Concrete Playground

I am forever trying to convince some cynic there is art in fashion: that a runway show is a walking exhibition; that designers make endless, self-reflexive statements on the meaning of the body; that street fashion is innate expression. But I concede there is no art in Fashion Weekend — unless you count the art of the arc my arm will make when I slap that scrag who's gone and grabbed the delicate Fleur Wood bolero that is rightfully mine. Ahem.

Fashion Weekend is perhaps the biggest sale you'll see this side of Boxing Day, and certainly the one boasting the most genuinely desirable finds. It features plenty of old- and new-season stock from a wide range of Australian designers, including Ginger & Smart, Camilla, Shakuhachi, Marnie Skillings, Rodeo Show, Milk & Honey, Peep Toe, Life with Bird, Bracewell, the Cassette Society, the Grand Social and many, many more.

The organisers have promised to replenish stocks as the (long — starting Thursday) weekend goes on, but opening night is worth a look-in for the promised "extra special finds", free glass of wine and touch of glamour. If you want more than a brush with the clothes racks and a seat at the bar, a gold ticket will get you into the frequent catwalk shows, and a platinum ticket will put you in the front rows. A fashion clinic hosted by Shop Til You Drop mag editors, $10 blowdries in the Tony&Guy style bar, a $20 personal stylist, makeovers in the Napoleon Perdis makeup bar and a wine bar will also feature. You can't have art all the time.