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.

Submissions Open - Issue 4

Wanted: Artist Submissions
Theme: Mental Illness
Medium: Any
Submissions Close: 31-December-2019

Release Date: February 2020

We are excited to announce the fourth issue of Afflatus. Aimed to promote and showcase Australian artists, Afflatus is currently after applications for people who would like to be featured.

With a wide array of features, from biographies to interviews to critical analyses, Afflatus not only showcases the artwork, but the artists as well.
We are not just after traditional artists, but all kinds such as clothing designers, models, singers, digital designers, photographers, silver smiths, etc.

This issue’s theme is: Mental Illness. If your work, or a series, works with either expression of mental illness, its effects, etc. or you create works in spite of it, then fill out the form (linked below) and apply.

You can find Afflatus’ previous issues HERE (or on the Facebook page)

You can find Submission Guides  and Application Form
Send forms or questions to afflatusmagazineau@gmail.com

Applicants will be notified if they will be included by the 05-January-2020

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.

Submissions Open - Issue 3

Wanted: Artist Submissions
Theme: Death
Medium: Any
Submissions Close: 31-December-2018  Edit:14-January-2019

Release Date: February 2019

We are excited to announce the third issue of Afflatus. Aimed to promote and showcase Australian artists, Afflatus is currently after applications for people who would like to be featured.

With a wide array of features, from biographies to interviews to critical analyses, Afflatus not only showcases the artwork, but the artists as well.
We are not just after traditional artists, but all kinds such as clothing designers, models, singers, digital designers, photographers, silver smiths, etc.

This issue’s theme is: Death. If your work, or a series, works with either causes of death, the dead, the afterlife, etc. or inspired by it, then fill out the form (linked below) and apply.

You can find Afflatus’ previous issues HERE (or on the Facebook page)

You can find Submission Guides  and Application Form
Send forms or questions to afflatusmagazineau@gmail.com

Applicants will be notified if they will be included by the 05-January-2019

Queer Expo 2018

Last weekend saw the second Queer Expo take place! After having a positive experience at the first one, the Afflatus team were excited to see how the event had changed and grown.

 Prozac and Minnietaur