Words and images by Sinead Bovingdon.
On the second week of May, I had the incredible opportunity to work front and back of house across multiple shows at Australian Fashion Week, thanks to The Fashion Institute! I am currently studying a Bachelor of Communications and media and just completed my first trimester. Through the duration of my first trimester I have had so many amazing opportunities to gain experience within the fashion industry, I can’t wait to see what the next trimester brings!
I began an internship at Bec + Bridge in April which granted me with the opportunity to work behind the scenes in preparation of fashion week. On Monday at the Bec + Bridge head office, I prepared some looks for Tuesday’s show as well as shop at Bondi Junction for some last-minute necessities, such as body tape and lint rollers.
Tuesday, I arrived at the venue at 12pm to assist organising the looks for the models. I arranged each look under each models name backstage, as well as a robe and slippers for them to get their hair and makeup done in. After a few hours of making friends with the models, assisting in the ecommerce shoots and dressing models, I made my way to the front of house to hand out wristbands and tickets to guests. I met quite a few influencers such as Claudia Bonifazio - 2022 Winner of love island Australia and Eitan Broude - Sustainable & genderless fashion designer, I also saw Shani Grimmond, Sopha Dopha, Karla Poot, George & Elle Ray, Will McDonald & Ayesha Madon to name a few!
At approximately 4:30pm the show began, I was lucky enough to watch the show, and it was incredible! This was the first fashion show I have ever attended and it exceeded my expectations, I absolutely loved the way the outfits were styled so elegantly yet almost casually.
After the show I packed up backstage and headed home.
Above: BTS FROM BEC & BRIDGE SHOW
The Nicol & Ford show was on Wednesday and I was assisting at the front of house. I arrived at Everliegh’s Carriageworks at 4pm and set up the gallery prior to the show. Around 8pm I guided guests to their seats.
The show was phenomenal. The creativity demonstrated by the designers was immaculate, I was genuinely blown away. The looks were absolutely incredible, three words I would use to describe them include: Magical, Sexy & Feminine. Personally, I would wear each and every look that went down the runway. I am still in awe. I would also like the mention the shoes utilised on the runway. Melbourne-based shoemaker Matea Gluščević handcrafts each shoe, her artistry is spectacular. Gluščević’s brand consists of unique, avant-garde, luxury heels, boots and flats that express creativity through her stunning designs.
The atmosphere was amazing, even after the show. You could feel the buzz and excitement throughout the room.
When the show ended I handed out gift bags to the guests and packed up before heading home at 9:30pm.
Above: BTS FROM NICOL & FORD
On Thursday morning I woke up at 5am for an early start. I again assisted front of house for the Verner show, I packaged and set up the gift bags on each seat before the show. I then guided guests to their seats and watched the show. The bright colours and patterns were refreshing, I really enjoyed seeing Ingrid Verner’s interpretation of Australian culture through fashion.
Above: BTS FROM VERNER
After the show, I rearranged the gallery for the next show and made my way home after an exhausting yet exhilarating week.
As a communications and media student, I really enjoyed volunteering at Fashion Week. I have found that I really enjoy capturing the behind-the-scenes moments through photography and videography to share with my followers.
I had such a wonderful experience and I am incredibly grateful for the privilege that The Fashion Institute provided me with.
See you next year AFW!