by Kat Moore
Melbourne Central’s Level 1 Bridge was aglow after hours on Friday 16th of July, as The Social Studio presented a fashion parade showcasing their first collection, TSS1.
Using only recycled and surplus materials, the Social Studio’s young trainees have created an original collection, which made its debut at the RISE Festival in May this year.
Usually well known as a consumer’s paradise, the shopping centre has recently played host to some less conventional events a part of the State of Design Festival.
Held on the Lonsdale St bridges, the festival presented a number of sustainability- and design-oriented evenings, one of which was the fashion parade.
The parade marked the opening night of The Social Studio’s retail installation, “No Fixed Address”, also featuring two pedal-powered pop-up retail carts, which have since been appearing at locations around inner Melbourne.
“No Fixed Address” was designed to encourage shoppers to question the conventional retail model usually prevalent in Shopping Centres, suggesting the possibility of an alternative.
Spectators and supporters lined the bridge as The Social Studio’s models showed off the collection in front of neon signs advertising Borders and Hoyts, juxtaposing the Studio’s strong reuse and remix ethos with the traditionally consumerist culture of the Shopping Centre.
The night was a huge success, enjoyed immensely both by spectators and those behind the scenes, and was a fitting launch for an exciting and stimulating installation.
