On Sunday, October 8, 2023, Revival Runway hosted the WE ARE MELBOURNE runway show at the Immigration Museum featuring more than 10 talented Melbourne-based fashion brands that represent the diversity, culture and talent that Melbourne has to offer.
In the organisation’s signature two shows, we featured designers who have links with countries all over the world, including Mexico, Japan, Vietnam, Turkey, Singapore, Brazil and Europe.
“We feel it is important to celebrate the multicultural talent that has been integral to both the history, and the future, of the Melbourne fashion industry. Supporting small, independent designers is also a core tenet of what we do at Revival Runway,” explains Sofie Carfi, the founder of Revival Runway.
“At Revival Runway we are all volunteers – everyone from the models to the backstage team, the photographers and front of house staff work for free to support the Melbourne fashion industry and the young creatives who work in it. We offer immersive and intensive internships for fashion students too, offering them a chance to get real, hands-on experience,” says Niki Bruce, the creative director for Revival Runway.
Melbourne fashion brands Fernanda Covarrubiasv, Ruth Hadinjoto, Samay Collection, Rosinha, Justin Tong, Comos Bassington, Design by JUDE, Kodama Apparel, Pazadz, Lucy Laurita and Carlisle Hats were featured at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne CBD. With over 200 guests and 30 fabulous volunteer models – many of whom walked the runway for the very first time – the event went off without a hitch wowing the crowd.
Designer Ayse Uyanik of Samay Collection with friends. Image: James Taylor
The WE ARE MELBOURNE runway show was a celebration of the multiculturalism that makes up the Melbourne fashion industry in an event to showcase and appreciate the range of diverse designers that reside in our city. The brands featured handmade fabrics and garments created from upcycled and deadstock materials.
The designers, guests and models were excited about the event, gushing about the quality of their experience with Revival Runway.
“I want to thank you very much for the opportunity and the experience with Revival Runway. I am very happy and honoured to be involved in such an incredible event, as this is my first time showcasing a whole collection on a runway. Thank you for involving me despite my brand being in a very beginning stage and me having less experience than the other designers,” said designer Ruth Hadinjoto.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in Revival Runway. It was such an amazing experience,” Ann Tan, one of the models, said.
Designer Lucy Laurita with her family. Image: James Taylor
“Thank you so much again for today. It was an amazing event! And I’m so grateful for being part of it,” exclaimed designer Fernanda Covarrubias, and one of the guests who has been to every Revival Runway event said: “Every event is so different. The setting on Sunday was stunning as was the Hawthorn Town Hall [event]. The uniqueness of each event makes for a different experience.”
Christina Chia, who has now modelled in two Revival Runway events, said that the show this year was even better: “Congratulations on another achievement and successful event! Thank you again for the joy and privilege. This year was so good, so professional!”
You can learn more about our organisation at revivalrunway.com/about/
Main image: Dylan J Mclardy @mclardy_photos
Guest images: James Taylor @picsthatpop
Claudine Calliebot, Melisa Lewins and Geraldine from the brand Geraldine. Image: James Taylor
Claudine Calliebot, Melisa Lewins and Geraldine from the brand Geraldine. Image: James Taylor
Designer Ruth Hadinjoto [centre] and friends. Image: James Taylor
Guests at the We Are Melbourne fashion show. Image: James Taylor
Friends of the designer Paris Culbertson [centre front] from Pazadz. Image: James Taylor
Revival Runway founder Sofie Carfi [right] with a guest. Image: James Taylor
Revival Runway alumni Imogen Turnbull and friends at the We Are Melbourne event. Image: James Taylor
Melbourne photographer Jes Marasigan [left] hard at work. Image: James Taylor
Photographer Nathan James Geary at work. Image: James Taylor
Revival Runway team members, photographers and videographers Felicity Dureau [left] and Sruthi Sundharesan take a breath. Image: James Taylor
