If you’ve ever flirted with Melbourne/Naarm’s underground sustainable fashion movement, get ready to fall in love with it this weekend. As part of Melbourne Fashion Festival’s independent runway program, this Sunday February 22nd will see STITCH host a runway event like no other at Brunswick East’s Keeper Brewing. Platforming a slew of emerging designers as they put on a show of reclaimed textiles and one-of-a-kind garments, this immersive runway experience will later be turned into a screen-worthy production thanks to the INTERWOVEN documentary. We caught up for a chinwag with events and production extraordinaire, Brittany Birch, to find out how fashion will be intersecting with sustainability this Sunday at STITCH.

 

 

 

 

 

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Tell us a bit about the STITCH runway and INTERWOVEN documentary, and how these two projects intersect. At the beginning, there was only ever one project. The documentary was conceived as an exploration into Melbourne/Naarm culture glamourising individualism through upcycling and sustainable fashion. We wanted to celebrate a select few designers and makers who are championing this movement by redefining creativity through fashion, artistry and production. However, we always knew the story couldn’t live solely on screen.

Fashion is physical, it moves, it holds history and energy. To authentically capture the craftsmanship, creative inspiration and garment life cycle, a live runway element was always integral to the vision. Late last year, we made the decision to pitch STITCH to the Melbourne Fashion Festival Independent Program. Once accepted, the runway took on a new scale and energy. What began as a complimentary live component has since evolved into a powerful cultural moment in its own right – amplifying the designers, expanding the audience, and deepening the narrative that INTERWOVEN is documenting. The two projects now operate in dialogue with one another – the film captures the movement, and STITCH embodies it in real time.

 

 

 

 

 

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In what ways does approaching crafting garments in a sustainable manner expand the possibilities? This is probably the best way to fight fast fashion! By learning to repair, remake and reimagine what we already own, we move from disposable consumption to creative authorship. Even a simple mend or redesign can transform a piece into something entirely new and distinctly personal. Beyond function, this approach invites play, experimentation and self-expression, allowing us to wear clothing that reflects our individuality rather than mass-produced sameness. Experiencing this in workshops and classes builds a community. We’re sharing creativity and learning from one another, that’s where the greatest impact happens… and it’s incredibly fun!

Why is it important to capture this runway event in the INTERWOVEN documentary? While fashion shows are often seen as glamorous showcases, the documentary highlights the raw creative journey, the inspiration, resourcefulness and challenges faced by emerging and sustainable designers. It also brings this community’s passion and artistry to life in such a powerful way – it will allow viewers to witness and celebrate the very energy that drives the movement.

 

 

 

 

 

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What can viewers expect from the STITCH runway event? A carefully crafted experience blending fashion, storytelling and community. You can expect a runway that goes beyond traditional presentation, deep beats bouncing between the silver silos at Keeper Brewing in Brunswick. We start with a complimentary welcome drink on arrival from Brunswick Aces award-winning alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, then kick off the live Q&A component with our guest speakers – Marnie Goding (co-founder and brand director at ELK The Label), Melanie Dale (content creator of LetsGetLayered) and Luke Phillips (founder of Into Carry and Into Community). The combination of runway presentation, dialogue and interactive storytelling invites the audience to engage directly with the creators, offering insight into their process, inspirations and commitment to sustainable fashion and innovation.

Why is it important to weave education into this creative event? The panel conversation with our guest speakers are also our interviewees in the Interwoven documentary. So they have been on the journey with us providing context and insight, helping audiences understand the innovation, ethics, and challenges behind the garments they’re seeing. There is an incredibly diverse audience coming to STITCH so by pairing artistry with education, the event not only celebrates creativity but also empowers attendees to think critically about fashion’s impact, creative inspiration, craftsmanship and conscious choice. It turns ideas into understanding, and understanding into action.

 

 

 

 

 

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As Melbourne’s underground sustainable fashion movement is gaining momentum, what do you hope mainstream audiences and brands take away from it? I hope everyone books themselves an upcycling class! It’s all about getting curious, shaking up your wardrobe and seeing your clothes in a whole new light. I’d love to inspire people to try adding something unique from an op shop to a worn garment rather than tossing it. This new genre of one-off, reimagined pieces is being celebrated at STITCH. You get a front row look at the insanely talented designers thriving right here in our city. The hope is to propel it further into the mainstream, supporting incredible brands while teaching us all to care for our clothes and minimise waste.

In one sentence, why should fashion-lovers attend STITCH? STITCH is where fashion lovers will see the future of style, innovation, one-of-a-kind designs and sustainable creativity collide live on the runway.

We hope you enjoyed our chat with Brittany Birch about STITCH runway. To find out more details about STITCH, have a squiz over here. While we have you, why not take a gander at our chat with Brittany about her venue-sourcing biz?