The ‘anti-trend’ trend all over Melbourne Fashion Week

The hottest trend on the catwalk at this year’s Melbourne Fashion Week might be the “anti-trend” trend, as designers lean into personal style rather than follow fast-changing micro-trends.

Stylist Joseph Romano says it’s not just the labels tapping into timeless and unique designs at the moment – individual style is reflected off the runway, too.

“It’s not just happening in Melbourne, but internationally,” Romano says. “It’s the ‘anti-trend’ trend, and I think you see that reflected in street style, especially at Melbourne Fashion Week – just everyone really leaning into their own personal identities and that makes it special and personal.”

Romano is styling the Fashion x Music runway at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Wednesday night, which will feature designers Antiek East, Asau by Gabriel Cole, Asiyam, Collective Closets, Gail Sorronda, Grace Lillian Lee, J’Aton Couture, Jason Grech, Nofunovic, Edition X Sarrita King, Sean Rentero and Social Studio.

Each of the 12 designers’ collections will be accompanied by live musical performers or curated soundtracks from a range of artists – from DJs to opera singers.

Romano says each of the designers’ collections celebrates their unique point of view in fashion, ranging from formal gowns to street style, which is quintessentially Melbourne.

“Gone are the days when it was very prescriptive. I think with the dawn of social media and globalisation and just having access to information at your fingertips, trends feel a little less prescriptive,” he says. “People are following them less these days because you can really get anything you want that you’re looking for in fashion.”

Designer Jason Grech is showcasing a gown on the Fashion x Music runway that he says is highly personal because he designed it after the death of his mother.

Grech says he usually draws on his personal experiences, with his customers in mind, while designing, rather than following what is on trend.

“I don’t really follow trends,” he says. “I just make my own, and allow the sheep to follow the sheep. I try not to be one of the sheep.”

This season, Grech is still creating his signature red carpet gowns but is also incorporating more separate pieces in his collection, which customers can mix and match to reflect their individual style.

“This season, it has a lot more pieces, rather than dresses. There are lots of skirts, tops, shirts,” he says.

“They can purchase something for work, and then they can dress it up or dress it down, so it becomes a bit more ‘going out to a cool bar in the city’.”

Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece says more than 100,000 fashion lovers would attend more than 100 events across Melbourne over the course of the week.

“Melbourne Fashion Week showcases the city at its stylish best – championing local talent, boosting retail and delivering unforgettable moments that could only happen in this city of ours,” he says.

Melbourne Fashion Week runs from October 20 to 26.

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