Futures Unthreaded Fashion Festival

It's not everyday 'fashion', 'non-exploitative' and 'mental health awareness' are heard in the same sentencem, but thanks to one savvy and socially adept Brisbane designer, it's these very three concepts that underpin her upcoming fashion show, Futures Unthreaded Fashion Festival.

In an effort to promote emerging young designers, as well as support a sustainable, non-exploitative and psychologically healthy fashion industry, while raising funds for mental health, Nikita Bedwell is hoping to smash the glass ceiling on some of the fashion industry's negative reputation and open it up to a world that fits all.

How did you come up with the idea to hold this event?
I’ve got to know many people growing up through my father’s work who have lived through mental illness. I’ve also grown up with mental illness touching my own family. The idea for the event came from a desire to raise mental health awareness during Mental Health Week combined with my own interest in fashion.

What's the meaning behind the name 'Futures Unthreaded'?
'Futures Unthreaded' is a play on words and hopefully gets people thinking or talking about the meaning. ‘Futures’ is referring to the next generation, and ‘Unthreaded’ is drawn from the fashion industry. Perhaps the image is one of ‘unravelling’ the next generation of designers from the established industry in the sense of ‘unleashing’.

Why do you think it's important to focus on mental health in the fashion industry?
There can be some unhealthy subcultures in the fashion industry where young people are filled with anxiety due to bullying behaviours and expectations about weight.

There is also a wider potential impact on young people where they can get the message from the fashion media that they will never be good enough or pretty enough and experience pressures to conform. These negative messages can have a significant effect on young women’s mental health.

What statistics are there around mental health issues in the fashion industry, if any?
We know 1 in 4 Australian teenage girls have engaged in self-harm and 1 in 13 have contemplated suicide. There are no particular figures around mental health issues in the fashion industry but we would expect a psychologically unhealthy culture can have a negative effect on young people’s self-esteem.

© Chantelle Matches

What impact do you think this kind of event will have on raising awareness about mental health in the fashion industry and mental health in general?
We are promoting a culture in the industry where fashion is an expression of who we are and which supports difference. The event is an important step, I believe, in raising awareness about mental health in the fashion industry and mental health in general. The goal is to have people openly talking about mental health issues.

Who will be involved with this event?
The event is being produced through a TAFE Queensland internship with Richmond Fellowship Queensland (RFQ) and proceeds will go to RFQ’s charitable mental health work. Four designers (18 – 20 years old) are being showcased at the event:

Amber-Courtney Le Label by Amber Lynch
Elira by Kirsty Campell and Elissa Valenzuela
Claché by Ciane Gallenti-Guilfoyle
Alexandra Fashion Boutique by Alexandra Chiotakis

The event will have 16 young models including a transgender model supported by young hair and make-up artists. The event will feature a teenage ‘Drumline’ and young adult Burlesque dancers. TAFE Event Management students will also assist the event as volunteers and the event will also be supported by sponsor partners.

And what does it take to organise such an event?
I think an important ingredient in organising an event such as this is to have a clear vision and passion for what you are wanting to achieve. I’m learning that, in addition to my creative skills, organisational and networking skills are also very important. I’m also learning about the importance of attention to detail and the need to be patient and remain positive.

For me, the planning for the event has been a full-time activity since June and will continue to be full-time until the event on 10 October.

Apart from the mental health awareness campaign, what other aims do you have with this festival?
A key aim of the event is to provide young designers with an opportunity to showcase their collections at a professional fashion event. The designers chosen are unconventional and do not follow the established trends. The aim is to encourage attendees to be more daring and creative with their fashion choices. I want the fashion festival to encourage young people’s individuality.

Are there any other kinds of fashion festivals like this with a specific focus on mental health or is this event one of a kind?
I’m not aware of any other fashion festival with the event philosophy of Futures Unthreaded, which is to promote emerging young designers; support a sustainable, non-exploitative and psychologically healthy fashion industry and raise mental health awareness.

What are your aspirations in the fashion industry? What would be your dream job?
I’m completing diplomas in Events, Fashion Styling and Music Performance but also have my own blog centred on fashion and faith. These indicate my interests and strengths in the creative industries, but I hope to have a meaningful career with a positive impact. I am extremely passionate about social justice (I was Social Justice Captain back in school) and would like to make a difference in the world. My dream job would be to run my own business and which can help me have a positive influence on society in a variety of ways.

What does the immediate future hold for you?
I will complete my three diplomas this year and obtain casual work in some area of my qualifications. I’ll be postponing further studies in a degree in creative/ entertainment industries so I can travel. I plan to travel to Canada next year which will include going to Toronto to spend time with the Loreto Sisters (a Catholic order of nuns).

Finally, is there anything that you would like to add?
I am passionate about the work of RFQ and I hope that this event will raise funds for their charitable service. Over the years I’ve come to know the RFQ staff and every one of them exudes such great compassion, kindness and support for their clients. It’s easy to see that their wonderful work is deeply valued.

Futures Unthreaded takes place at Boggo Road Gaol, on World Mental Health Day, 10 October.