This Insight event removed the marketplace, had a smaller runway of five
designers, and only 50 people in attendance. It was a sad move to shrink down
the event so much, but it was necessary with the uncertainty of the current
situation. To me it shows that M.A.D cares about our community; making a
sacrifice to protect our health.
M.A.D returned to the Meat Markets, my favourite venue the show’s been in, but
occupied only about half of the space of last year. There was no upright
runway, with the models walking across at audience height. And the seating was
spaced out in singles and doubles; allowing groups to sit together, but keeping
in line with the current social distancing.
Even though it was a smaller event, it was still a great day out that
celebrated our local alternative designers and creatives.
Our Emcee for the event was SaSa LeStrange, who had co-emceed in the previous show, but returned by herself this year. Dressed in Lyris Design, she provided quips and humor between introducing the featured designers.
Emcee Sasa Lestrange
This collection featured looks reminiscent of deities, and would be great for performers or festival wear. Each look featured a corset, headdress, and flowing cape, creating a uniform runway. But each look was colour themed, making each one memorable. The ‘undergarments’ were made out of dance fabric, which made them simple, but meant the eye was drawn to the featured pieces; the corsets and headdresses. This is where The Obtainery’s trashion made its mark. At first glance these pieces are richly adorned, but upon closer inspection you can see the designer’s use of found objects incorporated beautifully. It’s a great way to zhuzh up an outfit for less cost. The most fun aspect of this runway were the cloaks! They were made from laces and chiffons, and the models worked them expertly; creating great movement and shapes.
My favourite outfit was the black and gold one. It reminds me of the bdsm leather aesthetic, with straps and buckles, combined with art deco in the strips of gold on the corset, and the shape of the headdress. It was a tough choice to pick a single outfit, but the colours and reminders of art deco pushed it to the front.
Hair: Ren
Designer: Janelle Dollery Tremlett
Following
was the designer Custom Creations by Anntoinette featuring a collection of
gothic gowns perfect for a night out. Each outfit features a corseted top, and
flowing skirt. And whilst this sounds repetitive, each one has its own colour
palate, cut, and silhouette. Each outfit perfectly fit each model; the corsets
accentuated their waists and the skirts flowed off their hips. They each had
such lush draping and movement as they moved along the catwalk. A lovely touch
was the applique of lace, which adds another element of luxury to the outfits.
My favourite of the outfits was a deep green velvet gown. I love the shape of
the corset’s bust, and how the black blends with the dark green, creating a
seamless line into the full skirt with draping peplums. The gown perfectly
accentuates the models pear shape, and I love the use of velvet; it’s such a
rich fabric that you rarely see used anymore.
Makeup: Yasmin Saad
Hair: Kailey Liana
My favourite look was Summer. Showing a loose black blouse, with flowing yellow shirt, she looked like a sunflower. This was also accentuated by the use of sunflower printed fabric in the arms and on the corseted waist. I also loved this model, she came down the runway with such happiness, that it filled me with joy, she was like watching a hobbit at a summer festival.
Mish Clark
Lake Majstorovic
Lake Majstorovic
Designer: Remy Highfield
Up
next was designer Victoria Edgar Jewellery, featuring
intricate metal wearable art. These looks are definitely made for display, and
would look stunning in photos, galleries, or runways (like this show!). The
looks consisted of headdresses, chest/shoulder pieces, and skirts/waist pieces.
Victoria always blows me away with her collections, and this year’s one
features much finer detailing. Last M.A.D her collection showed more plate
work; reminiscent of armor. Whereas this collection has more fine wire details,
twisting together and overlapping to create intricate designs. You can see her
chandelier inspiration, especially with the addition of dripping crystals and
jewels.
My favourite piece was the feature piece; the chandelier dress. Whilst I had
close seconds, this piece was just draw dropping. Featuring a large skirt of
twisting metal, a chest piece, and headdress, with so many crystals capping the
end of every tip. Whilst this piece was inspired by (and made with) a
chandelier, it reminds me of Yggdrasil, the world tree; with the skirt being
the roots, the trunk on her chest, leading up to the leaves in the headdress.
It was a look that definitely had a lot of work and love in it, and it
definitely stole the show.
Makeup and Hair: Chastity
Zakk Edgar
My favourite outfit was a rich purple gown, featuring an abundance of purple flowers along the hips, chest, and going down the arms over a mesh, creating almost a nude illusion. Whilst I may be bias, because I know the model and know this was her wedding dress, I still love the incorporation of the flowers on the gown.
Makeup and Hair: Gorejess Design, and Miss Twisted
After the
event, the models and designers came out to interact with the audience, and
allow the photographers to get personal shoots of the garments (We will be
uploading some of our photos in a separate post at a later date). Whilst I
loved this intimate Insight event, I do miss the bigger event with the
marketplace. Hopefully this pandemic will be under control by next year, and
M.A.D can return bigger than ever! Congratulations to the designers and their
teams, and especially the M.A.D team for organizing such a fun and inspiring
event! For now this tantalizing taste of alternative fashion will have to tide
us over.
Written By: Dezmin Humphryis
Photography: Slippery Photography
Models: if you are not credited underneath your image, please let me know which
photo is of you so I can correct it.
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