Our partnership with the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) means this year’s event will be more accessible than ever for people who are blind or have low vision.
Audio description and tactile tours are available for two VAMFF runway shows on March 13-14, giving Vision Australia clients the chance to be up to date with all the latest fashion trends.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it along to VAMFF though, we’ve pulled together some great fashion, shopping and wardrobe tips below for you!
Vision Australia’s shopping and fashion tips!
Displays can be your friend
Stores will often display items that go together on the same rack or mannequin. This can be a great way to match a couple of items or find an entire new outfit for a certain occasion like a job interview or a social outing.
If you’re an AIRA user, it could also help you find what you’re looking for.
Find a fashion pal
A second opinion can be a great way to know if you’ve picked a winner or not when it comes to that new outfit. Try taking a trusted friend along with you to give you an honest opinion on your choices, or failing that take a “selfie” in the mirror and send it to them.
Colours and patterns
Monochrome colours such as black, white and grey always go well together. A splash of colour, such as cardigan or scarf, can bring a monochrome outfit to life.
When it comes to patterns, a good rule of thumb is to find the dominant colour in the pattern then find a items that match with that.
Plan your trip
Just like going grocery shopping, a list can help you when it comes to refreshing your wardrobe. Think about what you’re after and put together list so you’re shopping for the things you want and don’t regret any impulse purchases once you’re at home.
If navigating unfamiliar places can be a challenge for you, think about when you’re going shopping. Mid-week mornings can be a way to avoid crowds.
Keep your wardrobe organised
There’s no use buying all the pieces for a great outfit if you can’t find them all later, so it’s important to know where and what your clothes are.
Tactile labels or markers can be a great way to help you know what piece of clothing you’ve picked up and even what colour it is. If you’ve got an outfit that you particularly love or need one on standby for something at short notice, keep all the items on the same hanger so you can grab it with ease.
Items like the PenFriend audio labeller can also help you keep track of what’s in your cupboards.
Audio description tickets for VAMFF 2020 are available exclusively to Vision Australia clients and are strictly limited. To purchase or find out more, call 03 9654 5599 or book direct via vamff.com.au.