F E STI VA L R E P O RT
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AU STRA L I A’ S L A R G E ST FASH I O N E V E N T RUNWAY 1 PRESENTED BY VOGUE.COM.AU
CONTENTS 3
W E LCO M E
10 - 11
21
12 - 13
PU B LICITY AND M EDIA
NE W INITIATIVE S AND H IG H LIG H TS
4
FAS HI O N
2 018 FAST FACTS
5
OFF SI TE RUN WAYS
14 - 16
T H E PLAZA
6
17
A RTS
CO RPO RATE H OS PITALITY
7
18
ID E AS
S H OP TH E RU NWAY
8
NURTURI N G TH E FU TURE G EN ER AT I O N
9
T HE G LO BA L I NDU ST RY CO L L A BO RATO R
19
MARKETING AND CO MMU NICATIO NS
20
INTE G RATE D CO N T ENT
22
23
INDU STRY INFLU ENCE
24
O U R S U PPO RTE RS
25
TH E TE AM
26
FE STIVAL PARTNER S
27
201 9 E X PRE SS IO NS O F INTE RE ST
T H E VIS ITO R E CO NO MY
KEY The Melbourne Fashion Festival Ltd exists to profile and amplify Australian and international creative talent, both locally and globally, by embracing fashion in all its forms to inspire consumers, support retailers and maximise benefits to our stakeholders. © Melbourne Fashion Festival Ltd 2018 T: +61 3 9654 5599 E: fashion@mff.com.au
This document has been produced to international environmental management standard ISO14001 by a certified green printing company.
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* MFF Internal ^ IER Research Report (MFF Official Research) † iSentia Media Analytics
WE LCO M E
DAV ID B R ISKI N
GR AEME LEWSEY
YOLANDA FIN C H
F E STIVAL CHAIR M A N
CHIE F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R
G E N E R A L M A N AG E R
The 22nd incarnation of the Melbourne Fashion Festival was my first as Chairman, and I am proud to present this Festival Report for what is rightfully regarded internationally as the largest and most pre-eminent Australian fashion event. The outcomes presented in this report showcases the broad-reaching value this major event delivers to our stakeholders and to the broader community.
On behalf of the entire Festival team, I’m proud to join our Chairman and General Manager in presenting our official outcomes and highlights, celebrating our best Festival delivery to date.
The Festival’s 2018 program was a true collision of excitingly diverse elements; a showcase of the best in Australian fashion that came together for 18 days of Fashion, Arts and Ideas activities that provided audiences with entertainment, information and inspiration.
Leading up to this year’s Festival we were thrilled to announce a new 4-year contract with the Victorian Government, the delivery of which brings national and international exposure to the great city of Melbourne, and ensures that fashion and creativity in all its forms continues to be recognized as crucial drivers in the State and country’s economy. A healthy and growing Australian fashion and design industry doesn’t just create employment and a strong national identity, it also facilitates the dreams of Australia’s next generation. The Festival’s role in showcasing our talented designers and retailers and helping them thrive is more important than ever. On behalf of the Festival Board of Directors, I take this opportunity to thank all our participants, stakeholders and the Festival team for delivering this year’s event with passion and integrity.
With curated programming around our core pillars of Fashion, Arts and Ideas, we bought together 907 awe-inspiring creative practitioners from around Australia, who alongside the Festival’s stakeholders and supporters, joined a purpose-led chorus that embraced “responsible innovation” in all its forms. Once again championing and embracing International Women’s Day, 77% of our esteemed speakers and panelist were female this year, and they participated in a rich and diverse event schedule that was full of inspiration and learnings. We programmed 171 free and ticketed events for everyone to enjoy, and as “Australia’s largest fashion event”, we lured 17% of ticket holders from out-of-state. A significant uplift that was supported by our principal partner Virgin Australia and Visit Victoria. Additionally, the Festival amplified its content to an audience of 389 million with the Festival’s social media audience growing 6.2 times on last year. A huge heartfelt thank you to all our supporters and especially thanks to you, consumers and advocates of good design who have helped generate economic prosperity for our creative industry in Australia and Festival participants across our entire program. Just wait till you see what we have planned next year.
Strong themes defined the 2018 program as a spirit of optimism powered the industry’s approach to sustainability, responding to customers’ demand for garments that are good for both people and planet. Our relationship with technology was explored as businesses innovate to use tech to form better human connections with customers. And diversity smashed through as the dominant ride to hitch your brand wagon to, showing that fashion can lead the way in matters of equality and empowerment. A lot happens in a year in fashion, so the chance to gather each March on truly democratised ground to showcase, converse, enable, inspire and above all, connect the forces that propel businesses and people forward has proven over the Festival’s 22-year history to be essential to the vitality of the Australian fashion industry. With the 2019 program already in development, the next Festival promises to deliver exceptional outcomes to all stakeholders, and a true sense of pride in our nation’s creative capabilities.
RUNWAY 2 PRESENTED BY ELLE AUSTRALIA 3 FEATURING C/MEO COLLECTIVE
FAS H I O N S ETTI N G THE STA NDARD FOR RUNWAYS IN AUSTRALIA More than 140 established and emerging designers were celebrated on the Festival runway. Brands with cult-followings, timeless aesthetics and innovative techniques showcased their collections to delight fashion lovers within the grandeur of the Royal Exhibition Building, as well as other fashion hubs around the city.
RUNWAY 3 PRESENTED BY HARPER’S BAZAAR
D E S I G N E R S SH OWCASED A.BCH Acler AJE Albus Lumen Alice McCall Anna Hoffman Anna Quan Arnsdorf Asilio Atoir Autonomy Bassike Bec + Bridge Bianca Spender BY JOHNNY. C/MEO COLLECTIVE BY JOHNNY Cable Melbourne camilla and marc Carla Zampatti Chris Ran Lin DIIDA Dion Lee Dom Bagnato ECO D ELLIATT Fame Agenda Feathers FINDERS Friend of Mine Ginger & Smart Grace Loves Lace Hansen and Gretel Isabelle Quinn Jac + Jack Jason Grech KACEY/DEVLIN
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Kalaurie Kaliver Karen Millen Kate Sylvester Keepsake LIFEwithBIRD Lisa Baron Lois Hazel Lisa Barron macgraw Manning Cartell MATICEVSKI Megan Park MG Studio Misha Collection MJ Bale Monte Establishment Morrison Nice Martin Nicola Finetti Nobody Denim P.E Nation Rachel Gilbert sass and bide SCANLAN THEODORE Shy Pony Steven Khalil Strateas Carlucci TALULAH The Arc Third Form Thurley Torannce VIKTORIA & WOODS We Are Kindred White Story Yeojin Bae
GINGER & SMART
ELLIATT
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It was an honour to be chosen to be the designers for the Virgin Australia Grand Showcase in 2018, a year in which The Festival is focused on responsible innovation and the meaningful future of fashion - both so important to Ginger & Smart. Presenting our brand vision to our loyal consumer in such an auspicious way was amazing and the team and execution were top class. ALEXANDRA AND GENEVIEVE SMART, GINGER & SMART
”
“
We had a fabulous experience, it was great to work with such a professional and talented team the whole way through! The two runways we were involved with provided us with amazing content that impacted sales dramatically in live time, and have also provided us with a growth in e-comm sales for us and our Elliatt stockists after the event. We loved being involved, thank you for having us! ELLIATT
”
O F F SI T E R U N WAYS U N L EASHI N G CR E ATI VE EXPRESSION AND STIMULATING RETAI L Independently produced runways brought an explosion of creative expression across Melbourne. Art galleries, hotel lobbies and hidden laneways became the stage for fashion labels to share their collections in a way that represented their unique vision and identity.
MYER STYLE SERIES
EQUINOX V I VENUS
MYER STYLE SERIES
FASHION WEEKEND IN STONINGTON
JENNIFER HAWKINS AT MYER STYLE SERIES
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A RTS FASHI ON BEYOND THE RUNWAY A rich program of 41 events wove their way through the streets of Melbourne and into the hearts of audiences. This interdisciplinary display of imaginative events from film screenings and exhibitions to performances and workshops pushed the boundaries of fashion beyond the runway.
GUO PEI’S LEGEND COLLECTION AT NGV
HERMÈS AT WORK
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ACMI’s long term involvement in the Festival’s Arts Program has allowed us to deep dive into many aspects of the fashion world. This year was no exception as we focused on the renewed interest in fashion illustration through the prism of two recent documentaries – Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards and The Drawings of Yves Saint Laurent. The Festival gives these programs a greater context and allows audiences to look at many aspects of the fashion industry. JAMES NOLEN, FILM PROGRAMMER, ACMI
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YOU CAN’T DO THAT AT MELBOURNE MUSEUM
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“
Melbourne Museum was proud to collaborate with the Festival to create the ground-breaking You Can’t Do That exhibition – a celebration of Melbourne fashion figures who heard ‘you can’t’ but proved they could. The Festival worked with our curatorial team to enhance the audience experience and integrated the exhibition’s themes of resilience and persistence into the Festival’s programming. MICHAEL REASON, CURATOR, HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY, MUSEUMS VICTORIA
”
I D E AS SHA P I N G THE F UTURE OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY Presented by AMP Capital Shopping Centres, the Ideas program extrapolates key themes that are shaping the fashion industry today. By bringing together the brightest minds nationally and globally, this internationally recognised program sparked conversations, addressed challenges and inspired the minds of our industry’s current and future game-changers.
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The Festival has a great sense of community and love for the arts and fashion. The events are beautifully created with conversations that are meaningful to our industry. The people in Melbourne are the best so kind, generous, fun-loving, and stylish!
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WEN ZHOU, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, 3.1 PHILLIP LIM.
BUSINESS SEMINAR FEATURING JARRAD SERAFINE-CLARK, FANNY MOIZANT AND WEN ZHOU
BUSINESS SEMINAR FEATURING GUILLAUME DE SEYNES
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY FORUM
AN EVENING WITH: WOMEN IN MEDIA
FASHION TALKS: MONETISING YOUR SOCIAL PLATFORM FEATURING HOW TWO LIVE
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N URT U R I N G T H E FUT U RE G E N E R AT I O N STA N D I N G W I TH THE FUTURE OF CREATIVITY The Festival prides itself on being an incubator for innovation and a custodian for the future of fashion. We provided industry leading opportunities for young, emerging and established creatives to get recognised and make their mark in the dynamic world of fashion.
NATIONAL DESIGNER AWARD
NATIONAL GRADUATE SHOWCASE
Five incredible finalists were acknowledged for excellence in creative design to fashion innovation in the National Designer Award presented by David Jones and supported by Harper’s BAZAAR. Congratulations to P.E Nation who won the esteemed award in 2018. Finalists included AMXANDER, Chris Ran Lin, MNDATORY and Third Form.
Twelve exceptional fashion graduates were handpicked from renowned design institutions and universities across the country to showcase their creations on the runway. The National Graduate Showcase, presented by Target Australia, continues to provide a revered platform for the next generation of Australian fashion design talent to shine.
NATIONAL DESIGNER AWARD WINNERS P.E NATION
FASHION FILM AWARD
FASHION WRITING OPPORTUNITIES
More brands are turning to film as a vehicle to reach audiences and create inspiring brand stories. The Festival’s Fashion Film Award presented by RUSSH, supported by Val Morgan recognises designers, directors, photographers and filmmakers for their innovative storytelling techniques using film.
A collection of aspiring writers, journalists and bloggers were invited to submit stories for their chance to access and report on exclusive Festival Ideas and Arts events. The best articles written by this talented pool of wordsmiths were featured on the official blog to build their writing credentials.
FASHION FILM AWARD WINNER MAKING IT ON TIME BY BANKS FILMS
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NATIONAL GRADUATE SHOWCASE FINALIST SHADYN GILL
THE GLO BA L I N D U ST RY COLL A BO R ATO R ST R E N GTHE N I N G AUSTRALIA’S GLOBAL FASHION STATU S In collaboration with The State Government of Victoria, the Festival continued to deliver strategic opportunities that support economic development for the State. National and international attendees got to experience Melbourne as a global fashion and creative capital first-hand.
INTERNATIONAL DESIGNER SHOWCASE Presented by Trade and Investment Victoria. A showcase of Victorian labels proudly taking their concepts and stories to the world, showcasing A/W 18 collections were presented in a unique setting to local and international media, buyers and industry executives.
INTERNATIONAL DESIGNER SHOWCASE 1 FEATURING KALAURIE
INTERNATIONAL DESIGNER SHOWCASE 2 FEATURING CHRIS RAN LIN
INTERNATIONAL DESIGNER SHOWCASE 2 FEATURING ELLIATT
INTERNATIONAL DESIGNER SHOWCASE 2 FEATURING NOBODY DENIM
H E RM È S AT WO R K The luxury French fashion house brought their live exhibition to Melbourne where guests had the opportunity to meet the Hermès craftsman as they shared their knowledge and expertise.
HERMÈS AT WORK
HERMÈS AT WORK
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N E W I N I T I AT I V E S A N D H I G H L I G H TS A DY NA MI C DI SP L AY O F FASHION, ARTS, IDEAS AND CREAT I V I T Y In its 22nd year, the Festival shone the spotlight on responsible innovation, the future of fashion and the role technology plays in the industry. We pushed boundaries on the ‘See now, buy now’ experience, welcomed VIPs and industry leaders to the city and continued to hold the position as Australia’s largest fashion event.
EAT. D RI N K. FAS H I O N
FAS H IO N TALKS
City of Melbourne bars and restaurants created exclusive Festival-aligned offers to extend the fashion experience with the perfect night out.
Australia’s top influencers shared their insider knowledge on social media, photography, e-commerce and career success in a series of accessible short talks aimed at the millennial audience.
AN E V E N I N G W I T H WO ME N I N ME DI A We learned from the careers of five high profile women who have made their mark in the media industry in an inspiring panel session.
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S HO P THE RUN WAY
FAS H IO N E X H IB ITIO N
Visa powered Shop The Runway to new heights with the introduction of an immersive on-site shopping experience to complement the renowned online shopping platform. Supported with pop ups by The Australian Fashion Council and Pared Eyewear.
As part of the Arts program, we collaborated with Melbourne Museum on the creation of a boundary-defying exhibition titled ‘You Can’t Do That’.
TH E P L A Z A We raised the bar on Melbourne’s liveliest fashion party at the Melbourne Museum Precinct. A free destination to eat, drink, play and stay pre and post runway show.
R UN WAY I N TH E S KY
FAS H IO N WE E KE ND
To celebrate 5 years of partnership with Virgin Australia, Victoria’s Secret super model Kelly Gale led the model charge from 30,000 ft in the worlds first in-flight runway show, featuring collections from Virgin Australia Grand Showcase designer Ginger & Smart.
The City of Stonnington again played host to a thriving weekend of fashion and shopping throughout the precinct, including the renowned High Tea events and Fashion Weekend Runway. Over 42 stores in the precinct joined the party by running exclusive retail offers and in-store activities.
WO M E N SP EA K E R S R E I GN
MYE R STYLE S E RIE S
We welcomed the largest women business speakers line-up in the Festival’s history, continuing to champion gender equality in our industry and beyond.
The latest designer capsule collections from MYER’s suite of Australian and international brands were previewed for guests over a series of six intimate, in-store runways in its Bourke Street store.
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2 018 FAST FAC TS
907+
$5.8
$646
D E S I G N E R B R A N DS & C R E AT I V E P R AC T I T I O N E R S + 5 % YOY G R OW T H *
MARKETING C A M PA I G N VA LU E + 5 % YOY G R OW T H *
AV E R AG E CO N S U M E R R E TA I L S P E N T AS A R E S U LT O F T H E F E ST I VA L + 6 % YOY G R OW T H ^
1,145
17%
P E O P L E R E AC H E D THROUGH PR C A M PA I G N 2000+ ITEMS O F COV E R AG E +
MEDIA AT T E N DA N C E S 1 7 + I N T E R N AT I O N A L M E D I A O U T L E TS
O U T O F STAT E AT T E N DA N C E . H I G H E ST O N R E CO R D *
HIGHEST
ALL
NUMBER OF FEMALE SPEAKERS IN THE I D E AS P R O G R A M 77% OF SPEAKERS W E R E WO M E N *
SAT I S FAC T I O N M E T R I C S FO R T H E P L A Z A I N C R E AS E D + 9 0 % SA I D T H E PLAZA ADDED VA LU E TO T H E I R EXPERIENCE^
55
MILLION
12
MILLION
INCREASE I N AWA R E N E SS OF THE PLAZA + 2 9 % YOY G R OW T H ^
17 1
408,333
389
MILLION
TOTA L N U M B E R O F E V E N TS *
TOTA L L I V E I N T E R AC T I O N S *
CO N S U M E R S W E R E R E AC H E D T H R O U G H SOCIAL MEDIA G E N E R AT E D AS A R E S U LT O F T H E F E ST I VA L OV E R 6 . 2 X L A R G E R THAN 2017+
HIGHEST
RECORD
MORE
N E T P R O M OT E R S CO R E O N R E CO R D ^
NUMBER OF S H O P PA B L E P R O D U C TS O N S H O P T H E R U N WAY D I G I TA L P L AT FO R M + 76 % YOY G R OW T H *
DESIGNERS AND B R A N DS F E AT U R E D O N S H O P T H E R U N WAY T H A N E V E R B E FO R E + 4 0 0 % YOY G R OW T H *
BIOMETRIC DATA M E AS U R E M E N T N E W: FAC I A L R E CO G N I T I O N INTELLIGENCE*
Source: IER research 2018, Abel Collective Data and iSentia and MFF Internal 13
THE PLAZA I M ME R SI N G AUD I ENCES IN THE THRILL OF FASHION Fashion lovers flocked to The Plaza to immerse themselves in a world of fashion. This hub came alive with pre and post runway festivities including food and drink pop-ups, entertainment, beauty and shopping experiences that charmed attendees.
ALWAYS H AV E A “ IGREAT TIM E , I T ’S
FUN GOIN G TO THE PLAZ A AND PEOPLE WATC H I NG BEFORE OR AF T E R A SHOW. T H E GIFT BAGS AT T H E SHOWS ALS O MAKE THE TICKETS W E L L WORTH I T !
”
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA RUNWAY BAR
SANPELLEGRINO RUNWAY SAMPLING
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MR. MIYAGI RESTAURANT POP-UP
THE BOTANICAL BY MISTWOOD
PRICELINE BEAUTY BAR
6FT6 WINE GARDEN
SHOP THE RUNWAY POWERED BY VISA
6FT6 WINE GARDEN
THREADS OF BENZ
ASAHI FESTIVAL BAR
AFC CURATED POP-UP
PRICELINE BEAUTY BAR
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SHOP THE RUNWAY POWERED BY VISA
ASAHI FESTIVAL BAR
CHANDON S CART
HAS “ TSHUCE PHLAAZA GR E AT
AT M OSP HE R E , I LOV E S E E I N G A L L T H E AC TI VATI O N S A N D BA R S CO M E TO L I F E .
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WESTFIELD DONCASTER FASHION KALEIDOSCOPE
GOOGLE PIXEL 2 EXHIBITION
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THE WOOLMARK COMPANY EXHIBITION
CORPORAT E H OS P I TA LIT Y E N TE RTAINING AT ITS FINEST Tailored Corporate Hospitality packages within the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, offered a memorable evening of high glamour, entertainment, and premium dining opportunities for esteemed guests. These unparalleled experiences delivered VIP access inside the alluring and often unseen world of fashion.
MERCEDES-BENZ STAR LOUNGE
EARLYBIRD PACKAGE S 2019 VIP packages go on sale in July. Email vippackages@mff.com.au to be the first to secure the best seats in the house. VIEW FROM RUNWAY BOX
MOET & CHANDON IN THE MERCEDES BENZ STAR LOUNGE
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MERCEDES-BENZ STAR
We had a fantastic time, attending our first VAMFF. All the staff that worked in the Mercedes Star Lounge were 1st class and fantastic. The whole night and experience for us was memorable. We would love the opportunity to attend next year, it was an event that we have not stopped telling friends about back here in Adelaide. HEDGES
”
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SHOP TH E R U N WAY P I O N E E R I N G THE SEE NOW, BUY NOW REVOLUTION It’s easy for attendees to go online to shop the looks they love from the runway, but for the first time in 2018 we welcomed a physical ‘Shop the Runway’ powered by VISA, experience to The Plaza. Using interactive touch-screens, attendees could add their favourite pieces to a wishlist and get up close to the latest collections like never before.
“
It was an incredible experience to take part in the Shop The Runway ‘Curated’ pop up at The Festival, the opportunity to showcase my collection to new customers and industry representatives in person, provided great exposure for my brand. As a small online business, the ability to have a physical presence at such a prestigious event was a significant alignment for me as an emerging independent label. It was also highly beneficial financially, in that I generated the equivalent of one month of online sales in the 6 nights on The Plaza.
”
COURTENAY TRYELL, FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR MAUDE STUDIO, AFC CURATED POP UP
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MA RK ET I N G A N D CO MMU N I CAT I O N S T E CHN O LO GY, I N N OVATION AND THE FUTURE OF FASHION Innovation and technology spearheaded this year’s marketing campaign. From capturing futuristic campaign visuals to the content themes and on-site experiences chosen, our actions were driven by the future of fashion and the role we play in shaping it.
“
GRAZIA’s first year closing the Festival exceeded expectations. The Festival appeals to GRAZIA’s It Girl reader inspiring shop the runway via consumer driven looks and styling like no other fashion event. It is an incredibly important part of the Australian Fashion Industry as it puts the spotlight on Melbourne and offers an important boost in sales, marketing and PR for designers and the industry.
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RACHEL SHARP, EDITOR, GRAZIA
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The energy, excitement and celebration of Australian fashion at the Festival this year was truly world class. Being the first digital-only title to present a runway show was a huge milestone for us, and to be able to activate our brand including our leadership in the career space for young women - through the Fashion Talks was really valuable as well.
”
ALISON RICE, PUBLISHER, WHO WHAT WEAR
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THE V I SI TO R E CO N O M Y ATTR ACTI N G SHOPPERS FROM ACROSS AUSTRALIA In collaboration with Visit Victoria, a dynamic out-of-state campaign attracted visitors from around the country who came and immersed themselves in the fashion capital during the Festival. A range of tailored experiences were developed to entice visitors and showcase Victoria’s best and most stylish offerings. A special thank you to Virgin Australia, The Langham Melbourne and Mercedes-Benz for supporting these initiatives.
17% OF TICKET HOLDERS WERE FROM OUT OF STATE*
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IN T EG RAT E D CO N T E NT P R OVI DI N G E N DLESS POSSIBILITIES TO ENGAGE Consumers and industry alike turn to the Festival for fashion insights, and as a leader in this space, our influence was leveraged through content partnerships that allowed our stakeholders the opportunity to amplify their brand credentials, reach highly engaged audiences and influence consumer buying behaviour.
YOUR ULTIMATE BEAUTY TREND REPORT
TREND REPORT the
A/W18
PRICELINE PHARMACY IS PROUD TO BE THE OFFICIAL HAIR & BEAUTY PARTNER OF THE
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PUB L I CI T Y A N D M E D IA B UI L D I N G B R A N D IDENTITY AND COMPETITIVENESS The eyes of local, national and international media turned towards Melbourne to watch the action unfold at the forefront of Australian fashion. High-quality media outcomes across television, radio and digital media were generated for participating fashion designers, VIPs, sponsors and partners throughout the year.
THE P UBLICITY CA MPAIGN R E ACHED UP TO 5 5 MILLION P E O PLE 1,145 LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ME DI A ATTENDANC E S ACROSS FEST I VAL EV E NTS
OV E R 2 ,0 0 0 IT E M S OF COV E R AGE
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Models Leilani Mendez, Adual Akol and Tora Flink prepare for their catwalk in the sky. Picture: Tim Carrafa
CONFIDENTIAL
Ginger & Smart fashion label to host runway on Virgin Australia flight ELLE HALLIWELL, The Daily Telegraph February 9, 2018 5:41pm
THE sky is literally the limit for Ginger & Smart. On Tuesday the Australian fashion label will showcase its new season wares — more than 10km up in the air during a Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Melbourne. Passengers on the flight will witness models parading the label’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collection down the aircraft aisles at cruising altitude. “I think it’s a nice fusion of technology and fashion and it’s a completely new space to hold a runway show, in the sky,” Ginger & Smart designer Genevieve Smart said.
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IN DUSTRY I N FLU E N CE A P L AC E FO R FASHION’S A-GAME TO SHINE Sought after Australian and international designers, models, journalists, magazines editors and celebrities filled front row seats at our runway shows. Their energy and influence thrilled attendees and brought an air of excellence to the event.
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O U R S U P P O RT E R S A HE A RTF E LT THANK YOU TO OUR EXTENDED FAMILY Thank you to the designers, retailers, brands, official partners, speakers, media, suppliers, volunteers and attendees who stand with us to deliver a world-class fashion event. It is with your support that we’re able to push boundaries and unlock possibilities to enrich the fashion industry in Australia.
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We are very proud of our longstanding partnership with the Festival, now spanning more than 10 years. It is an incredible celebration of Australian and international designers and an opportunity for us to showcase the latest collections direct to customers on a world-class runway. The implementation of see now, buy now technology advancements to create a shoppable runway reflect the direction of retail and our future as a business. It is also very important to us as a business to nurture and support emerging talent in the fashion industry, and as the presenting partner of the National Designer Award, it’s exciting to see the caliber of these designers continue to strengthen. We look forward to working with the Festival again in 2019.
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Virgin Australia was thrilled to celebrate the fifth year of our partnership by hosting the first ever Australian fashion runway in the sky, onboard one of our aircraft. We loved being able to help kick off fashion festivities in such a unique way and continue to push the boundaries with our Runway Bar and of course, the fabulous fashion on show. 17% of ticket holders traveled to Melbourne to be part of this world-class event and the Festival team should be delighted with their achievements. DANIELLE KEIGHERY, GROUP EXECUTIVE BRAND, MARKETING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, VIRGIN AUSTRALIA
”
DAVID COLLINS, DAVID JONES MANAGING DIRECTOR CLOTHING AND GENERAL MERCHANDISE
“
As a global leader in digital payments, Visa is committed to helping Australian retailers succeed on the world stage – a goal closely aligned to the work of the Melbourne Fashion Festival. Through our partnership in 2018 powering Shop The Runway, we were able to bring the latest in commerce technology to the festival, enabling Australians to support the designers on show and enjoy seamless digital payments experiences.
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JAC PHILLIPS, VISA HEAD OF MARKETING, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & SOUTH PACIFIC
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Priceline Pharmacy is extremely proud to be the official hair and beauty partner of the Festival for the fourth year running. The team backstage was led by Priceline Pharmacy Makeup Director Sarah Laidlaw and Priceline Pharmacy Hair Director Kenneth Stoddart who set the hair & makeup trends for the Festival. Our Beauty Bar, set in The Plaza, gave festival goers the chance to experience the hair and beauty looks from the runway in what was our best activation to date. A very exciting time for fashion in Melbourne!
”
RICHARD VINCENT, MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO, PRICELINE PHARMACY
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THE TEAM
BACKSTAGE AT RUNWAY 7 PRESENTED BY GRAZIA
THE BOARD
EXECUTIVE TEAM
David Briskin Chairman
Graeme Lewsey Chief Executive Officer
Sue Lloyd-Williams AO MAICD Deputy Chairman
Yolanda Finch General Manager
Janice Breen Burns
Laura McKinnon Business Operations Executive / Executive Assistant
Launa Inman Tony Kendall Paul Lappin Jacquie Naylor Oliver Carton
PARTNERSHIPS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tennille Burt Head of Sales and Marketing Jarrod Leith Business Development Executive Sasha Bardwell Business Development Executive
Fiona Crawford Support Services Executive
Breanna Alger Corporate Hospitality Sales Executive
PROGRAMMING
EVENTS PRODUCTION
Katy Milliken Programming Executive (Fashion)
Amber Rimmer Event Manager
Caitlin Kavanagh Programming Executive (Arts & Ideas)
Zillah Morrow Special Projects Manager
Michael Briones Programming Co-Ordinator
Ray German Technical Production Manager
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Kate Horsfall Marketing & Communications Manager Shelley King Marketing & Communications Executive Jorja Brown Digital Marketing Executive Lia McNab Graphic Design Kate Halmos Ticketing Executive
Ciara O’Donnell Events Executive Sarah Normand Special Projects Manager Runway Production Event Gallery Risk Management Coleby Consulting
FINANCE Jacki McAvenna Finance Manager
Catherine Huang Digital Co-Ordinator Publicity AMPR and AWPR Photography Lucas Dawson Video Sense6
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FEST I VAL PA RT N E R S T HA N K YOU TO A L L O F O UR PARTNERS FOR THEIR ONGOING S U P P ORT
P R I N C I PA L PA RTNE R
G OVE RNM E NT PART NE R
M A JO R PA RT N ERS
H AIR & B E AUTY PARTNER
EVEN T PA RT N ERS
O F F I C I A L PR O DUC T PART NE RS
SU PPO RT I N G PA RT NE RS
H OT E L PART NE R
M EDI A PA RT N ERS
TH E F EST I VA L S UPPORTS
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E X P R E SS I O N S O F I N T E R E ST B E A PA RT O F AUSTR ALIA’S LARGEST FASHION EVENT IN 2 019
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA GRAND SHOWCASE FEATURING GINGER & SMART
WE INV I T E DESIGNE RS PARTNE RS SPEAKE RS INDUST RY to contact us and start exploring opportunities to be a part of the 2019 Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival. Please email fashion@mff.com.au and we will be in touch with more information. THE PLAZA
6FT6 WINE GARDEN
JESS GOMES BACKSTAGE AT GALA RUNWAY PRESENTED BY DAVID JONES
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