A vibrant celebration of sustainable fashion, expert craftsmanship, and wearable art is coming to East Gippsland next month, featuring a special appearance by one of Australia’s most iconic design legends.
The Forge Theatre in Bairnsdale will play host to Runway Stories | Fashion Parade on Sunday, July 5.
The event showcases the work of progressive designers and makers who are redefining modern style through an eco-conscious lens. Every striking, one-of-a-kind garment featured in the parade has been expertly crafted entirely from sustainable or repurposed fabrics, with a strict rule of no new polyester used in production. Attendees can expect a runway filled with strong silhouettes, beautiful textiles, and intricate, considered details.
Adding a touch of Australian fashion royalty to the Bairnsdale runway is the appearance of legendary designer Prue Acton OBE.
Often referred to as “Australia’s golden girl of fashion” during her trailblazing 1960s era, Acton launched her own business in Melbourne in 1963. She made history as the first Australian designer to successfully break into the highly competitive American market, earning full-page advertisements in the New York Times and prime window displays at prominent New York department store Lord & Taylor.
Over her illustrious career, the Benalla-born designer amassed an array of accolades, including five Australian Wool Board Awards, four Fashion Industry of Australia Lyrebird Awards, three David Jones Awards for Fashion Excellence, and three international awards for her design of Olympic Opening Ceremony uniforms. She was awarded an OBE in 1982.
Following the main runway event, the experience will move into the theatre foyer. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to browse the garments up close, meet the makers, and purchase the unique pieces of wearable art directly from the designers.
The fashion parade will run from 1pm to 3pm at the Forge Theatre, Bairnsdale, followed by the foyer sales from 3.20pm to 4.30pm.
Due to strictly limited seating, bookings are essential and can be made online via Humanitix.
