She’s one of the 1990’s original supermodels and has partnered with a major sponsor of Melbourne Fashion Festival, but will Helena Christensen actually be attending the country’s largest fashion event?
Unveiling the festival’s program on Thursday, Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) CEO Graeme Lewsey told reporters Christensen was attending, noting a Herald Sun story that claimed the 49-year-old will be a guest of honour in 2018.
“(Herald Sun) has already reported Helena is coming,” he said.
But the festival’s PR team later denied Christensen was coming, saying her only link to the program was an eyewear company she promotes which will be selling sunglasses at the event.
If she does come, it wouldn’t be her first time at the festival, having wowed crowds in 2011 and 1997.
French fashion house Hermes will host a free exhibit, flying in artisans to speak about how their famous bags and accessories take shape – including the famous birkin bag which takes about 48 hours to create and has a year-long waiting list.
Australian designers Alice McCall, Camilla and Marc, Carla Zampatti, Dion Lee, Rachel Gilbert and Scanalan Theodore will show off their latest collections, alongside international designers Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent.
Clothes seen on the runway aren’t six months from hitting stores – they’re available to buy immediately through an interactive on-site shopping option.
Away from the catwalk, the festival offers a range of cultural experiences including a film festival, workshops, talks and art exhibitions.
“Our arts program is really our unsung hero and this year it will be one of the biggest yet,” said Lewsey.
Now in its 22nd year, the festival will be a fashion devotee’s paradise, with over 100 designers showing at 50 runway shows, including 15 independent offsite catwalks, menswear and a bridal showcase.
“The future is now and the fashion industry is in an exciting state of revolution,” Lewsey added.
“Creative and commerce platforms are developing rapidly, embracing transformational change to keep in step with the consumer demand for innovation and instant gratification.”
Modelling in the festival’s creative campaign concept, Olympia Christou -daughter of designer Bettina Liano and niece of Festival board Alumni Teresa Liano – commented “women of the future will be embracing their individuality, it’s all about feeling confident in your own skin.”
The festival kicks off in March.
Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.
