MY JOURNEY FROM HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT TO FASHION WEEK INSIDER: A DREAM COME TRUE

WORDS BY NFC STUDENT RAANYA RAM

A year ago today, I woke up to the dread of attending high school. Living the daily experience of waking up, going to school, coming home from school and going to sleep. Today, I woke up to the opportunity to work across Australian Fashion Week; living the experience of dressing models, watching runway shows and meeting iconic people who I’ve grown up watching on the internet. 

There’s only one word to truly capture every emotion, feeling and thought that had shivered down my spine. 

Surreal.

Surreal in that I was blessed with an unimaginable opportunity. Surreal in that I was able to experience the behind-the \-scenes of runway shows and events I once only dreamed of attending. Surreal that, with my own eyes, I witnessed the beauty and epitome of fashion. I remember standing in the room where the Lee Matthews show was held, trying my best to not blink away the moment. Every step the models took, the movement of each dress, and the audience’s enticed expressions; I was mesmerised. All the thoughts running through my mind lead me to question “How did I end up here? How had this become my life?”

Whilst to everyone else, guiding a person to their seat or fixing a garment on a model might not be that revolutionary, to me that meant so much more. To even be in a space filled with such renowned designers or such breathtaking models, was such a dreamlike experience. I’d never before had the opportunity for my dreams to come to life. Coming from a place where my peers dreamed of average lifestyles and careers, I’d dreamt of creativity. A hope to be present in a space filled with likeminded creatives and passion-driven artists. Thus, any opportunity, even as small as holding up a paddle with the letter “E” on it for audience members to know where they sit, was revolutionary. I was present in a place aligned with my dream; a place fuelled with creativity.

Not only did I have the pleasure of witnessing a runway show, but I was also able to appreciate the designers, audience and models who brought these runway shows to life. Witnessing Lee Matthews run onto the runway, with the proudest grin, it was hard not to feel emotional. This moment was important, not only for him, but also for the several designers and models who worked for every show and event hosted by Australian Fashion Week. Witnessing the appreciation for designs, models, family and friends had encompassed me with several thoughts. Whilst I participated in volunteering and assisting - which I couldn’t help but be so grateful for - I realised the true purpose why I, as well as everyone else, was there. 

To celebrate a culture. A fashion culture. A culture of creativity and innovation. 

SEE MORE FROM RAANYA’S AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK EXPERIENCE: