace singlet top, a leather Deadly Ponies bag and the highlight of the outfit: Valentino heels.
“I saw Kylie Brown (director at Kylie Brown Beauty) wore a navy singlet top and black pants to VAMFF yesterday,” said the beauty. “I sort of stole her look.”
Both women said they mostly shopped online at Réalisation Par, Reformation and Net-a-Porter.
Outfit 7: Zimmermann dress $800; Gucci bag $13,500 (not visible). Outfit 8: KitX by Kit Willow dress (price unknown); Louis Vuitton clutch $710.
Maddison and her friend were both wearing stunning dresses from Zimmermann and KitX by Kit Willow, respectively. Maddison favoured a Gucci bag and black leather boots while her friend carried her Louis Vuitton clutch, bringing a touch of luxury to both their looks.
Outfit 9: Wood Wood shirt $139.95; Wood Wood pants $199.95. Outfit 10: Zara suit $100; white boots and top, price unknown
“I’m embarrassed to say that (the suit) is from Zara,” said Courtney of her $100 find. Pairing the suit back with simple white boots and a white V-neck singlet created a more relaxed street style look.
Jack found entire outfit online at The Iconic, from contemporary Danish brand Wood Wood, and the careful layering of clashing patterns and textures makes this outfit a work of art. The beard is undoubtedly the final hipster touch on this street inspired combination.
Our outfit of the night was Petra’s effortless combination of investment pieces and fast-fashion, with her marriage of pinks and reds standing out.
VAMFF is open until March 18 and tickets start at $59 per person.