It's that time of year again, when Instagram is slammed with pics of people in blazers and trench coats against the backdrop of brick walls and concrete at Carriageworks in Sydney. And all of a sudden, your TikTok feed is a non-stop lineup of fashionable people holding mini mics and talking us through every minute detail of their fit. Well, skip the polished street style and curated takes — we've enlisted some special humans to report back on their time at Australian Fashion Week — to give us a true behind-the-scenes look at what goes down, and lucky for you, our first dispatch is hot and ready.
Meet Eugene Ma (AKA Gene), a bona fide sweetheart who not only takes a good pic (endless proof here) but is a pro at martial arts (!) and always has a stash of candy on hand (smart). He walked in the Joseph & James show yesterday and if you're not across the Naarm based menswear brand you should be. They featured in the Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) fashion show last year, so stepping out on their own for their first solo show is a pretty big deal, big props to designers Juanita & Ashford Page <3.
There's still time to catch up on the show and all the cute clothes over on their Insta stories. But first, scroll through Gene's camera roll of sweet, unfiltered fashion week moments above.
Name: Eugene Ma
Nickname: GENE
Starsign: Libra
Give us your elevator pitch:
Outside of modelling, I'd say I'm a blend of creativity and action. The love for dance/music/film and the practice of martial arts have been a part of my world since forever, it seems. Too many random interests to list, but find out on the next episode of....
Where do you live, and where do you call home?
Sydney is where I've called my 'home-base' for the last 7 years. Prior to that, I was born and raised in Perth, WA! Since travelling a bit more in 2024, I've realised that 'home' could be anywhere at this point in time, as long as I'm surrounded by the right people and vibes!
A tiktok to sum up how you felt going into fashion week:
Favourite show you took part in and why:
I didn’t partake in much this AFW except for Joseph & James. So shout out to Joseph & James for keeping me in AFW this year! The guys backstage including myself were vibing to the jazzy runway soundtrack!
Best person you meet backstage?
Well, cliché but true—it’s never just one person I feel. Backstage, it’s always a mix of familiar faces, old friends, and new ones. It’s great catching up and getting the latest scoop since I last saw everyone!
What do you do to fill time while waiting around backstage?
Honestly, I'm always filling up the time snacking or eating. You can never have too much time for food. That reminds me…. I need to get groceries.
Fashion week essentials in your bag:
The essentials for me are 1. AirPods 2. Travel size cologne atomiser (I think that's what it's called anyway lol) 3. Candy 4. Hat (I dont know why but I always wear hats)
Favourite song/soundtrack you heard this week?
'Snap My Finger' by KAYTRANADA (feat. PinkPantheress). This song activates a different energy in me haha.
A tiktok/meme/mood to sum up how you feel at the end of the week:
Photos: Eugene Ma
Features Editor: Chloe Hill
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which Australian Fashion Week took Place.
