If the fashionistsas who were at the MCG on Monday morning had droopy eyes thanks to the hideously early start of the show, they were certainly awoken by the kaleidoscope of colors Bonds presented, along with the highly energised dancing and perhaps the free coffee! The Pop-Up 1 Bonds parade presented by the Herald Sun and City of Melbourne kicked off a week of fashionable festivities. Lord Mayor John So, in his own way, officially opened the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week, and then with a siren Brodie Harper, MC for the morning, introduced the first special guest.

Pat Rafter, ambassador for Bonds, appeared from the back appropriately dressed in his Bonds hoodie, and even Bonds undies which we got to check out! There were many a squeals from the fairer sex in the audience! Whilst Rafter gave the crowd a giggle when asked why he was an ambassador, “because of the pay”, it was really the show that brought out the gasps, admirable sighs and nods of approval.

It was a chilly morning in Melbourne, but oblivious to this, the models walked out in Bonds apparel. Models became dancers for the morning with funky dances involving gold balls, a salute to the hallowed turf they were parading on.

As for the fashion, it was a dramatic throwback to the ‘80s, which just never seem to go out of style. Bonds signature hoodies, leggings and undies were all mixed into various combos. The colors were not ones you would traditionally wear together, like red, teal, yellow and purple, but they certainly worked on the models.

Footballers such as Brendan Fevola were on hand during the show to help the models parade the new Hi-Top ranges. These are undies which sit a bit higher, and display that iconic Australian brand name. It could even be used to help cover that muffin top! The finale of singlets, shorts and Hi-Tops certainly thrilled the crowd as Ricki-Lee Coulter was on stage to sing her hit ‘Can’t Touch It.’ Then, with a final hurrah of gold streamers and rainbows of balloons, the first parade came to an end.