Peacock punk, Edwardian Kabuki punk and London street punk are just some of the descriptions used when describing outfits at the Access to Fashion event at Library at the Dock, in Melbourne's Docklands precinct.
Featuring a diverse cast of models living with various disabilities, the history making event organised by appearance advocate Carly Findlay was a first for Melbourne Fashion Week.
"I wanted disability to be at the centre of Melbourne Fashion Week," said Ms Findlay.
Brands like Target, Kmart and the boutique labels Lazy Bones and Misguided were inclusive fashion pioneers in the Australian market, Ms Findlay said.
Ms Findlay said with many Australians living with a disability, there was a sizeable untapped market share for an industry where many Australian labels were either folding or struggling to remain viable in a challenging retail climate.
The event, which explored disability and inclusion in the fashion industry, aimed to highlight the need for accessibility in stores and changerooms; adaptive and accessible clothing design; and more diverse and authentic representation of people with disabilities in the fashion media.
Although the runway experience was a first for many of the models, there were some seasoned professionals in the mix.
Model Kimberley Holiday-Coleman, who came from Ohio in the US for the event, modelled professionally 15 years ago, before a battle with cancer left her with a colostomy.
Wheelchair user Jason Clymo has modelled extensively and participated in a mainstream Melbourne Fashion Week show the day before.
With the pressure now on for Australian fashion retailers to evolve to a racially diverse market, a market more conscious of ethically and sustainably produced clothing, as well as age friendly, plus-size friendly, accessible and adaptive fashion choices, it is hoped that a focused Access to Fashion event will not need to be held again.
"I want the fashion industry to take note that we're here, and embed us in everything that they do," said Ms Findlay.
She said she hoped that inclusive and accessible design would simply become a convention in the mainstream fashion industry.
