Here is some free advice. Never work with children or animals. Possibly you have heard it before? It’s true, I assure you. Day 1 at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week only gave me the opportunity to work with one, but I can tell you now – listen to those who have gone before you. Children and animals are the ones to avoid.
Monday of MSFW dawned bright and beautiful, a sunny 17 degrees for the start of the annual event. I was rostered on for the Fox Fashion Show, to be held at the Forum on Flinders Street, and the volunteers rocked up at 1oam, ready for a long 12 hour shift. I was to be the Front of House Assistant and was also allocated Head Volunteer upon arrival – a role which involves signing in all the volunteers, managing breaks, issues and the like.
In the early hours of the shift, we unpacked clothes, ironed, steamed, taped shoes and attended briefing upon briefing. Safety was important, especially with this show because it was a non-standard venue (and a non-standard production truth be told!) and this was reiterated over and over.
With not a lot to do, I sent a lot of volunteers to the Town Hall to assist with preparing for the rest of the week. In all, I had 45 volunteers rostered on for the day – far too many to have backstage with a stylist, models, tech guys and other ‘assistants’. As much as it sucks to have to pack bags, everyone has their turn and I’ve been there too. Five fashion weeks later, I’m managing. You do your time and don’t complain. Persistence pays and you shouldn’t expect to be dressing Hamish and Andy your first time at the festival.
As the day wore on, the excitement built. Fox FM talent started to arrive, the models did a rehearsal and we were told about the ticketing and VIPs. VIPs had booths, all other attendees (all competition winners) had standing room only.
Doors opened at 7pm and by 7.30, the Forum was buzzing with 600 excited people, curious to see what the evening would bring. A fashion show with a difference – three fashion segments dotted between Matt and Jo presenting, Songs by Vanessa Amorosi and Stan Walker, the ‘Model Citizens’ and Hamish and Andy pulling a few pranks.
Obviously the important part of the night is the clothes – affordable and wearable items from MNG, French Connection, Cue, Ben Sherman, Aldo Shoes, Flamingo Sands, SeaFolly and more. Sectioned into ‘resortwear’, ‘evening and date looks’ and ‘racewear, the clothes were styled beautifully by Franco – I definitely saw some clutches and gloves I covet! – not to mention a few frocks; Cue has always been one of my favourites.
The ‘Model Citizens’ involved five listeners chosen by other listeners representing five categories – hottest accountant, hottest nanna, hottest Collingwood supporter, hottest redhead and hottest uniform. Each wore their regular clothes and were then dressed in new season garb, much to the delight of the crowd. Who doesn’t like seeing a bodybuilding nanna in her swimsuit?
Nothing drew a bigger response from the crowd though than a rather buff male model in his smalls, a man so ripped you would be afraid to go in the water for fear of getting caught. Also featuring in the dancing segments, Mr Fabulous and his two female counterparts were very talented and their segment was entertaining and appealing to look at!
And then, the animals. Jo Stanley walked several times, each stroll of the runway having her accompanied by a dog – getting larger and larger over the course of the evening. The afternoon saw several professional dog handlers backstage which in the mix of models and mayhem didn’t seem unusual. Of course come showtime, the preened pooches were not so keen to have their moment in the spotlight and Jo ended up carrying the first three and giving up on the fourth. The audience oohed and ahhed, which I admit is probably the point, but I think I would rather have a few more minutes of Hamish and Andy on stage!!
When our shift finished at 10pm, twelve hours after we arrived in the sunshine, I headed out into the cold and in my haste to get home, ended up on the wrong tram at the Domain Interchange. A slightly longer walk home, a cup of tea and a pile of emails and it was time for bed. Day One was over and I was exhausted!
Images thanks to Fox. For more images, and footage, visit Fox!
Image One: The backstage area at the Forum
Image Two: Models walk the finale
Image Three: The male models!!
Image Four: Jo Stanley with the largest dog
