- Architectus, ADP Consulting, MPA and Slattery will support Urban Oasis.
- Urban Oasis celebrate's the craftsmanship of top First Nations designers.
- Each firm in the Consortium is committed to Reconciliation Action Plans.
Leading design, property and construction firms, Architectus, ADP Consulting, MPA and Slattery have come together to support PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s First Nations Program, by sponsoring the Urban Oasis Runway at the iconic Royal Exhibition Building, on Wurundjeri Country, on March 9.
One of the hotly anticipated events in an exciting, packed program, Urban Oasis will celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of leading and emerging First Nations designers, whose work will share the spotlight with established and renegade street and conceptual designers from around Australia.
Incorporating notions of identity, social enterprise, politics, upcycling and customisation, this runway marks the debut for some of Australia’s best emerging designers and design labels, including Amber Days and Yanggurdi, alongside mainstays such as Haus of Dizzy and Moss Tunstall, who continue to make their mark on the Australian fashion industry.
The runway event is a natural extension of the Consortium’s involvement in the festival last year. In 2022, Architectus, Brookfield Properties, MPA and Slattery supported the festival’s First Nations Program featuring the First Nations Runway and the KIN Fashion Exhibition. Architectus interior designers also created a space for First Nations designers to display work during the festival.
Each firm in the Consortium is committed to Reconciliation Action Plans, with Architectus and Slattery both renewing their RAPs, ADP Consulting endorsing their first RAP this year, and MPA finalising their Reflect RAP.
Architectus and Slattery on a runway roll
Architectus Principal for Clients + Communications, Ruth Wilson said: “We’re proud to continue our support for PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival and its work in showcasing the breadth and depth of First Nations design talent in Australia.
“As a practice, we deeply acknowledge the role we play in meaningfully advancing reconciliation for First Nations People. Events like Urban Oasis are a wonderful platform for celebrating diversity and highlighting the impressive talents of our First Nations designers. We can’t wait to see the creations on show at this year’s festival” she said.
Slattery Managing Director, Sarah Slattery said: “We are delighted to continue supporting PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival and its efforts in shining a light on the design talent in Australia. The inclusion of First Nations designers alongside leading, established, and emerging Australian designers replicates our efforts as a practice to highlight the diversity of artists in Australia and help create meaningful change and engagement with First Nations communities.”
ADP joins the consortium
ADP Consulting Founder and Director, Laurent Deleu said: “This is our first year supporting PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival and we are incredibly excited to be part of this world-class event. Urban Oasis provides a strong platform for First Nations and sustainable designers to showcase their creativity and talent to a local and international audience.
As one of the largest privately owned Australian multi-services engineering and sustainability consultancies, we are proud to celebrate Indigenous design by supporting events that cultivate a more diverse and inclusive path toward a sustainable future.”
MPA shows ongoing commitment
MPA Client Relations Director, Sarah Hogan said: “MPA’s involvement in the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival and partnership with our property industry consortium exemplifies our ongoing commitment to our RAP and focus on making a measurable impact that makes a difference. “
Don’t miss the Urban Oasis Runway presented by Architectus, ADP Consulting, MPA and Slattery will be held on Friday 9 March at 7.00pm.
