Fusing Nutrition with Fashion: Fashfest 2015

Posted on 15 April, 2015

Over 80 models will grace the catwalk in just under four weeks for the annual celebration of Canberra fashion at Fashfest 2015; and if I do my job well, they’ll be well-nourished and healthy models too. I’m the Official Fashfest Nutritionist.

When first approached to offer my nutrition services to the annual event, I was perplexed as to what I could possibly contribute. Initially, all I could think of was the fact that spending the past five years building a business has meant my wardrobe needs a little updating (OK a lot), and what would I wear? Also, as the fashion industry doesn’t have a great reputation when it comes to promoting healthy lifestyles and weight management, how would I be received?

After chatting to one of the producers, Steve Wright (also one of the designers from local label Corr Blimey), I began to realise that Fashfest is much more than just Canberra’s version of an annual fashion event. It’s a completely one-of-a-kind experience and this year the producers wanted to show that they care just as much about the models’ wellbeing as they do about their ability on the catwalk.

I’m absolutely honoured to be a part of this fusion between nutrition and fashion. I’ve always believed that healthy eating applies to everyone, no matter what they do; and that definitely includes the fashion industry.

This is the first time in the history of fashion events in Australia that a nutritionist has been appointed to provide advice to the models involved in the production. I love forging new paths! It’s so exciting.

I really love the final line in the Fashfest 2015 short film: “I want you to see how beautiful we all can be”. I’ve been helping people with their nutrition for just over 10 years and I’ve found that in the end, the way that we approach our nutrition has a lot to do with how we see and value ourselves. Seeing beauty in our diversity is a theme I hope continues to grow in both industries – fashion and nutrition.

I had the privilege of running a workshop for the models at their first rehearsal last Sunday. I hoped to inspire and motivate them to eat for optimum day-to-day performance and maximum energy levels while they’re preparing for Fashfest over the next four weeks. Models can walk up to five hours a day during rehearsals – that’s clocking up a lot of steps! The same nutrition advice also applies to them achieving optimum long term health as well. Bonus!

I also stressed the importance of each of the models maintaining their current body weight. There’s often pressure, within the fashion industry, for models to lose weight or slim down in preparation for a big event, like Fashfest. I wanted them all to know that they were chosen because they were beautiful and unique just as they were and to fight the urge to crash diet over the next four weeks.

I’ll be attending the final rehearsal in May to offer further advice on what to eat during the big week.

I’ll also be finding something epic to wear!