As told by Kavi and Karen: An AAFW Interview with Astrophe Magazine

Creatives Karvesh Pillai and Karen Leong sit down to decrypt a week’s worth of insider trading, runways, and the many faces of Australian fashion. Watch their video journey above and their interview recap with digital and fashion label Injury (coming soon).

A forenote, or introduction for our readers —

KP: Karen is a Hong Kong-born writer, multi-hyphenate creative and model. She works mainly in visual and written editorial to get her way and point across. She is also the people’s princess.

KL: Kavi is a multi-modal artist, dj, internet comedian and model. He works mainly in music, delivering hyperpop to the insane. He is also humanity’s popstar.

Long-form —

KL: So, what would be included in your highlight reel?

KP: Walking for Jordan Gogos for the second time. Seeing our friends thrive, succeed and be celebrated finally for the work they’ve been doing for years. Soaking up the energy in the industry finally shifting, as chaotic and stressful as it was.

What about yours?

KL: This year, having the chance to interact, work and just soak it all up with familiar faces — seeing the fruit of everyone’s labour, having the chance to see how far we’ve come and yet also how far we still have to go — it’s been a treat.

Bearing witness firsthand to the change in atmosphere but also mood. I think in the past attending Australian Fashion Week has often felt restrictive. The rally cry for representation is always present, but as mentioned in the interview; visibility requires intention. Higher-ups and executive sway cannot exist without support and education.

A lot of current discourse is floating around about diversity and how it's garnered a mixed reception this year. What do you think, Kavi?

KP: There’s still a lot of work to be done. But a diverse array of creatives working behind the scenes and on the runway make me hopeful for the progress to come.

KL: I agree for the most part. I think the crux of the issue also lies with lack of education. Diverse bodies and faces deserve the educational infrastructure that is virtually non-existent with years of negligence. On the inverse however, Nathaniel Youkhana’s show on opening night embodied how variation in shape can be intentional and tailored to support, without the guise of tokenism.

KP: How did you find your week canvassing on the ground? What was your experience?

KL: Trying to wrangle thirty-something beloved individuals in between shows is exactly how it sounds: exhaustive. It feels rewarding to be able to collate a week’s worth of work into one clip. We again would like to thank all of our beautiful friends and compatriots for giving us some hard-earned time to have a chat with us.

KP: Stressful, and chaotic. Simultaneously inspiring.

KL: Any interviews of note? Whether of humorous intent or of a deeper significance. I want to know what struck you.

KP: Riley, who aggressively advocated for more trans models on the runway.

KL: Yasmin, who declared with sage wisdom that by 2033 cyborg beauty and body modification will be at its maxim.

KP: We’ve heavily mentioned that change from the ground-up starts with community. How do you think we can seed that change and also how have we witnessed it from the inside?

KL: Years of uplifting one another, both in our work and in our personal lives. We’re all where we are now because of how support plays a pivotal role. I think spotlighting some of the many incredible individuals we’ve encountered this week gives us a peek behind the curtain at the future of fashion in Australia. Who wouldn’t feel moved by that?

Rapid Fire Round —

Favourite show?

KL: Injury. Hands down. Closely tailed by Wackie Ju.

KP: Speed.

Favourite garment?

KL: The closing look in Speed, a brocade style dress with blue and black tartan. She was the perfect bride. And also the red Heart bag held in Injury.

KP: Also the red Love-Heart bag held in Injury.

Favourite on-ground style moment?

KL: Jonty Knight’s fully beaded feline couture on the first day.

KP: Myself. You. And Basjia Almaan every day.

Most emotional moment?

KL: It’s a tie — watching my best friend Lynn walk for Erik Yvon, and speaking on and off-camera to Dan and Eugene from the Injury, reflecting on our shared Hong Kong heritage and how it's inextricable to our artistic practice.

KP: When I was fighting demons on every side, putting this project together whilst juggling uni and other torrid work affairs.

Best memory working together?

KP: Looking hot and celebrating at the Speed Afterparty after a long, arduous week.

KL: None of it. Just kidding. All of it. Joining forces with Chanel and Izzy, our talented videographers who worked tirelessly for footage.They ought to be celebrated! Another - putting the vision behind this project together in a house party in Brunswick, half-inebriated but brimming with excitement. And look where it’s landed us.