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.

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.