Melbourne Fashion Festival: Redefining lookbooks
Arriving with just my pen, notepad and copy of my favourite novel, my first runway show was nothing short of memorable. Last Thursday I spent the evening at the iconic Royal Exhibition Building, for the Menswear Edit Runway at Melbourne Fashion Festival. Armed with Sally Rooney’s Normal People as my accessory of choice, á la Jacob Elordi, I asked eleven runway attendees which book they would choose to complete their outfit and here’s what they said.
My first targets, Nick and Riley quickly eased my nerves as Nick reeled off some favourites before landing on The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. Riley suggested Nick might be accessorising with many books and would borrow one of them.
Moving through the venue, I speak to a smiling staff member Max, who could’ve been mistaken for one of the models. His choice? Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. His outfit? Much like the book’s cover, was simple and stylish.
Approaching a friendly face, I kindly request they take my picture. The Sydney-based photographer Jasper takes photos on my phone, confirming I want the novel in the shot (I assure him, I do). Jasper chose Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Grey, a seemingly fitting book of choice for the Sydney-based photographer.
Now at one with the crowd, I took the opportunity to compliment the beaded handbag and matching kitten heels styled by the Melbourne-based freelance writer (and podcast co-host, fashion editor at Broadsheet, content creator, lovely human etc.) Maggie Zhou (@yemagz on Instagram). If there’s one book Zhou could recommend to those in her life to better understand her, it’s Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart. “It says a lot about myself and my experience” Zhou shared about the memoir.
Ivan, Ada and Sahethia shared a mix of classics and new page-turners: Stephen King’s The Stand, Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing and Stephanie Meyer’s classic Twilight were the respective answers from the festivalgoers.
Meeting my new friends Greg, Denise and Jenny cemented the night as one of the most creatively fulfilling I have had yet. Aside from their encouragement, advice and general enthusiasm for life, they recommended great reads.
Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton was an easy pick for Greg, who adored the Netflix adaptation. Denise chose John Birmingham’s The Tasmanian Babes Fiasco which I am entirely intrigued by. Miles from her home in London town, Jenny never travels without her copy of The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. Despite this statement, Jenny had indeed left it behind, shame.
With a glimmer in my eyes, the show was captivating. It was a night of creative fulfilment and exploration, connection and joy. If you’re reading this and took the time to chat with me and share your book of choice, thank you dearly. Until the next event I spend the night imparting myself in others’ conversations, that’s all* (*said in Miranda Priestly's voice).
