Everyday fashion by everyday people showcasing what they have in their wardrobes.
Wabi-Sabi Collections hosted their first fashion show ‘Spotted Runways’ back in June. This was a truly unique fashion show where the models did not wear clothes made by a particular brand or designer, but instead, wore clothes from their own closets.
Wabi-Sabi Collections is a brand that provides fashion commentary and community in Dublin. Interestingly, this was not the original intention of founders, Goodness and Silvia, when starting out. Dissatisfied with the second hand fashion scene in Dublin, they decided to start their own brand, aiming to sell vintage clothing as affordably as possible. They set out to do street interviews, talking to people about the high pricing of second-hand clothing in Dublin as a way to launch their brand and raise publicity for their first pop-up shop.
However, on their first day going out, they ended up just talking to people about fashion in Dublin, “And then we just kept talking about fashion in Dublin”. They were having so much fun with the street interviews that they ‘forgot’ about their original plan for selling clothes.
Two years later, Wabi-Sabi Collections are known for their videos showcasing Dublin’s street style, approaching people they see on the street to ask them about their outfits and views on fashion. They are also known for their ‘Spotted Mondays’ video series, where they create compilations of the cool people they spot walking around town during the weekend.
It was while editing one of these ‘Spotted Mondays’ videos that Goodness had the idea for the ‘Spotted Runways’ – a fashion show that showcased people’s personal style without selling anything.
“I feel like fashion runways are a way to perpetuate the same buying culture and capitalism. Sometimes you already have the things in your wardrobe that you want to pop off; you don’t have to buy something new.” – Goodness.
Without any retail element, ‘Spotted Runways’ presented fashion as an art form rather than a product. Twelve models walked, each with two looks from their own closets. Although each look was highly varied, the runway show itself felt coherent – each outfit felt authentic and fun. The evening included surprise musical performances and displayed art by local artists. The break between the models’ first and second looks was long, and guests were encouraged to use this time to make connections.
The current Wabi-Sabi team, Goodness and Matéa, were intentional about creating a people and community focused fashion show – “a space for fashion lovers and creatives in Dublin to come together on a consistent basis where they can connect”.
Through their videos and through events such as ‘Spotted Runways’, Wabi-Sabi Collections hold a mirror to the vibrant fashion scene that exists here in Dublin.
They have created a space that fosters community, connection, and inspiration among fashion lovers. Their next event, ‘The Fabric of Us’, will take place as part of Dublin Independent Fashion Week this September.
With regard to ‘Spotted Runways’, the team hinted that they will be hosting another one in the near future. Wabi-Sabi Collections are definitely a brand to watch out for.
Words: Jane McDaid
Photos: Saoirse McAllorum
