Ah the student graduate parade at fashion week: a highlight for so many. I think it’s the only parade where you will see whooping, clapping and cheers as models parade down the catwalk.
It’s also the parade that most people look forward to during the week, and that gets the most buzz. As graduates who aren’t beholden by any commercial parameters, you see unbridled creative flair stroll past you- and it’s exciting. It’s what fashion week should be. We can all go in to any chain store to see a pair of jeans and a top that can be so enticing, you make the purchase and walk out happy. But somehow on the catwalk the same pair of jeans and top can look just plain, boring.
Fashion week is about the spectacle of fashion and celebration. It’s where designers have the chance to display their creative interpretation or artistic vision through clothing, and we all go to watch.
My own cynical take on this is that while everyone applauds these students(and rightfully so) and raves about how interesting and exciting the parade is, for most of them it will be the only time they will show at a parade where they have absolute creative control. Once stockists come knocking or they go into the work place, the commercial prerogative of the business take over.
So while we love the parade, the reality is that it’s not what we buy off the catwalk.
What do you guys think?
Before you get to see the photos I do need to mention that the lovely Cheryl from Businesschic.com.au was Lady Melbourne’s official photographer for the week. You can hire Cheryl or invite her along to your rad events if for no other reason than that she’s great company and takes amazing photos.
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