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From CAMILLA + MARC’s annual “Ovaries. Talk About Them.” campaign to Witchery’s white shirt, clothing has the inimitable ability to ignite conversations and enact change when it comes to women’s health. Frocktober, the month-long sartorial initiative led by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, knows this best, which is why the fundraising effort has returned once again for 2024.
Ovarian cancer is Australia’s most lethal gynaecological cancer, taking the life of one Australian woman every eight hours. Devastatingly, there is no early detection test, no cure and is critically underfunded—but important work like this is ensuring that this won’t always be the case. What began in 2007 as a local cause started by a group of women in Geelong supporting their friend through her battle with the insidious disease has quickly become Australia’s most stylish charitable event.
The premise is simple: to raise awareness, garner support, improve treatment options and provide funding to further vital research. Taking part is even more straightforward—and stylish at that. Commencing from October 1, Frocktober invites us to reclaim the everyday act of getting dressed for a good cause.
From donning the favourite item in your wardrobe and making a donation to wearing the graphic ‘Frock Ovarian Cancer’ t-shirts available for purchase online, Frocktober is a powerful chance to look fabulous and make a difference. Even a long lunch with friends or a casual Friday at work can be an opportunity to ‘frock up’, with the challenge also an opportunity to reacquaint yourself with forgotten wardrobe gems and rediscover your personal style.
Like the garments we use to express ourselves, clothing can convey meaning through a single fibre. There’s not a person on this earth who isn’t shaped in some profound way by what they wear, similar to how there’s not a single individual who hasn’t been immensely impacted by ovaries—the place where all life begins, and sadly where it ends for some women.
“Frocktober is the embodiment of fashion, fun and freedom of expression, and uses these as powerful forces for female empowerment, fundraising and advocacy for women’s health,” said Lana Wilkinson, a notable Melbourne-based stylist and shoe designer who has come on board as one of this year’s ambassadors.
With over $1.1 million raised in 2023, OCRF CEO Robin Penty says they are determined to build on this figure. “We encourage anyone who wants to put their most stylish foot forward this month to rally their community to support ova rian cancer research”, she said.
To find out more and get involved with Frocktober, click here.
