Gary Bigeni and his eponymous label made its triumphant return to Australian Afterpay Fashion Week runway with his collection Redivivus.
As an advocate for gender inclusivity, Bigeni presented a degendered collection that was diverse in all aspects – sizes, shapes, genders, ages and inclusivity were at the forefront.
“Gender inclusivity and diversity are a big part of my brand identity and DNA, and we need to talk about it more in fashion, they are just colours and they are just clothes, they should be for everyone,” the designer said.
The show’s key focus on diversity was reflected in the makeup under Linda Jefferyes and the hair under Bec Snow from Alchemy Salon for O&M, with nails by So Pretty Nails.
The clean and simple makeup was designed to emphasise each model’s individual, natural beauty and Linda used her own long-lasting, matte liquid lipstick brand Liqlips to achieve this.
The hair complemented the collection by highlighting natural texture and movement.
Known for his dedication to diversity and inclusivity, the gender-neutral 32-piece collection was a celebration of colour and individual expression.
Each item is made to order and handmade by the designer and local artisans.
For the collection, Gary worked with The Social Outfit, an organisation close to his heart as a migrant himself.
The community-operated retail store in Newtown employs and trains people from refugee and new migrant communities, and assisted in creating samples for the show.
The models made their entrance down the runway to an original cover by Vera Blue of Madonna’s What It Feels Like For A Girl, composed for the runway by Stereogamous’ Jonny Seymour and Paul Mac.
Other artists who featured throughout the show include Róisín Murphy, a cover of George Michael’s Freedom by Christine and the Queens and the finale featured a cover of David Bowie’s Heroes by non-binary DJ planningtorock.
PR by Electric Collective.
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