The Independent Runway at LMFF is always a mixed bag of the kooky, the innovative and the occasional downright genius design. Some would say the event is the most compelling and interesting show all week a must-see for the experimentally fashion-minded. This year included 15 edgy designers in a huge, horror-themed presentation. Highlights from the runway included:

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• The truly miniature Mini cars expertly darting through the first models' strutting legs to open the show.
• Friedrich Gray bringing back the good old 'flannie' on models who gave the crowd attitude and, charmingly, 'the finger'.
• A sparkling black mini dress from Kate Hurst that would do the fabulous Diana Ross proud.
• Silence is Golden's fairytale-like sleeping moon print featuring on tops and peeking out of dresses.
• LIFEwithBIRD breaking free from the regular sombre colours of the season and blessing the fashion pack with a trench coat in a standout lilac.
• Tailoring taken to extremes by impressive young designer Dhini, who also threw in a good dose of tangerine and her recognisable, scrawled, exotic flower print.
• 2007 Tiffany Designer of the Year award winner Yeojin Bae's green bow print mini-dress with exaggerated cap sleeves.
• The werewolf who casually strolled down the runway whistling to Peter, Bjorn and John's 'Young Folks' halfway through the show this is the Independent runway, it happens.
• A technicolour portrait of the Queen emblazoned in all her glory on an Illionaire men's baggy tee.
• Lurid marbled yellow long johns for men worn under an oversized hooded lime knit from Material Boy.
• Romance was Born's entire indescribable collection including some fabulous holographic shiny leggings and clothing with 'teeth'.

To live through the entirety of Melbourne Fashion Festival, and make it to see the closing show of the Independent Runway, you have completed no mean feat (especially when they just let wolf-men roam the area unmonitored). Now it's just onto the after parties, want-list making and waiting to see how the public will adopt and adapt the new looks in their individual, realistic ways.