ABOUT REVIVAL RUNWAY

The concept of Revival Runway started in 2019 with the mission to bring together lovers of fashion over an afternoon tea where local Australian designed fashion was showcased. Why, may you ask? 

Well, I have always loved fashion and more than anything enjoyed seeking out independent Australian designers as I wanted to find clothing that was not produced in large quantities, items that were unique and where you knew who made them. In doing so, I discovered we had so much talent locally, but as the years went by and more global brands landed on our shores, fast fashion exploded and these small independent designers were closing shop. In addition, e-commerce and online shopping was booming, and while there are many independent Australian designers out there, I prefer to see how an outfit drapes and moves and feels, so I could not go down that path. 

As an academic I also knew through research, how difficult it is for small brands to survive in an overpopulated, constantly growing environment. This prompted me to do something. To connect those wanting to support local fashion and the designers themselves. 

The afternoon tea parade was not your ordinary runway. It was a salon style parade where the models walked around the tables, ensuring everyone got to see the outfits up close. I wanted the atmosphere to be inclusive; no VIP’s; where the designers story was shared; where a connection was made.

Then Covid19 hit and our scheduled parade for May 2020 was cancelled. I felt frustrated as it was a very difficult time for everyone, personally and professionally. I still wanted to promote independent local designers and I decided to do it with the support of others who were as passionate as I was.

Many came to help. Along with students completing their industry placement, many other creatives joined our team to film a virtual parade. All work was done on a voluntary basis. Many hours were spent to create content (both still and film) for the designers to use as promotional material on their social media.

For these small brands it is very expensive to create this sort of content, but for a group of very willing and creative people it was a small price to pay. Our organisation is an incorporated association, working as a not for profit. We do not sell or advertise and are completely independent, working voluntarily, connected by our passion to make a difference to our fashion industry.

There has never been a more important time to support local and Revival Runway will continue to write stories, post images and produce virtual parades to promote our talented independent Australian designers.

Sofie Carfi

MEET THE TEAM

OUR PHOTOGRAPHIC STAR

Imogen Turnbull is a newly graduated Fashion Marketing student. Her career passions include fashion styling for film and television as well as fashion photography. Imogen’s previous experience in the music industry has allowed her to experience a variety of fashion and costuming within various cultures and industries, thus her passion for fashion styling. Imogen wishes to continually evolve her skills in her desired fields and is excited for her future in the fashion industry.