4 Must See Designers At Fashfest 2017

Fashfest 2017 is Canberra’s leading fashion event. An immersive fashion experience spread over three days that brings the red carpet, catwalk and astounding haut couture to a city trying to shake the cardboard political stigma.

Let me channel Will Smith in Men in Black, when I say, Fashfest makes Canberra look gooood.

In what will be its fifth instalment, Fashfest 2017 will be slinging high fashion from September 28-30. There’ll be six distinct shows over the three nights, with more than 40 local and international labels strutting their stuff for a couture crazy crowd.

We’ve scoured the lineup for FASHFEST 2017 and singled out a few “must-see” designers. That way you can concentrate on scoffing, applauding and sipping bubbles.

Magpie Goose

Founded in 2016 by Maggie McGowan and Laura Egan, Magpie Goose uses original prints from artists from the Top End of the Northern Territory. Each design is printed in remote Aboriginal communities and tells a story of people, place and culture. More than just stunning statement pieces, Magpie Goose gives people a chance to celebrate Aboriginal culture through fashion.

Salvos Stores

This isn’t an ironic name. Salvos Stores presents a collection highlighting how high-end discarded and donated clothing can be. Put together by eco-stylist Faye De Lanty, this assortment will change how you look at hand-me-downs. “It’s op-shopping, but not as you know it.”

Bianca Pavlic the Label

Handmade in a Canberra studio, Bianca Pavlic is a young designer with mad skills and monstrous potential. Striving to be sustainable, Pavlic uses off-cuts for bralettes and smaller pieces.

Miss Winks

“Feminine yet bold pieces that inspire” – that’s what Miss Winks is all about. Sexy and original lingerie. An Australian online lingerie boutique owned by Annie Brown, Miss Winks is dedicated to supporting Australian, independent designers, like Lil & Emm, Kat the Label and Etheria Intimates.

FASHFEST will be held at the National Convention Centre Canberra September 28-30.

words by niall roeder