Most young people don’t have a clue of how much work goes into organising a fashion parade but fifteen year old Maria Bairaktaris got a taste for the industry as one of the young organisers of the Expression Fashion Gala.
The fashion show, held on the April 3 at Chapel of Chapel was organised by Stonnington Youth Services as part of last week’s National Youth Week and featured fashion and jewellery pieces by young and upcoming designers.
Bairaktaris found the experience to be much more than just dressing models and sending them down the catwalk.
“I was involved in many things from organising seating, catering, music, budgets and tickets so I’ve learnt a lot about event planning,” she said.
“I will also take away some relationships and contacts that I have made with the Stonnington Community- it was great to meet new people.”
The focus of the fashion show was also about sending a message to young people about healthy body image, with half the ticket proceeds going to the Butterfly Foundation (to help eating disorders).
“We included models that were a range of body types, trying to go away from the typical model stereotype,” she said.
Although school constraints did not leave Bairaktaris with enough time to produce garments for the show this year, she hopes to contribute some pieces next year.
“Fashion is part of my everyday life – I love the whole industry and I would love to do designing for many years into the future”.
For those who missed the youngsters strut their stuff, there is still a chance to see their pieces.
Bairaktaris and the commitee have organised them to be displayed at the Expression Fashion Exhibition.
This will also be held at Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran from Wednesday 15th April to Sunday May 10 and entry is free.
