Melbourne Fashion Festival gives local students unforgettable opportunities

Melbourne’s largest annual fashion event, Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) has just closed off its 23rd year. Providing designers with a stage and connecting runways with retail, the city played host to paradise for fashionistas from 1-10 March; leaving spectators in complete awe.

This season’s spotlight, was without a doubt, seized by the National Graduate Showcase; an opportunity for the nations most talented up and coming designers to showcase their work.

Getting a glimpse into local talent, the runway featured collections from twelve finalists - recently graduated university students from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and the University of Technology Sydney - giving them the opportunity to exhibit their works.

“VAMFF was such an amazing experience and one that I really do feel honoured to have been a part of” says finalist, Isabella Snelson.

The fashion industry is brutal, now more than ever, with every second person giving it a good crack. The opportunity, held an outstanding scale of talent, inspiring designers nationwide.

For many, this annual event, means a start to an exceptional career. Being featured nationally, showcasing personal works to such a large audience, and that too, right after graduation right after graduation is a dream of any creative.

“Leaving university I really didn’t know when my next fashion show would be, let alone to be part of one that is nationally recognised” she adds.

It is no secret that to be featured in VAMFF, means you must have done something right. For local students to have access to such a platform is an incredible way to get some exposure and grow networks.

“As a young designer the ability to have access to these opportunities is second to none.” added, Snelson. “The opportunity to showcase my work means another platform of exposure, more experience and a new challenge. It is with the help of these opportunities that young designers are able to establish themselves and ultimately follow their aspirations.”

Still from VAMFF, runway 7. Photographed by Aastha Agrawal.

Photo gallery from @isabellasnelson on Instagram.