Off Duty with The Huxleys
Sep 1 2026 | Words by Kate Jacobs
Welcome back to ‘Off Duty’ where we get to know the faces behind the Festival – on and off the job.
There are Festival regulars, and then there are The Huxleys. Will and Garrett Huxley are Melbourne-based visual and performance artists who have been gracing this Festival for over a decade, showing up in ensembles so extraordinary they make the street style photographers forget where they are.
How were you involved with PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2026?
We were prancing, parading and preening around the forecourt in absurd Huxley ensembles.
What was your first encounter with PMFF?
We are dedicated followers of Fashion, so this would have been many moons ago. Back when it was LMFF – in Docklands, the fashion cube! But it was Sai Wai that made us fall in love with this latest iteration of the Fashion Festival.
Can you share your favourite moment from PMFF 2026?
One of our favourite humans is Linda Jackson and getting to meet her dressed as giant poodles was a real highlight for us. Seeing her beautiful runway and embracing her was a dream. She is Australian, Queer Fashion royalty.
What advice would you give to people aspiring artists?
Don’t think about what others want, make art that makes your heart sing. Do what you dream of and make it as spectacular as possible. Don’t be afraid to fail!
“Don’t think about what others want, make art that makes your heart sing.”
Do you have a side hustle?
Our side hustle is art. It takes over our entire existence. Also managing a high maintenance staffy.
How would you like to see the Victorian fashion industry evolve or innovate in the future?
To move away from trends and commercialisation, to embrace the radical, the diverse and the avant garde. Fashion should be an event, an expression, an artistic extreme statement.
What do you love most about Melbourne style?
Melbourne is exciting because our weather is so absurd you get to play with all elements of your wardrobe within any given week. We love that people in Melbourne generally avoid athletics gear in public.
If you had to describe your relationship with fashion in just one word, what would it be and why?
Impractical. Practicality is the last thing we think of when designing.
“Fashion should be an event, an expression,
an artistic extreme statement.”
What piece in your wardrobe is currently in high rotation?
Will: My Kaylene Whiskey WAH WAH knitted pants and jumper.
Garrett: My pastel pink ‘Pink Panther’ jumper
If you could only shop from one Victorian fashion brand for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Edgeley for glamourous every day and party wear. Alice Edgeley makes outfits that make you want to dance, and that is the energy we need in life.
And for accessories we need OTT by Lia T. Lia T has always been at the forefront of fashion, blow flies, croc inspired jewellery, gold gum nuts and anything to do with toads. She is the Australian Sally Spectra (for all you Bold and the Beautiful fans out there)
What's your favourite non-fashion hidden gem to visit in Melbourne?
MARS Gallery
What's something most people wouldn't know about you?
We are actually introverts.
