Australian Fashion Week: My Experience as a Filipina Creative

Attending Australian Fashion Week for the first time felt… unreal.

Photo: @marynacherednikova

I’ve always dreamt of being part of something like this, and suddenly, there I was — front row and backstage, invited to shows like Karla Špetić and Romance Was Born, glammed up with Make Up For Ever, and surrounded by creatives I’ve admired for so long. I know there’s been a lot of talk online — especially on Social Media, but I wanted to share the parts that made me feel inspired. The energy, the artistry, the teams that made it all come to life… it was honestly so special.

Prepping for Fashion Week (A Rollercoaster)

Emotionally? It was a lot. I was nervous and excited all at once — styling looks using loans from Sandro, Calvin Klein, and Romance Was Born while trying to stay true to my personal style (using mostly pieces from my own closet). I wanted to look fresh, innovative, but still like me.

As someone pretty new to the Sydney fashion scene, I won’t lie — I was anxious.

But I reminded myself: nerves are just excitement in disguise. I mood-boarded. I planned.

And I committed to 8 hours of sleep. It was the best thing I could’ve done.

Backstage With Romance Was Born

This was a moment. I’m still thinking about it.

Being backstage and seeing people from all walks of life do what they love most — that’s what Fashion Week should be about. There’s a kind of magic when everyone’s in their element, creating together. It reminded me of why I care so deeply about fashion and storytelling.

Backstage with Make Up Forever for the Romance was Born show

Showing Up As a Filipina in Fashion

I recently moved to Sydney from Brisbane — and before that, I grew up in the Philippines. So stepping into this space as a Filipina felt big.

There were moments I questioned if I belonged — I’m still very new to the scene. But the people I met? So kind. So welcoming. I made genuine connections — and that meant everything.

(Just also want to note like all things, there’s nuance. There’s always room to grow for AFW, more opportunities)

What I Wore & Why It Mattered

Pearls. Always.

I styled every look with pearls I designed with my family. Wearing them felt like carrying a piece of home with me — something grounding, something soft but strong. I don’t just wear pearls for the aesthetic (though, yes — they’re beautiful). I wear them because they remind me of who I am and where I come from. And ofcourse to support my brand Jaune Pearls.

My Styling Moment

I was even lucky enough to experience what it’s like to style someone else for Australian Fashion Week — a surreal moment in itself.

Seeing the stunning @maryvitinaros wear @jaunepearls during AFW was one of those proud, pinch-me moments. Mary is not only a seasoned international model — with campaigns for GUESS and Dior — but also a true fashion icon who’s walked the runways of Paris Couture Week and served as a mentor on Greece’s Next Top Model. Her presence, poise, and energy brought the entire look to life.

Watching someone like Mary embody a vision I helped create, especially in a space as expressive and electric as fashion week, reminded me just how powerful fashion can be — a language that speaks beyond words..

Photo : @teddyshim_photography

A Few Favourite Moments

Sending my love to the NAC Media Group — they made me feel so seen and supported all week. From invites to pulls to just checking in with me, their warmth made my first AFW feel less intimidating and way more joyful.

Also loved bumping into the Boy Shoots World team (hi davz and clinton) — they brought me to the media center just to before we head off, and honestly, it made my day.

Some Real Talk: What I Took From This

Fashion creates conversation. It sparks opinions, emotions, reactions — Whether that conversation is kind, constructive, or filled with hate and critique — that’s up to us. I don’t stand by fashion needing to be negative or exclusive. The idea that you have to know certain names or “look” or “be” a particular way to be “in” feels like gatekeeping behaviour.

As you guys know and it is what Jaune Pearls is all about: I believe in sustainability — but I also believe it’s a shared responsibility. Governments, brands, creatives, consumers — we’re all part of it. It is an ecosystem so we must approach it that way instead of blaming one specific group. We need more kindness in this world, I think it’s gotten too easy to hate on anything and everything. Constructive feedback is what we need to create more beautiful things. Everyone is trying, in their own way. And we should respect that.

Photo: @aleksandrovska_photographer

This week reminded me that self-expression doesn’t have to be loud or perfect. It just needs to be you.

So if you’re someone who’s been dreaming of being part of this world, wondering if there’s space for you — Be yourself. Make the most of what you can give. And never forget that showing up for you is powerful.

Anyway, thank you for sharing this moment with me. I’ll write to you again soon!!

With love,
Melizza
Your pearl princess xx haha