M.A.D Fashion Showcase 2022

The 19^th of February saw the return of the annual Melbourne Alternative Designers Fashion Showcase (M.A.D). After years of lockdowns with the pandemic, this event has been a shining goal on my calendar. And it looked like it was a goal for many people, as it seemed to have the most attendees in all the years it has run. That isn’t to say we were packed in, M.A.D continued to keep public safety in mind and we still had plenty of space to move around, and masks were to be worn (unless drinking).

M.A.D returned to its spiritual home of the Meat Markets, which I think is the best location it has had over the years. It’s a beautiful location (every time I visit I love the little cow heads on the columns), with lots of space, but it doesn’t get too hot or cold. It’s very easy for them to split the market and catwalk, allowing last minute adjustments to the stage without patrons seeing behind the magic, but also making sure the vendors get the maximum amount of time and attention before, between, and after the show. 

There was a wide variety of artist vendors, and it’s always fun to see what new and old alternative artists come to the showcase. From fantastic fashions (which were seen on the catwalk), to kawaii jewellery, to witchy accessories, to beautiful art, and so much in between. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a market, so seeing wares in person and getting to talk to the artists was a warming experience.

But now; onto the show! This year M.A.D had ten designers take to the catwalk. And to welcome each of them were our returning MCs SaSa LeStrange and Mr Marmalade. The pair brought their friendly banter with the collected SaSa reigning in the shimmering chaos of Marmalade. My only disappointment is that the pair stayed near the back of the stage, it meant those towards the front couldn’t see their beautiful outfits (especially SaSa’s made by Lyris Design). But we could still enjoy their MCing, and it was lovely to see them again. 

Sasa Lestrange and Mr Marmalade

M.A.D Fashion Insights 2021

Back in February the Melbourne Alternative Designers returned with their Fashion Showcase, albeit a little different due to Covid-19 restrictions.
This event was a smaller, more intimate affair, featuring a runway, and then a chance for the designers and models to mingle amongst guests, get photos off of the runway, and chat about the amazing fashions.

We wrote a review of the day, including runway photos, which you can find HERE.
But this post features photos off the runway, where you can see the fashion in another light.

The Obtainery

Makeup: Ren, Janelle, Hayley, Cat, Kaila
Hair: Ren

Ren 

M.A.D Fashion Showcase 2021

After a year hiatus, thanks to Covid, the Melbourne Alternative Designers (M.A.D) fashion showcase returned this year on February 20^th. Seeing as Melbourne was still under restrictions in terms of events and gathering, M.A.D changed the approach to this year’s event, creating M.A.D ‘Insights’.

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.

M.A.D Fashion Showcase 2019

Saturday September 7^th brought the 4^th annual MelbourneAlternative Designers (M.A.D) Fashion Showcase. This year’s show happened a bit later than previous years, so I was quite excited to see what the designers and stall holders had in store.

M.A.D Fashion Showcase 2018

May the 5^th saw the third annual Melbourne Alternate Designers (M.A.D) fashion showcase. This year the event had a location change, taking place in the Melbourne Arts Centre. It is amazing to see this event grow and be able to utilize such a famous and beautiful building, and it was now more accessible with more parking and being so close to the CBD and transport.

The runway took place in a separate, but connected, room from the market, and had a unique layout. With a crescent pathway running across the room, and the main stage running at a 90˚ angle, this allowed the audience more chance to see the garments, the models to interact with the audience, and a more traditional catwalk to still be present. The night ran smoothly and on time, something M.A.D has set a standard for and continues to keep.

The market this year appeared to have many more artists. Ranging from those selling prints and pins, to others selling clothing and accessories, this year once again showcased local artists and had something for everyone. My only qualm with the market was, due to the floor’s layout, a bottle neck was created and with so many attendees it was difficult to manoeuvre. But this is something that happens due to the popularity and large attendance, and being in a new space there are bound to be a few hiccups.

Queer Expo 2017

July the 15^th and 16^th, saw the premiere of Queer Expo; an LGBT+ convention, which myself and Mx Loki attended as media for Afflatus Magazine.
Mx Loki will be writing out a full feature for our next issue, but for those who wish to know what the event was like, but can’t wait until February; continue reading.

Overall, this event was small. This is to be expected of a first-run event; you need to build a reputation in order to gain brand loyalty, but this smallness could be mistaken as lack of interest.
I believe there were three main reasons as to the small turn out; lack of advertising, confusion as to what the event was, and high ticket prices. 

Many people commented on the lack of advertising and promotion of the event, several people mentioned to us that they had asked if their queer friends were attending, only to learn those friends had no idea there was a con. Beyond facebook, there didn’t seem to be much reach out.
The event itself also did not seem to know what it was leading up to it. Beginning as a Drag convention, it changed to a queer expo, then added pop culture to it. This adding of pop culture was not relevant, as everyone there was there for drag and sexuality/gender, most of the pop culture stalls were un-visited.
Finally the ticket prices. I am torn over the costs of the tickets, because if you attended and saw many of the drag performances and panels, it was worth your money. But I understand that $80 for the weekend at the con’s first running would have turned people away, as that is a lot of money.

So the turnout was small, but that also worked in people’s advantages as it really allowed them to be able to talk and interact with the special guests. We got to speak to most of the American Queens; Shangela has an amazing warmth to her interactions and a killer memory, Latrice Royale is so genuine and can see that in people as well, and The Boulet Brothers are stunning. It also meant we were able to speak to attendees more freely; people felt more comfortable in the open space as opposed to being crushed in the crowds of the big cons. And this freedom in space also gave itself to attendees showing off their big, elaborate, and gorgeous outfits.

We also attended many panels and performances (something we don’t usually get to do at bigger cons). I really loved the performances, it let me see a lot more of Australian drag talent than I would usually be able to see, as well as the international queens whom might come down once every couple years and I’ll miss them. Aysha Buffet feels her performances so deeply you can see it in her body, whilst I love BeBe Gunn’s presence and facial expression, and the Space Queens show by Art Simone and Philmah Bocks appealed greatly to the Star Wars geek in me .
The panels we attended were entertaining or informative, and made you contemplate the roles and representation of LGBT+ culture. I also have to applaud those who went up on stage; it’s hard to be in front of a large crowd, but it’s harder in front of a small crowd, and everyone was professional and still gave their all.

One thing that was frustrating was the two stages were inside. This meant often the music/mics would be turned up and began to drown out conversations in the traders’ area. It became difficult to talk to people outside the stage areas, and was overwhelming inside.

Overall, I did enjoy Queer Expo. It is a first time con that definitely needs its kinks smoothed out, but it has so much potential behind it. It was small, but so was RuPaul’s drag con its first year, and this smallness help build connections and networks between people. It also showcased such amazing drag performers, and gave voice to LGBT+ issues. I hope to see it refine its goals and organization, so that it grows into massive convention it can be.

Now, onto some of the photos I took during the convention. If you see yourself here please let me know who/where to credit.
Also, performers if you see yourself here I may have more photos of you, please email me at slipperyphotography@gmail.com and I will send you a link to the rest of your photos. I am also still working on photos from the competition. If you were in it and would like some photos, let me know so I can send them through to you.

Don’t forget to like these photos on Slippery Photography on Facebook

Eloquent Mx Loki

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.