A vertical light projection on an outer wall, and staff wearing all black and headphones, declared we had found Canberra’s FashFest.
With low lighting and clever light projections, the untenanted, under construction commercial space had an industrial, warehouse feel that added to the anticipation of the opening night.
After being fielded behind the ropes for a photo session we headed over to the bar to claim the obligatory champagnes. I noticed that people had made an effort to get into the spirit and were dressed more risqué with an element of fun, than the average evening out in Canberra. With only model-sized servings of food, the champagne soon took effect but we were delighted to find the lolly bar where we filled our growling tummies with Hershey kisses and mints.
Whilst waiting for the show to begin we were enthralled with the montage of images of people in early Canberra. A two pronged catwalk meant there was plenty of time to goggle at the Baku bikini clad models – only surviving the cooler temp by also wearing Mont puffa jackets. The other stand-out was Perpetually Five with plastic raincoats, brightly coloured briefcases and childish prints on men’s trousers.
The models were pleasingly multi-sized and race and were very professional, with Anneliese Suebert sweeping the stage in a green wedding dress. Hair and make-up was on an international level with boys in topknots and formal attire paired with tousled bouffants.
The crowd was a mix of old and young, eclectic and the more conservative but all seemed to enjoy the uniqueness of the event and to appreciate the effort that had obviously been put in. After a sold-out event on its inaugural year – FashFast is here to stay.
Photography by Martin Ollman. Visit his website www.techosapien.com
