Last week Ruby Assembly attended Whitehouse Institute’s A[Wear] event, in support of the Prahran Mission and the great work they do assisting the disadvantaged and mentally ill of our community.

I’d never been to the Whitehouse Institute, and was really amazed at the sheer size of the place. Overlooking Southern Cross Station, the Whitehouse Institute building looks like a flashback to the long-lost industrial days of Melbourne. Creativity still abounds in the space however, with young designers and stylists being taught the tools of the trade that will enable them to be effective talents in the fashion industry. The large Whitehouse Institute space was re-purposed into a runway, cocktail bar, pop-up shop and gig-space, the centrepiece of which was a lightshow displayed against boxes (inset above with hidden blogger).

Left : Philip Boon looks dashing in fur at the Whitehouse Institute event, where he also teaches a course in styling. Right: Delicious Cosmopolitans get the crowd limber for fashion.

Left: Tish from Mister Mode Right: Irish Rivera of StyleZilla

L: MC’s warmed up the crowd Top Right: Jane Hayes of Jane Hayes Consulting. Bottom Right: Veronica and Garry Moore of Miss Bossy Boots.

Brazilian capoeira dancing and hip-shaking tunes kicked the night off with a bang!

The runway show itself featured pieces from Alpha60, Gorman, Pamela Usanto and more – and the closing finale was a girl gang of badass dancers strutting their stuff. A good night had by all in support of the Prahran Mission – and great practice for the Whitehouse Institute students who look to have bright futures ahead.