Student Experience at Melbourne Fashion Festival: Volunteering Backstage, Industry Networking & Campus Life Insights
WORDS BY NFC STUDENT, HOLLY ADAMS
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the past week volunteering at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival as an NFC student studying online. Visiting from Perth, this experience gave me the opportunity to connect and network with people within the Melbourne Fashion scene, and truly broadened my horizons on what the Australia fashion industry looks like. Whilst working over four different shows during my time in Melbourne, I was able to not only do some sightseeing but also experience a class on campus in Melbourne!
My first day with Melbourne Fashion Festival threw us right into the action with rehearsals for the National Graduate Showcase. All of the pieces, designed by Australian fashion graduates, were so beautifully crafted and structured. I had the pleasure of dressing model Norway in pieces by Bailey Quan and Valentina Barrios. This show was not only a great stepping stone into understanding how the back-of-house operations of a runway show run, but it also allowed me to see all of the graduates amazing pieces firsthand. My personal favourite collection came from student Zain Bleed, titled “Flying Sheep” and styled by the amazing Karinda Mutabazi.
We then began rehearsals for the National Designer Award runway, which was an adrenaline rush within itself. With four looks and five changes for my model Cassaerea, it allowed me to gain a lot of firsthand experience working in a fast paced, backstage environment. It was also an amazing honour to dress Cassaerea in Designer Award winner Joaen’s pieces. We also had plenty of time after the show for a little photoshoot with her final look!
On the third day of my trip, I had the opportunity to attend an in person class at the NFC Melbourne campus. Not only were all of the students so welcoming, but I also had the pleasure of being taught by industry professional Amy Hart. It was great to explore the subjects I’ve been studying with another educator, with a different perspective and career history. It was also incredibly exciting being able to meet other NFC staff members such as Bryce himself! The campus was not only beautiful, but also had so many cool rooms and studios for students to enjoy.
My second day of volunteering covered the Resort Glam and Autumn Luxe runways, which once again threw me right into the action! I made connections with so many likeminded individuals, models and creatives who are just as passionate about the fashion industry as myself. My models Cassaerea and Sam both had such meaningful insights and experiences to share about the industry itself, which was so amazing to hear. We also had the chance to assist with backstage collections, which showed me all of the amazing behind the scenes work that goes into each show.
On my final night in Melbourne, we were offered complimentary tickets to watch the New Again: Metamorphosis Runway. I was able to meet fellow online classmate Apryle at the event, where we chatted about all things fashion and life at NFC. It was so amazing being able to meet one of my classmates in person! Following the show, we also found ourselves watching the Neoculture Independent runway in the forecourt, which was such a cool experience!
I’m incredibly excited for what is to come next, and even more excited to come back for next years Melbourne Fashion Festival. It was such an honour being able to travel across the country for such a fun week of fashion! Hopefully next time I’ll be able to figure out the tram system…
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