The Adelaide Fashion Festival is growing bigger and better every year, with the addition of Mercedes-Benz as a sponsor, and Myer and Vogue Australia coming on board this year.
But for those who have never been to #AFF before, the ever-expanding program can be a little overwhelming. Should you splash that cash and see one of Paolo Sebastian‘s ethereal shows, or would you be better suited to a fabulous long lunch? We’ve put together a little guide to help you figure out which shows would be best for you to see, and who you should be taking to them!
Shows to see…
With your best friend
You and your bestie searching for the perfect party outfit for this weekend? Head along to the Contemporary v Street runway to find a totally unique outfit made by a local designer that will truly wow your friends. Designers like Stephanie Chehade, AlphaBe and Katya Komarova will be showcasing their latest collections, with plenty of cool outfits and accessories bound to be on show. Next, head to the BNKR runway to give you both an insight into what you’ll be seeing bloggers all over the world wearing over the next six months. Finish at all up at the Vogue Festival Wrap Party, where you can watch a runway show featuring national labels like sass & bide, Morrisson and Harvey the Label while enjoying a few classy (possibly) wines from East End favourites Mothervine and East End Cellars.
AFF Runway 1 Contemporary v Street
AFF Runway 3 BNKR
East End Social presents Vogue Wrap- Party
With your mum
Treat your mum to a fashionable day out at either Vogue’s Kitchen with Edwina McCann or the Mercedes-Benz Unley Long Lunch. If she’s a Sean’s Kitchen fan, Vogue’s Kitchen is the way to go, featuring a discussion with Vogue Australia Editor in Chief Edwina McCann and curator and writer Alison Kubler about all things Australian fashion. If she’s drunk more Cibo coffees on King William Road than you can count, take her along to the Unley Long Lunch. Previously Variety on King William, this iconic afternoon out in the sunshine is always filled with tonnes of food, litres of champagne and the longest runway you’ve ever seen.
Vogue’s Kitchen with Edwina McCann
Mercedes-Benz Unley Long Lunch
With your sister
Each year as Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out happens in Sydney and Melbourne, us South Australia’s watch on enviously and settle instead for Vogue Online Shopping Night (still good, but not as much free champagne and snacks). For the first time ever, SA is getting their own version of the cult shopping event, Vogue Festival, and what’s better than a day out shopping with your sister? Grab your sis and head down Rundle Mall for loads of fun sales, activations and events, including the official launch of the festival at 12pm featuring Jennifer Hawkins (omg). After a healthy dose of retail therapy, head along to the Next Gen: TAFE SA Showcase. Watch how fashion design students interpret the theme of ‘no waste’ and create some truly innovative garments that celebrate sustainability and creativity.
Vogue Festival
AFF Runway 5 Next Gen TAFE SA Showcase
If you’re getting married
With Pinterest giving brides-to-be an overwhelming amount of inspo for their weddings, ditch the smartphone and instead come see what local SA designers are putting out into the bridal world. The Couture Culture runway is always one of the most popular, featuring designs from big names like Jaimie Sortino and Couture+Love+Madness, as well as accessories by Ashlee Lauren. For those with a little more cash to spend (or those who just like to dream) there are a number of Paolo Sebastian dedicated events to celebrate the label’s 10th year. Runways 6 and 7 will see the launch of the new Spring/Summer 18 collection, while a decade of the designer’s best creations will be on display in the Melrose Wing of European Art at the Art Gallery. An exclusive launch night will be held to celebrate this exhibition, with tickets available for this black tie event featuring designer Paul Vasileff himself.
AFF Runway 2 Couture Culture
AFF Runway 6
Paolo Sebastian X: The Unveiling
Paolo Sebastian X
Images: Adelaide Fashion Festival