Australian Fashion Week essentials the ‘RUSSH’ team swear by.

Ahh, Australian Fashion Week. The time has come once again, for us to head on down to Carriageworks and peruse the latest and greatest creative offerings from top notch fashion designers of the moment. Across the five days from May 12-16 – we will be seen running from show to show, snacks in hand; dumping our belongings into our Content Director, Elyssa’s car (a real one, thanks girl) and doing the utmost to be one with the chaos of it all.

You may wonder what the RUSSH team has on hand for such a fabulous and frantic week. Well, we do have our list of essentials and we’re here to share. Scroll on to find a thoughtful selection of items of necessity, from nutritious and delicious snacks on the go, to what we’ll be wearing in fashion and beauty must haves – it’s a fashion parade we’re ready for.

Elyssa Kostopoulos

Content Director

This Australian Fashion Week, I am digging deep into my wardrobe to put together looks that include all of my favourite pieces. I am almost most comfortable when I feel entirely like myself rather than fussing over new outfits. I picked up a new cardigan from Friends With Frank in this gorgeous sage colour. It is now sadly sold out but the brand has plenty of other knitwear to fall in love with if you’re in the market. I inevitably always wear a Canadian tuxedo (aka, double-denim) on one of the days, and this overshirt from WNSDY paired with a pair of trusty denim and my new Tony Bianco slingbacks I got on sale.

As for accessories, I’ll be sporting the new Tissot PRX 25mm – which is not only a stylish new addition to my watch collection, but will be a great help for someone who is bad with time management. Sunglasses are a must, especially towards the backend of the week when the eye bags start to come through – I’ll be heavily rotating between this Bottega Veneta shield pair and my old faithful Gentle Monsters that go with every outfit. 

Protein bars are a handbag staple and I will continue the tradition of stocking a lolly jar in my car – for emergencies only, obviously.

Samantha Corry

Assistant to Editor in Chief

As always, starting off strong with my Fisherman Friends mints. A non-negotiable at any day of the week. I will be needing some basic pieces to keep me warm and style with, so I have opted in getting a beautiful cashmere from Commonplaces. I also recently got a new film camera which I will bring with me, as my other one sadly broke, but this one is actually much cooler, a Canon Datelux A35. I will also be bringing my lip combo – from MAC, my lip liner in whirl, and my lip balm from Glossier in Peppermint. And I will be stocking up on my Kiehl Cleanser, as it will be a big week of makeup, I can assume!

Talisa Sutton

Brand Art Director

Counting on a few timeless pieces to get me through the week. Harris Tapper’s Tilman Blazer elevates any look, while Patrick Johnson’s cashmere cardigan is perfect for layering on crisp mornings and cool evenings. A watch is a must-have for staying on schedule, and this Cartier timepiece has been on my wishlist for a very long time. Bottega’s Lauren Clutch is the perfect size for my show essentials, I love this one paired back with a white t-shirt, classic denim and a chic kitten heel (These Nelson Made ones hit the spot). Understated jewellery is the finishing touch to any look, and I love these fine pieces from Temple of the Sun. Last, but not least, a water bottle to stay hydrated on the go. I love this limited toffee colour by Frank Green – practicality that doesn’t compromise on style. 

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

I think the best kind of look is a practical look. So my fashion week essentials will be all about pragmatism. My collection of St Agni blazers are being pulled to the front of my closet. They are so comfortable but they immediately upscale any outfit. I have a huge tote from Kinnon that will be essential to carrying all my gear and my beauty touch-up bag. In the bag will be my laptop, a Jurlique rose mist mini for refreshing, my DMK sunscreen, my Sisley mascara and my Glossier Stretch concealer. I have a memo water bottle which is coming with me because it’s streamlined and a packet of pumpkin seed bites to refuel. And, I’ll likely live in my Hermes loafers. They’re my favourite (and most comfortable) shoe right now.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

This is my third AFW – and third time’s a charm right? I think I learned plenty of lessons from the chaos of last year’s schedule that I’m ready to apply this year. First and foremost: a portable iPhone charger is a must. I like the cart around my July Power Bank since it can charge my phone and laptop simultaneously. I’ve become attached to my Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Mist (basically a hand sanitiser that actually smells nice that you can spray on). Of course, I’m never without a lip product – these days it’s my LESSE Soothing Lip Balm and MECCA MAX Pout Pencil in Classy (the BEST colour). And finally – a fragrance to touch up with. I’m loving TSU LANGE YOR’s By My Side at the moment. But also Diptyque’s Philosykos, a travel size of which I tote around with me.

Emily Algar

Beauty Editor 

Fashion week is always a wild ride so I like to keep my looks simple but chic. I’m into tailoring, and adore this Harris Tapper jacket. Also, very weather appropriate. On that note, I refuse to wear uncomfortable shoes. Hobbling from blisters isn’t a good look, plus I’m always jogging due to poor time management skills (oops). I will probably rely on my Saint Laurent loafers, Chanel ballet flats and a great boot. I’m in the market for something new, and I love the shape of these from Alias Mae. Also, I noticed these cute thongs — perfect to keep in the car for emergencies or give any outfit and Olsen twin edge? 

Other essentials include a mini lint roller, crazy-strong mints, my Crown Affair comb, lip balm (trust me when I say Dermal Therapy and Lanolips are the way to go) and fragrance. Right now, I am deeply obsessed with Hermes Barenia. It would be remiss of me to not include snacks, as well. Plenty of espresso, green juice, pasta and Krumbled Beauty Bites for me… 

Kirsty Thatcher

Digital Editor

I think great outerwear is a fail-safe way to always look chic at AFW, while also preparing yourself for Sydney’s unpredictable weather. I’m loving the Friends With Frank Clemence Blazer Coat, and Harris Tapper Tillmans Blazer in bone. When it comes to shoes, I try not to overthink it – comfort is key. My Assembly Label loafers will no doubt be the MVP of the week, and a great pair of boots is an easy way to dress up a look. I like these ones by Alias Mae. 

I also wouldn’t survive the week without a big bag (this Liffner bucket bag is my favourite right now) stocked with all the essentials: Merit Beauty Flush Balm in ‘postmodern’, Hourglass mascara, MAC lip liner in whirl, and as much Lanolips as I can get my hands on.

Megan Nolan

Marketing Manager

Have you ever wondered what makes the cool girls cool, even when they’re wearing a seemingly boring outfit? It’s all in the small details – or at least that’s what I’m telling myself to minimize the pre-fashion week outfit stress. 

First up, jewellery and I’ll be mixing and matching my collection of rings from Argent Silversmith, Millie Savage, and a couple of smaller pieces from Mejuri and Kirstin Ash. More is more when it comes to rings if you ask me. Add to this some dark sunglasses to hide the lack of sleep and my go to MAC deep red lipstick (perfect for dressing up an outfit and adding some personality) and I immediately feel more put together.

Despite not being able to fit my laptop, my Acne Studios Musubi bag comes with me everywhere, and Fashion Week is no exception. Mostly because it fits my favourite powerbank (which has multiple built in charging cords), a takeaway coffee cup, and all the aforementioned essentials.

Last but not least, socks (unexpected, I know). If you’ve ever been to Carriageworks you’ll know it can get chilly in there, and my ankles don’t always do well. No matter what shoes I’m wearing they need to be covered. Paire are my go-tos – super soft and thin enough to fit in any shoe.