Wahey! I am so excited because this month holds Melbourne Fashion Week Plus! A jam-packed few days full of panels and runways. I’m not 100% sure what events i’ll be attending, but I”ll be trying to make it to most. I just need to figure out what to wear!

Melbourne Fashion Week Plus (MFWPlus) will be a celebration of plus size culture, focusing on design, discourse and body positivity. Our events will promote the very best of fashion, business and creativity in an environment of inclusivity, diversity and thoughtfulness.

MFWPlus was developed by a core group of passionate women who are dedicated to the promotion of plus size fashion and body positivity on a global scale.

We have a keen knowledge of the trends, market and demand of plus size fashion in Australia and aim to create a world class week of events in Melbourne to highlight the amazing breadth of talent and design available to the plus size woman, while promoting the concept of positive body image in an industry that is not often welcoming of differing body shapes.

With events catering to women size 14 and up, MFWPlus will combine informative talks, body positive classes and interactive online content with a three day program of fashion runways. We are dedicated to bringing together plus size women, designers and businesses in a forum of inclusivity, diversity and celebration, on par with international fashion events worldwide. Our firm belief that fashion should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of their size, shape or style, is the foundation of these runways. By using a mix of trained street and professional models, in sizes ranging from 14 to 26, we promote inclusion and representation in our runways.

Tuesday 23rd August – Panel Discussion: Feminism, Fashion & Plus Size Bodies

Join our guests for a night of passionate discussion on the topic of fashion, lived experiences as plus size women and how these two combine to colour how we present ourselves to and armour ourselves against a world that sometimes tells us we aren’t good enough for the clothes we want. Enjoy lively conversation, debate and exploration in a safe, friendly space.

Meagan Kerr – renowned New Zealand fashion and style blogger and body positive public speaker
Kath Read – fat activist and advocate, prolific and passionate feminist writer, media darling
Sarah Harry – Body Image and Disordered Eating specialist, clinician, lecturer, researcher, fat yogi and writer

Hosted by Jessica West, Director of MFWPlus, the panel will not only speak of their experiences of fashion, taking up space in the fashion world and the politics of being fat and fashionable, but will encourage discussion on representation, media, online presences and the help and harm that can be done by fashion.

Runway 1 – Friday 26 August @ 8pm

State of Liberty
Voluptua
Courtney Zoh
Nyata
Estelle

Saturday 27th – MFWPlus presents: The Plus Size Fashion Industry

Ever wanted to know what happens behind the scenes of plus size design and modelling? Have you wondered what makes a plus size model? What it takes to design and present a plus size collection? In this panel, our guests will discuss their personal experiences, their triumphs and tribulations, how they got started in the industry and how they’ve kept going. From modelling to design to production and beyond, we’ll tackle the ins and outs of where the Industry has come from and where it’s going, from the perspective of four different people.
Enjoy lively conversation, debate and exploration in a safe, friendly space.

Chelsea Bonner – Director and founder of Bella Management
Amber Gwynn – Designer at Nyata, plus size model and founder of #nonairbrushedme
Harvest Powell – Designer at Hope & Harvest
Scott Bertram – CEO of Alison Dominy Designs

Hosted by Jessica West, Director of MFWPlus, the panel will speak of their experiences in the plus size fashion industry, their views on it’s future and how the business works. Questions will be taken from the audience during the second half of the show and respectful discussion is highly encouraged!