★ Melbourne fashion designers

MSFW Retail Night, by Lucas Dawson Photography

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW, 28 August – 4 September), the season’s consumer-friendly fashion event, will show more than 50 designers to the runway, including some of Melbourne’s best talent, including:

Livia ArenaMelbourne-based designer Livia Arena created her eponymous label in 2010. Debuting its first collection at L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2011, the brand has since gained a loyal following and is now stocked in premium boutiques worldwide. The label’s focus is on producing well-constructed garments designed and made in Melbourne. The idea that clothes with a modern and causal aesthetic still warrant a luxury finish is core to the brand and can be seen on the inside of every garment.

Matcho SubaMatcho Suba’s approach to contemporary fashion design is one of an avant garde aesthetic with a distinctly modern edge. Telling stories about elements of his life, journey and other impactful moments, Suba’s collections are the progression of an unfinished tale. Fittingly enough as with any progression, Suba’s developmental works are always advancing and new frontiers for the designer are being made a reality.

NevenkaA pattern maker by trade, Rosemary Masic places an emaphasis on the details and sources textiles from all round the world. Embroideries and embellishments from her travels and family heirlooms are used as inspiration and replicated for each collection. This is where all the creativity begins. Influenced heavily by her Eastern European heritage, Rosemary allows these traditions and techniques from her homeland to guide her, but her signature style is luxe bohemian chic.

Dom BagnatoDom Bagnato is colourful, contemporary, creative elegance and Italian style, specialising in high-quality tailoring, innovative design and with a focus on Italian textured fabrics. Known as the designer of beautiful suits, the collection includes Italian made leather shoes and accessories, extending the brand line to ‘the designer of beautiful things’. The name Dom Bagnato is synonymous with sophistication and distinction; the well-established label is renowned for its blend of classic and contemporary.

JASONGRECHJASONGRECH is a Melbourne couturier, specialising in luxury bridal and red carpet gowns. This dynamic brand has been setting the local fashion landscape alight for over a decade with gorgeous, inspirational designs and innovative thinking. The designer’s innovative designs coupled with a depth of industry experience are the driving force behind the JASONGRECH brand. Creating diverse textures and tones for his stunning collections pair fine detailing with delicate embroideries and outstanding quality to produce show-stopping gowns year after year.

Ashleigh MoffattEmerging designer Ashleigh Moffatt is currently studying a Bachelor of Fashion at Box Hill Institute. Now in her final year, Ashleigh is showcasing her graduate collection “Neo-Noir” at this year’s MSFW: Emerging Designer Runway event (30 August). Taking its cues from dark cinematic films, the collection has an authoritarian and constrictive feel, reminiscent of medical uniforms throughout history. When it comes to fabrics, expect to see heavy wools and faux leathers, and a mix of dark and light prints. A rising star amongst her peers, Ashleigh has a number of prestigious fashion awards under her belt already and has a passion for immaculately tailored garments and patternmaking – leading her to pursue a career as a garment technician.

MSFW will kick off with the Vogue Fashion’s Night Out on Friday 28 August, a free event featuring special offers, celebrity appearances, runway shows and activations. Highlights include MSFW: Designer featuring one-off runway shows at Melbourne Town Hall, and MSFW: Emerging showcasing the best emerging fashion designers. Other must-see shows include the Opening Gala, Modern Love, Contemporary, Spring Carnival, Mr and Resort. The Hub will be home to free entertainment, runway and brand experiences during the Week.

For media enquiries, contact Georgie Cavanagh, +61 (0)409 803 642, georgie.cavanagh@haystac.com.au