You read that right, Australian Fashion Week has arrived once again, this year at a new location: the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Across the five days from May 11-15 we will be seen running from show to show, snacks in hand; dumping our belongings into someones car and doing the utmost to be one with the chaos of it all.
You may wonder what the RUSSH team has on hand for such a fabulous and frantic week. The answer? A list of essentials, and we’re here to share.
Scroll on to find a thoughtful selection of items of necessity, from nutritious and delicious snacks on the go, to what we’ll be wearing in fashion and beauty must haves – it’s a fashion parade we’re ready for.
Alys Hale
Music Editor and Creative Producer
I’d like to think I’m a seasoned fashion week-er; however, I always forget something and one can always be more efficient and have more fun. Fundamentally I’m there to be inspired and capture the collections. For this, I love a simple to use yet sophisticated digital camera such as the Leica D-Lux 8 or the Fujifilm X100VI. I always take my RODE mics with me wherever I’m going just in case there is the opportunity to interview a creative mind. They’re simple to use and fit in a handbag with ease.
Hydration is key, for life and to offset any celebratory Champagne, so naturally, I have my water bottle with me, along with some Tom Ford Traceless Concealer (no one needs to know there are late nights) and some Musc Ravageur to gently allude to the seduction of the after hours. My approach to dressing is to have pieces that can translate easily and always have a long coat. I’m dreaming of this Balenciaga leather trench, you could take her anywhere, and worn with the Emile dress underneath from one of my favourite Australian designers, Beare Park, you have perfection for all occasions. The only thing that has to change is footwear, a sensible black boot from Dries for the day, and a fun Loewe party shoe for when the night evolves.
Samantha Corry
Social Media Coordinator and Assistant to Editor in Chief
As always, starting off strong with my Fisherman Friends mints. A non-negotiable at any day of the week. I will be needing some basic pieces to keep me warm and style with, so I have opted in getting a beautiful cashmere from Commonplaces. My Canon Datelux A35 film camera will attached to my body at all times.
I will also be bringing my lip combo – from MAC, my lip liner in whirl, and my lip balm from Glossier in Mint. And I will be stocking up on my Kiehl Cleanser, as it will be a big week of makeup, I’m sure!
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
My first essential will always be handbag-sized snacks. Nothing demotivates me like hunger pangs, so I will have a pack or two of Funday gummy snakes in my bag. This is a work week, so my bag needs to be big and sturdy enough to carry a laptop and the rest. I will be bringing a trusty Saint Laurent bag I’ve had for 10 years, and this Yu Mei one is similar. Inside you’ll find a charger, camera, a usb-c charging hub and Charlotte Tilbury’s Walk of Shame which I use as a lipstick and blush. I wish there was a travel size version of this Joh Bailey dry shampoo so I didn’t have to leave it at the office between shows, hand-over-heart it’s the best one I’ve used.
I will be wearing jeans on at least one day and the Levis cinch baggy are my favourite. I love wearing them with my low heel Proenza Schouler mules, which are sold out but these Loewe ones are a very close match. They’re comfortable enough to walk around in, but still look polished. I have an oversized blazer that I bought from IRO four years ago, yes I will be wearing it again this year. This Camilla & Marc one is a dead ringer if you want something similar. I recently bought this St Agni leather skirt, so I do plan on wearing that at some point during the week too.
Cassandra Dimitroff
Features and Production Editor
This is my fourth AFW – and third time’s a charm right? I think I learned plenty of lessons from the chaos of last year’s schedule that I’m ready to apply this year. First and foremost: a portable iPhone charger is a must. I like the cart around my July Power Bank since it can charge my phone and laptop simultaneously.
I’ve become attached to my Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash (a hand sanitiser that actually smells nice). Of course, I’m never without a lip product – these days it’s my LESSE Soothing Lip Balm and MECCA MAX Pout Pencil in Classy (the BEST colour). And finally – a fragrance to touch up with. I’m loving TSU LANGE YOR’s By My Side at the moment. But also Diptyque’s Philosykos, a travel size of which I tote around with me.
Emily Algar
Beauty Editor
AFW is about comfort and warmth for me. I hate being cold and nothing zaps confidence faster than an awkward or ill-fitting outfit. You’ll find me in these trousers and this blazer, maybe even a coat, weather permitting. Hilariously, I checked my AFW essentials from last year and called out my Saint Laurent loafers. Safe to say they’re still in rotation. Perfect for running around like a mad person, presumably late (an unfortunate personality trait of mine).
Other non-negotiable personal effects include a lint roller, mints, my Fara Homidi lip compact, Oribe Dry Texture Spray to give my wispy bob some grit and the RHODE Glazing Mist to keep me dewy on long days. Might stuff a Loco Love chocolate into my Rylan handbag, as well for good measure. I also can’t get by without sunglasses. I pretty much only wear Wayfarers (classic ones, NOT the Meta ones) or these oversized black ones by Jimmy Fairly.
Jaime Carmody
Digital Marketing Specialist
First things first: a good jacket is essential, especially for those in-between weather moments. I’ll be spending a lot of time in this bomber from Little Yarn throughout the week. I also think it’s important to have a fun statement piece to style around and this skirt from Sister Studios’ new collection is definitely making its way to the front of my wardrobe. I tend to bring in pops of colour through accessories, so AFW always feels like the perfect excuse to wear a playful shoe, like this pair from Alias Mae. When it comes to jewellery, I’m leaning into minimal pieces this year, especially this set from Nina Gordon.
A strong hairspray is another non-negotiable for me, along with a reliable setting spray. For touch-ups, this MAC lip liner has been my ride-or-die for years, paired with my go-to lipstick from Merit and of course, I can’t go anywhere without my MLM #4 perfume, so stocking up before the week starts is high on my priority list. I’m also a sparkling water fiend, so you’ll most likely catch me with a bottle of San Pellegrino in hand between shows.
Serafina Angeli
Campaigns Manager
With Sydney forecast to turn brisk, I’ll be layering up in a tailored grey wool coat like the Charles Coat from Beare Park, finished with my signature Saint Laurent sunglasses. To keep me running on schedule, a watch like the Rado Integral Diamonds is an essential. Having my Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ready to swipe on at any given time is also a must.
There’s also the matter of documenting the week as it unfolds. I’ve been carrying the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema everywhere, using it to capture little moments during the week. Tucked into my bag, too, is a secret stash of coffee bags from Veneziano Coffee Roasters. With notes of strawberries and cream, they’re the perfect pick-me-up between the chaos of Australian Fashion Week. Having my Hydro Flask tumblr handy is always a good call.
Kirsty Thatcher
Digital Editor
I think great outerwear is a fail-safe way to always look chic at AFW, while also preparing yourself for Sydney’s unpredictable weather. I’m loving the Friends With Frank Josephine Coat, and Harris Tapper Tillmans Blazer in bone. When it comes to shoes, I try not to overthink it – comfort is key. My Assembly Label loafers will no doubt be the MVP of the week, and a great pair of boots is an easy way to dress up a look. I like these ones by Alias Mae.
I also wouldn’t survive the week without a big bag (this Liffner bucket bag is my favourite right now) stocked with all the essentials: Merit Beauty Flush Balm in ‘postmodern’, Hourglass mascara, MAC lip liner in whirl, and as much Lanolips as I can get my hands on.
Koby Dulac-Daley
Fashion Assistant
AFW is always a crazy and super fun time, so here are a few things I reach for to help prepare for the week ahead. First of all, one must have a great bag that fits all the essentials. Mine this year will be the Coach bleecker bucket bag, filled with these products:
- Dandy Me by Rabanne – by far my most complemented perfume. The soft case is perfect padding for time spent in a handbag.
- Good smelling breath is essential with the mix of coffee and conversation. Mints on hand will go a long way.
- I will reach for my Gentle Monster glasses frequently throughout the week.
- When you are on the go running in between shows and backstage, ones hair can start so show the frantic energy, so, having Kerastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops are a game changer.
- Hours between meals can be lengthy. Having something to keep you fuelled is very important. I love to keep protien balls handy.
- Just as important is to stay hydrated. My Frank Green bottle with some electrolytes are a must.
- Lastly, a versatile trusty shoe for the long days. These Lowell Chukka Orleans will definitely be making an appearance once or twice.
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Feature images by Arvin Prem Kumar and Albus Lumen.
