Melbourne designer labels to watch

As part of the VAMFF Independent Program, the Australian Fashion Council returns with AFC Curated, a program designed as a pop-up retail and mentoring program for independent Australian labels. The first pop-up in 2019 is housed in one of Melbourne’s premier shopping destination: Emporium Melbourne, from 1 to 17 March 2019.

 Shoppers will have the opportunity able to meet the designers, connect with their stories and of course, shop their incredible ranges.  Victoria labels featured include:

Designed and made in Melbourne, Allora by designer Tabatha Brixton offer shoppers luxurious wool cashmere capes and coats. The tailored pieces offer those who seek quality pieces in their wardrobe that will remain timeless and classic through the years.

Women’s lifestyle label, Avila offers shoppers the best of luxury Athleisure. Majority of the brand’s clothing is made Fairtrade in India with limited edition pieces made by the team in Melbourne, focusing on comfort and style that meets the demands of busy and active lifestyles.

Melbourne based designer Gesualdo Terlato brings high-glamour to shoe aficianados. Each pair of G Terlato is hand-crafted with the finest materials and design details; Italian leather, silk and suede, with Swarovski crystals, beads and pearls.

Inspired by Melbourne cafe culture, rural upbringings and a love of nature, Gehrich by Melbourne designer Samantha Gehrich offers shoppers classic style with contemporary flair and an element of 60's mod.  Incorporating a philosophy of sustainability and limited collections, each piece is designed to fit seamlessly into any modern wardrobe.

As the name suggests, Guerrilla Theatre Brand from Melbourne-based designer Paul Stam, is a mythical, multi-layered tale, chronicling visions of the future that find life not only on the page and screen but seamlessly through fashion that is wearable art. Each range introduced is brought to life by a short film that not only illuminates the narrative but showcases the fashion looks, artist collaborations and design.

Former New Yorker Lindsay Nicholas has made Melbourne home introducing her downtown cool style to Melburnians and beyond.Designed for the way women work today, the fabrics and precision fits form an effortlessly chic wardrobe for modern life.

The Melbourne designed and made womenswear label, Oneiric by Sandra Estepho, creates tailored, handmade garments with a mission to evoke emotion, mood and attitude within everyday wear.

Australian made swimwear label, Salty Fox for sun-soaked dreamers and salty adventurers. Designer Susan Alexopoulos creates feminine, timeless designs with beautiful details that lend a unique Melbourne aesthetic to each garment.

Silent Arrow, by Melbourne based Kelly Barrett, creates lingerie for those who are unafraid to be seen, mashing slinky fabrics with cult cuts. Made for women, by women, every item purchased sees a woman in need gifted a pair of cotton undies.

Explore AFC Curated at Emporium Melbourne, Shop 3.003A, Level 3, 287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (*by the David Jones walk through, same level as the Cafe Court)

OPEN | ​1-17 March 2019, 10am - 7pm (Sat-Wed), 10am - 9pm (Thurs-Fri)