As conditions in Palestine worsen day after day, month after month, activists are finding unique ways to raise critical funds for those affected by Israel’s actions. For Melbourne stylist, Ayden Emini, that means curating a runway event featuring nine local designers who are committed to making a difference through art and advocacy—and it’s happening this Saturday.
Dubbed Final Call Runway 01: Palestine, the event will raise funds through ticket sales, donations, and a silent auction of the night’s garments with every dollar raised going directly to Save The Children.
In conversation with Not Safe For Queers, organiser Ayden Emini discusses Final Call Runway’s inaugural event, explaining his motivation to curate a fashion event with a cause, what he hopes attendees will take away from the night, and what we could expect from a potential Final Call Runway 02.
It’s so lovely to meet you Ayden. Final Call Runway 01: Palestine sounds like a really incredible (and unique) initiative. Let’s chat about it!
Thank you so much! It’s wonderful to meet you too. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to talk about Final Call Runway. This initiative is incredibly close to my heart, blending my passion for fashion with a deep commitment to driving social change. It’s truly a labour of love and collaboration, and I’m excited to share more about it with you.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and what motivated you to organise Final Call Runway 01: Palestine?
As a creative, I’ve always been passionate about using creative platforms to spotlight pressing global issues, particularly in my art. Fashion, for me, is more than self-expression—it’s a universal language that has the power to connect, inspire, and mobilise communities.
The idea for Final Call Runway emerged from a desire to harness that potential. I wanted to create an event that didn’t just showcase incredible artists and designers but also served as a vehicle for advocacy, education, and tangible support for causes that urgently need attention.
Activists have been protesting—en masse—against Israel’s attacks in Palestine for a little over 12 months now. What prompted you to organise an aid event at this moment in time?
The ongoing crisis in Palestine has reached a critical juncture where global solidarity and action are more important than ever. Over the past year, I’ve been deeply moved by the resilience of the Palestinian people and the growing calls for justice worldwide. It felt imperative to amplify those voices and contribute in a meaningful way.
What also inspired this initiative was seeing the lifesaving work of organisations like Save The Children, which is providing essential support to children and families affected by the conflict. Knowing how urgently these communities need aid made it clear that we had to act now.
Final Call Runway 01 is our way of turning collective frustration and heartbreak into something actionable—raising funds, raising awareness, and standing in solidarity with those impacted by the violence.
Final Call Runway 01: Palestine is dubbed as both a celebration of fashion and a call to action with, “every aspect of the event dedicated to raising critical funds.” Can you speak a little more about that?
Absolutely. Every element of the event has been designed with purpose. From ticket sales to auctioning exclusive pieces, every dollar raised is directly supporting humanitarian aid for Palestine.
Beyond financial contributions, the event itself serves as a platform for education and advocacy, with visuals, and storytelling interwoven throughout the evening. It’s about creating a space where attendees leave feeling inspired, informed, and empowered to take further action.
Nine local designers are participating in the event. How did you choose which designers would showcase their works this Saturday?
Selecting the designers and artists was both an exciting and thoughtful process. We sought out creatives who not only embody innovation and artistry but also share our commitment to activism and community. Each designer brings a unique perspective to the runway, and together, their work creates a vibrant tapestry that reflects the spirit of the event. It was important to me that the line-up felt inclusive and representative of the values we’re advocating for.
The event is very deliberately called Final Call Runway 01: Palestine (emphasis on the 01). What are some other global issues we might be seeing you advocate for in future Final Call Runways?
The “01” signifies that this is just the beginning. While this inaugural event focuses on Palestine, we envision Final Call Runway as a recurring platform that addresses a wide range of global crises—whether it’s climate justice, refugee displacement, or combating systemic inequality. Each iteration will be rooted in collaboration, highlighting specific issues and the communities most affected, while using fashion as the thread that ties it all together.
Final Call Runway 01: Palestine is set to transform Collingwood’s Second Story this Saturday 7 December from 8.00pm. Tickets on sale now.