PROJECT SERIES

Block Party, The Social Studio

Review by Aleczander Gamboa

Hot damn, the Social Studio really knows how to throw a party. In partnership with Northside Records and Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival Cultural Program, the Peel Street Block Party was back and better than ever as it celebrated fashion, art and music in one stunning spectacle.

Featuring an eccentric line up of events, the show was headlined by House of Beige DJs Remi & Sensible J, brass band 30/70 and cosmic duo GL who were Triple J’s 2014 Unearthed and Falls Festival winners.

In addition to the music, the Peel Street Block Party also gave an opportunity for emerging labels and designers from refugee backgrounds to display their creative prowess.

CEO of The Social Studio Susan Yengi said the Block Party was a family oriented event where people could come and celebrate their cultural differences while bringing everyone together, especially through fashion.

“Our designers couldn’t be more different – from experimental to uncomplicated silhouettes, there’s something here for everyone. But there’s one thing they all have in common – a strong desire to succeed,” she said.

Indeed, the fashion was certainly a highlight – unlike your typical runway where models are expressionless and stony faced, the models at the Block Party were fun, bubbly and energetic as they strutted their stuff down the catwalk. Collectively, the fashion show was an exciting display of bold bright colours that not only radiated in technicolour for the world to see, but were versatile enough to be worn evening and day.

Overall, it became a day to remember where attendees were able to let go, have fun and feel rather than think.