Eltham fashion show experience: a first

Yesterday, I was one of eight local designers showcasing their clothing at a fashion show in Eltham. It was my first public appearance with my designs. They day was exciting, nerve-wracking, slow at times, and at others so pacy that I barely had time to blink (namely, getting the models dressed and prepared to walk out on stage in time for their spot).

I'm afraid I was so distracted that I completely forgot to take pictures, but when the press shots arrive I'll point you to them. All I have is this horribly, horribly blurry picture of what I wore, taken in a rush at the end of the day. I know, I'm a terrible blogger. (But look, I finally worked in those blue tights!)


We arrived four hours before the show was to start, along with the other designers, models, and the MC. But the venue was shut, nobody was about, and we didn't have the key. After waiting a while, the models began getting their hair done and trying on shoes outside, while Ellie grabbed my hand and led me in this direction and that.

Over an hour later someone arrived to open the door, and I spent the rest of the time before the show trying my designs on the models, finding shoes that matched the outfit and fit, choosing which ones to leave out because they didn't fit right or look good, and rearranging my schedule of outfits based on the models having enough time to get out the back, change and return to the stage with the next outfit. Things didn't quite go to plan here, but more on that later. I also chose jewellery from designer Airdie's gorgeous Joolz line to pair with my clothing for the runway.

As a side note, you should also know that I wasn't superwoman enough to do all that while taking care of Ellie: Tim came along as well and was on baby patrol. I would likely have exploded from multitasking if he wasn't there.

Anyway, when the show started I made my way backstage and watched the first part of the show from the sideline. I was fifth in the line-up, so when the third finished, I went to the dressing room. That was kind of a sucky part - I wanted to be out watching the show and seeing how my designs looked on the runway, not out the back!

There were five models and nine outfits, so I didn't know how it would go with them changing so quickly to get back out there. Things were going well until the seventh outfit, when the song I chose to accompany my collection finished and the audience started clapping. Bugger. The song was Free by Cat Power. I spent ages deciding which music to choose and thought this was the best match, but I wasn't sure how long each model's walk would be, to know what length my song needed to be. I was just hoping it would be okay, but I really should have planned that a bit better and maybe cut down my number of outfits.

Anyway, the show went on without my final two outfits, which was fine. I'd already decided to auction one of my dresses for the Bushfire Appeal, so what was to be the last outfit was showcased and bought later on:


I'd brought a bunch more of my designs to sell after the show and had set up a little rack for perusal. The badges I mentioned also made their debut. The badges will be available in my online shop soon, promise! In my next post I'll talk about preparing for the show, because that was a trial in itself.

I was so impressed with the people involved. The show was organised by Georgia Young, who also showed her collection. I can't even imagine what a mammoth task it must have been alone, much less making pieces for the runway as well. My favourite designs were by Georgia Young, Ali Bou and Valerie Randello, but all the pieces were gorgeous. It was my first time seeing Joolz jewellery in person and they are gorgeous. Owner Airdie was lovely to meet.

I was really glad to be involved and a good time was had by all (except for my brother, who got lost on the way and took a 40 minute accidental detour).