M.A.D Fashion Showcase 2017

The 25^th of March saw the second M.A.D (Melbourne Alternative Designers) Fashion Showcase and once again I was invited along as media. Born from Lyris Deign and Clockwork Butterfly, this event aims to display the alternative community to the alternative community, promoting Australian designers and artists.

Last year’s show was an immense success, with only a few issues, for example too loud music during intermission. This year’s show clearly took all feedback on board and made improvements; the music was a lot quieter and made communicating with stall holders easier. This year they introduced a ‘No Flash Photography’ rule, which I found to be a good step in improvement. From my perspective it meant I did not have to worry about batteries and flash syncing, for the models it meant not being blinded on the catwalk, and for the audience it meant not having flashes interrupting their experience.

Once again, the show was well organized and run. With doors opening as scheduled, and the shows and intermissions running on time. The market was set up which allowed ease to walk down the aisles and chat with stall holders. This year hosted many more stalls, and I hope they do not overbook in the future as it will make moving hard. Intermission also featured low-light which made looking at wares difficult, but the lights were turned higher after the show.

With Richard Vegas the magician, as MC, the show began with a performance by Merryn Louise, Circus Artist. Featuring hula hoops, she captivated the audience with spinning the hoops on various body parts. It may seem like a simple routine, but everyone has tried to hula, and everyone knows how difficult it is.

 The first designer of the evening was Lady Moon Designs. Showcasing clothing for events (or daily wear if you are adventurous), her primary theme was blacks, blues, and purples. She knows how to utilize draping in her clothing, creating articles that effectively hug, skim, and flow around the body. A nice touch was a dress featuring her famous butterfly wing motif, I am glad she did not over-do this motif (as can happen if you are known for something), but also glad she did keep it in this collection.

The highlight for this designer was a black, chest fitting dress with sheer draping bottom and flowing sleeves. Beneath, purple peaks out from underneath the dress, creating a burst of colour against the black. Finishing off the look was a lace neck piece, adding a modest touch to the dress, if one desires.
MUA: Makeup by Marie Walter
Hair: RT Hair and Makeup Artistry

Model: Marie Walter

Model: Marie Walter

 Model: Tahlia Celeen

Model: Bedky

Model: Aisha Diandra

Model: Maddison Ponting

The next in show was Custom Creations by Anntoinette, an upcoming designer. Featuring more costume-based looks, some of these looks would also suit alternative events. There was no colour theme for this show, but each outfit had their own theme and individual character. From deep plums, to greens, to whites, Anntoinette knows how utilize colour theory to create an aesthetically pleasing palette. The garments ranged from large ball gowns to simpler (but hardly simple) corsets and skirts, each of them clearly expertly crafted. My favourite from this designer was a green witch outfit. Featuring flowing dress, a deeper green, low cut, coat is cinched below the bust; complimenting the wearer’s natural waist. Another piece I loved was a plum headpiece featuring blue lights inside.
MUA: Foxx Makeup
Hair: My Place Hair and Beauty

Model: Luna Madness

Model: Luna Madness

Model: Heidi Roleff

Model: Julia Lewis

Model: Burgundy Phoenix

Model: Jemima Strambini

Model: Anntoinette Matyson

Following was another upcoming designer, The Lioness and her Unicorns. This designer showcased her corset and lingerie designs. Once again, there was no colour theme overall, but each look had a cohesive and effective colour palette. The corsets clearly had a lot of work and care put into them, several of them featuring designs other than the typical modern corset cut. So it is a shame that some of the skirts paired with them looked more like lace material quickly draped around the models’ waists. I know time can be difficult before a show, but I think if those couple models had just worn underwear than all focus would have been on the amazing corsets. My highlight from this designer was a pair of red high-waisted underwear, with matching bra. Black lace fabric had been sewn over red, creating texture on the garment, and the cut is one that is both modest and erotic.
Headdresses: The Cosmic Beehive
Shoes: Shoe Envy

Outfit name: Pride
Outfit colour: Sapphire
Model: Natalie Sady
H/MUA: Ru Makeup

Outfit Name: Trust 

Outfit Colour: Lapis Lazuli 

 Model: Shavaé Flavour - Model, Entertainer 

Shoes: Shoe Envy
Headdress: The Cosmic Beehive

Outfit name: Courage
Outfit colour: Topaz
Model: Aruna
Shoes: Shoe Envy
Headdress: The Cosmic Beehive
H/MUA: Alexia's hair and makeup

Outfit name: Romance

Outfit colour: Onyx

Model: Angela Sinister

Shoes: Shoe Envy
Headdress: The Cosmic Beehive
H/MUA: Alexia's hair and makeup

Outfit name: Benevolance
Outfit colour: Citrine

Model: Anna Phalactic
H/MUA: Ru Makeup

Outfit name: Lust
Outfit colour: Garnet
Model: Material Girl PR
H/MUA: Ru Makeup

Outfit name: Pure
Outfit colour: Diamond
Model/H/MUA: Mad Dame

Outfit name: Envy
Outfit colour: Ruby
Model: Perfectly Wretched Darling
H/MUA: Tiffany KK Makeup

Outfit name: Envy
Outfit colour: Ruby
Model: Perfectly Wretched Darling
H/MUA: Tiffany KK Makeup

Outfit name: Joy 

Outfit colour: Emerald
Model: Kitten le Bow
H/MUA: Tiffany KK Makeup

Outfit name: Devotion
Outfit colour: Amethyst
Model: Hannah Boom Lector
H/MUA: Tiffany KK Makeup

Next was Von Chibi, featuring every day and evening wear. Von Chibi’s work has continued to improve, from Lolita styled dresses, to corsets and skirts, her sewing and overall execution of looks clearly articulates a tale behind each garment. Blacks, greys, and deep colours are the main theme for this designer’s runway, but she also manages to create alternative looks with ivory and pinks. My highlight for Von Chibi’s set was a 20’s inspired, grunge Lolita look. Featuring a pink dress, grey fur shawl, and cinched waist, this looks bring the aesthetics of the 20s into a modern friendly, alternative look. 
MUA: Cassahra Rose
Hair: Scarab Habib
Headpieces: Cherry Pie Millinery

Model: Annie
Cat Plush: Cloth and Thread

Model: Jessica Rae

Model: Jessica Rae

Model: Mai

Model: Hannah Carboon

Model: Dayle Kerr

Model: Cj Chandler

Model: Cj Chandler 

Ending the first half of the runway show was ClockworkButterfly, presenting a single look featuring horns by Tentacle Spine. Inspired by the legend of Cerci, this look featured asymmetrical cuts and layering; creating a unique silhouette. The outfit featured blue-greens, and golds, a divergence from Clockwork’s usual palette, but one which speaks of royalty and riches. Eloquent Mx Loki, modelling the garment, also embodied Cerci; enhancing the viewer to draw them in, but turning them down to let them know their place.     
Model/MUA/Wig Styling: Eloquent Mx Loki

 

 The second half of the show began with a performance by Julia Madotti.  Featuring quick costume change, and puppets, the performance was entertaining but did feel too full of different types of tricks, so none were amazing. 

The first designer up was Marquis de Sade. Their catwalk can be divided into business and fetish wear. The business ware, which was not particularly alternative, featured nicely tailored women’s business suits; jackets and skirts. The fetish wear featured corsets, cloaks, and leather. With BDSM’s traditional red and black, Marquis de Sade showed off how both women and men could wear their fashions. My highlight was a Marie Antoinette inspired gown, an off-white dress embellished with silver, and with old style corset this dress was something I had not seen from the designer before. Which is a shame, as I have seen these designs from Marquis de Sade on every runway I have seen them on. The collection is new and exciting for those who have not seen it before, but tiring for those who have as we know they have so much more to showcase.

Models: Hayley Anderson, Irina Nidis, Kia Stanford, Charms Dickie, Kenny Law, Airlie Rose Towie, Ian Marshall, Ellen Violet Turnor, Umi Gilette, Lily Chapman, Alice Blackburn, Neil MG, Chantelle Palamara

MUA: Elena Lieu of Elenavation Face and Body Art and assistant

Hair Stylist: Ange Events Hair Styling and assistant Fabienne Westley

 Next up was Assassinus with their metal couture. At the start of their walk I could already see improvements in presentation from last year; no more distracting red ties. All ties were black, and the model’s undergarments felt uniform, leaving the audience to focus on the metal outfits. And these metal creations could easily be added to most outfits for an event, or everyday if you’re feeling adventurous. Featuring primarily silver coloured metals the outfits provide a nice contrast to black, and a harmonious colouring to white. But they also featured copper coloured metals, which still contrast nicely to black, but gives that extra bit of colour to break up the achromatic look. My highlight was not actually their metal pieces, but a new material; plastic. The clear plastic had been moulded into a corset, and into a posture collar/neck piece. Whilst I am not convinced on their displaying on it; I love transparent materials on nude skin as it creates an uncanny barrier in which one is covered and not covered. But I understand it might have been too much for the event, and they would have wanted to have shown it on clothes to display its diversity.   
Models: Angela Livingstone, Meeka Gabrielle, Tara Morgan, Ryoko Sakane, Anna Palasz
H/MUA: Kaori Taniguchi

Following was Cherry Pie Millinery, featuring masks and headwear for events and costumes. Whilst there was no overlaying theme, each look created a complete and cohesive character. Cherry Pie knows how to utilize pleasing colour palettes, and include the right amount of detail in her creations; they are complicated to be impressive, but not overworked and to be too busy and an eyesore. I enjoy the little touches she includes, like gems to dazzle in the light, or a gradient in colour. I particularly loved a carousal/circus mask and headpiece. A peach colour, it featured beading of the same colour; giving the pieces subtle pattern and texture, but also beading in pastel blue, creating a lovely contrast. It also utilized ostrich feathers, an expensive touch that many designers ignore, and carried jewels and beading up the feathers to uniform the head with them.

Models: Taffy and Ginger Snapz

Model: Ginger Snapz

Models: Taffy and Ginger Snapz

Model: Tiki Amazon

 

Model: Tiki Amazon

Model: Lucky Dip

  Model: Lucky Dip

Model: Elizabeth Black

Model: Demolita Mortier

  Model: Loli Box

Model: Annie Italiano

 Up next was Graffiti Couture, presented by Alexandra Zvi, featuring every day and evening wear. I would describe this collection as couture meets grandma’s quilting room, and I love it. The garments are tailored to fit the body, and are clearly made by someone with years, if not decades, of experience. Alexandra knows how to create unique and memorable silhouettes by layering form fitting and gathered articles. As for “grandma’s quilting room”, this comes from the unique, patterned fabrics that have been combined together in each look. This is not to everyone’s taste, but I love it, it feels high-fashion inspired; where the clothing is more about art than wearing. Alexandra also knows how to use colours and patterns that flow and work together. My highlight was a sleeveless blouse, with a gathered red tartan skirt, and an almost patchwork waist cincher which reflects the tartan colours. I also loved a purple and grey corset with a large gowned bottom, featuring flower motifs.
Models: Amber Gelinas, Babushka Férenczi, Claire Auls, Sara Salmeron, Rosie Roulette, Stephanie English 

HMUA: Big Red Lipstick, Head makeup artist: Christine De Saini, Assistant Makeup Artist: Rachael Wust

 Finishing the night was Lyris Design, featuring her famous corseted event and costume wear. In a community full of corsets, Lyris is making her mark with her professional sewing and minute detailing. Each dress on the runway featured small and smaller flowers creating texture, and pathways for the eyes to follow down the garment. These flowers were handmade and makes and expensive gown into an exquisite gown. My highlight from her was an Autumn inspired gown. Featuring an orange under bust corset, with painted and jewelled leaves, Lyris paired it with a moulded leaf breast plate, but it could easily be paired with a top or over a dress. Its skirt diverged from Lyris’ usual flowing gown, instead being form fitting on the hips and gathered at the back, where sculpted autumn leaves tied the theme together. My only qualm about this look was the lack of modesty panel, I know this is a trend with corsets lately, but it creates an unflattering look at the back.

H/MUA: Gorejess Design

Model: Lucy Luxburn

Model: Lucy Luxburn

Model: Dani Van Groeningen

Model: Vivien Katherine

Model: SaSa LeStrange

Model: SaSa LeStrange

Model: Silhouette d'Amour

Model: Silhouette d'Amour

And so the second M.A.D Fashion Showcase came to a close. Once again, it was a success; introducing new designers, and showing improvements in known ones. It was a lot more known this year, but it clearly did not purposefully oversell tickets as the venue was nicely full and not overcrowded. The marketplace has grown and they are definitely aiming to create an event that is not only successful for the audience, but for the designers as well.

I am definitely looking forward to next years.

Written By: Dezmin Humphryis
Photography: Slippery Photography