Programmed by Charlotte Agnew. Feat: Bowen Aricò, Charles Dennington & Mia Rankin
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What-Else is a digital platform that takes fashion seriously. It bears all the hallmarks of a typical fashion title: striking imagery, creative styling, insightful conservations with models, designers, and industry leaders. But there are also stories that challenge mainstream fashion narratives and expose what it’s like to work in this sector.
The project doesn’t just present the output of Australia’s fashion community, but the challenges that affect its progression. Lack of transparency, hierarchical industry structures, and better protections for freelancers are among the issues founder Charlotte Agnew advocates for through the platform.
“In the absence of defined career pathways or safety nets for many working in and around fashion, What-Elseoffers itself up as a safe space for the kind of genuine dialogue that can lead to change,” says the stylist and current Fashion Director of RUSSH magazine.
“What-Else is about asking questions and searching for solutions through conversation. It’s an effort to show how other perspectives and experiences can help us grow as an industry and achieve a better working system for all.”
Curated by Charlotte, the What-Else group show is a continuation of these conversations. Expect to see boundary-defying work from some of fashion’s most exciting emerging creatives alongside original contributions from established industry names. “The presentation is an opportunity for fashion to think wider, harder and with more purpose,” Charlotte explains.
The exhibition will feature new photographic work from Bowen Aricò and Charles Dennington; image maker Mia Rankin will debut an original film created in collaboration with Charlotte; and artist Abella D'Adamo’s psychedelic, Y2K-inspired illustrations will be on display.
On opening night electronic music duo Patamon – comprised of musician and producer Joan Banoit and designer Alix Higgins (known for his Hunter Schafer - approved clothing label) – will perform a live set. The band has also written and produced an original song to accompany the video work that will be on display in the gallery.
About Charlotte:
Charlotte Agnew is an experienced stylist and fashion editor based in Sydney.
The former Fashion Editor of i-D magazine Australia and current Fashion Director of RUSSH magazine has helped shape the Australian fashion landscape and launch the careers of other local creatives.
Charlotte’s innovative styling work has appeared in i-D magazine, RUSSH magazine, Vogue magazine, 10 Magazine Australia, Oyster magazine, GQ Australia and Love Want. She is the stylist to two of Australia’s most exciting brands – Jordan Dalah Studio and Alix Higgins – and has created bespoke campaigns for the likes of Incu, Bassike, Perks and Mini, Supply Store, Adidas, and Dover St. Market. Charlotte has also delivered guest lectures at RMIT University and is currently represented by China Heights gallery.
About What-Else:
Charlotte launched What-Else in 2021 with the mission of improving the structure, transparency, and integrity of the Australian fashion industry. The digital platform lays bare the challenges faced by those working in this space and pushes industry leaders for answers to difficult questions.
On the site you’ll find interviews with unionists and lawyers alongside profiles of experimental jewellery makers and top models. There’s also thought leadership from industry heavyweights like Alastair McKimm, the global Editor-in-Chief of i-D magazine, Adam Baidawi, the Deputy Global Editorial Director of GQ and head of British GQ, and Jess Blanch, the Editor-in-Chief of RUSSH magazine.
What-Else is much more than a fashion publication. It’s a knowledge resource, a platform for advocacy, a creative collective and a strong voice for the Australian fashion community. Every project released under the What-Else banner is focused on building a better fashion industry.