Midas Shoes donates Melbourne Fashion Week footwear to those in need

From the runway to the real world.

When anyone tries to make me feel like it’s frivolous to care so much about fashion, I ask them to think about how it feels to put on a pair of old slippers compared to six-inch heels. The feeling couldn’t be more different. In one pair, you’re comfy, cosy and ready for a night on the couch.

In the other pair, you’re glamorous and ready to party, hindered by nothing (except maybe a few blisters). This is the unique power of fashion – it gives us armour to face the day. And it doesn’t just change the way we feel about ourselves. Like it or not, the way we present ourselves plays a huge role in how we’re perceived by those around us.

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This isn’t to say we’re all judgemental people. We’re just constantly on the lookout for information to better interpret the world around us and usually, the visual aspect is the first element we take in. If there’s anyone who truly understands the importance of fashion, it’s the team behind the Melbourne charity Ready Set.

Founded in 2011, the volunteer-based organisation works to provide vulnerable and disadvantaged job seekers with everything they need to look and feel their best for interviews. From their small South Melbourne warehouse, the Ready Set team has supported more than 11,000 unemployed individuals with clothing, shoes, accessories and toiletries.

Their clients, more than half of whom are women, transgender and nonbinary people, have experienced a number of obstacles in their lives including intergenerational poverty, homelessness, life in the foster care system, mental health issues, domestic violence, substance abuse and disability.

In support of the good cause, Midas Shoes, the official footwear partner of Melbourne Fashion Week, has donated 300 pairs of shoes to Ready Set – some of which were even worn on the runway. In providing the charity with on-trend, well-made pairs of shoes, Midas has helped open the door to new opportunities for Ready Set clients. 

 “We are very excited to partner with Midas and Melbourne Fashion Week,” says the team behind Ready Set. “Shoes can be costly, so to receive 300 pairs in all different styles to offer the women who seek our assistance is truly amazing for us. As a small charity, we rely on the generosity of organisations like Midas who donate to us so that we, in turn, can support those who need our help.”

First opening its doors in 1976, Midas is a luxury Australian footwear brand that takes its inspiration from the boardwalks of Europe and the design practices of classic Italian craftsmanship. Using high-quality leather to create a curated selection of styles, the brand has become an easy choice for elegant yet practical footwear.

“Giving back is something significant to us at Midas. Ready Set does such amazing work supporting women. Midas is proud to be partnering with Ready Set as an opportunity to support and empower women to get back on their feet as they step into a new career,” says the Midas team. Access to runway-worthy shoes in different sizes allows Ready Set clients to find something that aligns with their own fashion taste, making them feel truly beautiful.

“We are thrilled to provide shoes from M/FW runways so women can feel good and confident in them – Midas has great options for everyone, depending on their style. From sneakers to heels and sandals, depending on the type and unique personal style to fill these women with confidence as they step into their new future.”

Browse the Midas collection here.