THE heart of Fremantle will be transformed into a glamorous catwalk on Saturday.
Henderson Mall is hosting a Spring fashion show with costumes by emerging designers from local universities and TAFE.
Showcasing students’ final year works, it’s an opportunity to glimpse the next generation of fashionistas before they go on to make it in the industry.
Fremantle Spring Fashion includes some nifty garments by Edelcita Milan, who is graduating this month with an advanced diploma in Apparel, Fashion and Textile from South Metro TAFE.
• Some of the fab outfits by emerging fashion designer Edelcita Milan.
She caught the fashion bug after watching a documentary about TAFE fashion students in the cinema.
“Seeing that ignited something in me,” Milan says.
“I thought, I want to do that too. I enrolled in just a few units to explore the course, but I quickly became hooked.”
Now Milan is preparing for her big day at Henderson Mall, outside Freo Markets, where she’s showcasing garments that reflect her travels overseas, life experiences and Filipino heritage.
“Each piece is designed as event wear, elevated through thoughtful fabric manipulation that brings texture, dimension, and individuality to every silhouette,” she says.
“My work is driven not only by the desire to stand out from mass-produced fashion, but also by a commitment to sustainability and supporting Perth-made craftsmanship.
“I hope these garments will be cherished, preserved, and passed down through generations. My vision is to contribute to a more fashion-conscious future. One where design is intentional, meaningful, and enduring.”
We asked Milan how she would define the “classic Freo look”?
“It’s a blend of coastal ease and boho influence which reflects a free-spirited, artistic lifestyle,” she says.
“Characterised by natural fibres, loose and breathable silhouettes, and earthy tones.
“Vintage, upcycled, and handcrafted pieces are key elements, highlighting Fremantle’s love for individuality and sustainable fashion.
“Overall, the Freo style is less about trends and more about personal expression.”
The show is part of wider push to support and foster young creatives in the fashion industry.
One designer will receive a mentorship with Collab. Australian by Design, a Fremantle-based collective known for ethical fashion and sustainable design.
The mentorship includes practical advice about working in the high-pressure fashion industry.
Milan says the Fremantle fashion scene transcends style and is about a “community mindset”.
“There’s a strong culture of supporting local makers, valuing slow fashion, and choosing pieces with a story or history which aligns closely with my own design values,” she says.
“Also, people dressing ways that express their personality considering sustainability, locality, and ethical choices.
“This reflects the kind of future I hope to contribute to through my own work.”
Fremantle Spring Fashion also includes pieces by established Perth designers.
After the runway show, the designs will be on display in Freo Markets for the rest of November, where folk can explore the stories behind each garment.
Fremantle Spring Fashion is at Henderson Mall (outside Freo Markets) on November 15 at 2pm.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK