Undress Runways Melbourne

Designer: La 'or
Photography: DJZK Photography
Hair: LylaClareMakeup:
Jrich Makeup Artistry with Aveda

A couple of weeks ago my dear friend Kirri-Mae asked me if I would like to come along and volunteer at an ethical fashion show. I had no idea what this would involve but in the spirit of YOLO I didn't really think twice before agreeing to tag along.

What does one actually DO when volunteering at a fashion show? I imagined we might be helping to set up or greet people or hand out flyers or something with only a tiny amount of responsibility but when we got there, we were each given a model and we had to DRESS them... DURING the show!!

What a nerve wracking experience! Thoughts running through my mind when being led backstage included but are not limited to the following:

What if I get it wrong? 

What if I put something on my model the wrong way?

What if I tear the clothes?

What if I can't stop looking at the almost naked man-type models?

What if I accidentally touch my model's boobs?

What if I PUNCH her while I'm putting an outfit on her?

None of those things happened of course... well, I may have touched a boob but I'm pretty sure that's par for the course in the runway modelling biz. I was hooked up with the most experienced model and she knew exactly what was going on. Every single outfit looked amazing on her and it made me look like a super good dresser! The pic above is my model. She looks like her dresser knew what she was doing yes?!

Here's a little bit of info about Undress Runways taken from their website:

"Undress Runways is an annual vintage and sustainable fashion event. We challenge you to assess the sustainability of your wardrobe. The runway features established and emerging sustainable designers, as well as vintage labels. Undress Runways will open your eyes to the world of sustainable fashion. Think ‘no-waste’ collections, ethical production, ‘food dyed’ garments, natural fibres, and unique pieces made from off-cuts. Popping up at in a nearby car park, serving organic cocktails and offering nothing but recycle-inspired furniture pieces to sit on, Undress Runways is creating an atmosphere for change." (http://undressrunways.com/about/) 

The following ethical labels were represented:

Fabled & TrueStudio JUXKoru SwimwearOne ColourSinerjiMake AmendNew Model Beauty QueenNicoTuffys & TuffettsMoonbird DesignsMalamboFare Well Co.DE LORE CoutureHarriette HillMadonna BainCameron & JamesThe Green ShopNeishaProofWeWoodEtikoMooi La CoutureLa’Or 

Accidental resolution :: No more bad shoes!

This year I have accidentally made a couple of new years resolutions. I really didn't mean to as I actually don't believe in them, but this year a few general resolutions happened to be made at the beginning of the year.

One is to de-clutter. Moving house has seen to it that I cull ALL the crap, and I've been inspired by the delightfully junk-free spaces on The Design Files and by watching Gourmet Girlfriend's bright and wonderful renovation unfold on Instagram. I'm sure I'll share more about this process in time (if you're interested!) I know Smaggle is doing a crap-clearing/organising series right now if you're keen.

My second accidental resolution has been to get rid of all the shoes that are bad for my feet and gradually replace them with shoes that meet the following requirements:

1. They must be ethically made or second hand
2. They must be good for my feet and body
3. I must love them

I have completed the first step. All the bad shoes are gone. I am now adding to my shoe-drobe and have been fortunate enough to have been gifted a pair of second hand Birkenstock brown felt Mary-Jane's from Taz at Christmas time and I am in LOVE with them. I also found another pair of brown suede Birk sandals with a great ankle strap yesterday for $10 from the local oppy.

I have wanted to try Swedish clogs for some time as I have quite a few friends that rave about them so I started investigating a few different types. Lots of my pals have invested in a pair (or several) of Funkis. You can find information on the ethics of Funkis HERE. They seem to have their bases covered with the timber used being from sustainable sources and they have their factories based in Australia and Sweden, thus ensuring good working conditions and fair pay.

My investigations took me to the Swedish Hasbeens site where I found that Hasbeens are another shoe made responsibly by people, not machines however the price tag was a little bit too high for me so after a recommendation from a friend I ordered a pair of clogs from Lotta from Stockholm. I couldn't find any information on their website about the ethics however, after a bit of searching I found another review of Lotta clogs with the information I was after! Seeds and Stitches did the investigating for me and found out that it is a small husband and wife duo and clogs are made "by three other family businesses all based in the EU, the vast majority in Sweden itself, and all the clog materials are also sourced from within the EU from carefully managed sources" (quote from Seeds and Stitches). The only down side is the leather is not recycled however, along my ethical path I have realised that it is very difficult to find a 100% ethical garment/item- this is something also mentioned on the Seeds and Stitches blog and I agree that some flexibility is important, especially if a business is trying to do the right things across multiple areas.

I really love my Lotta from Stockholm clogs!* I purchased this really great silver pair and I am currently saving up to buy another pair with a lower heel for days when I'm on my feet a lot. 

This also fits in with Pip's "A year of ethical fashion" thing that she's got going on over at Meet me at Mike's- why don't you pop over HERE and check it out.

*I am not being paid to review Lotta clogs... I just love them