By CAITLIN CROWLEY
STAGING a high-end fashion runway show which could be the envy of regional centres nationwide is the bold vision of the creative team behind the Toowoomba Fashion Festival, coming to the city’s social calendar for the first time this March.
The glamorous new event will be a platform to celebrate and promote Darling Downs designers and boutiques, while also showcasing emerging and established brands from across Queensland and Australia.
Creative Director Julz McBain (pictured below) said the time was right for Toowoomba to host an event of this calibre, to help build on the city’s maturing food and arts culture.
“I think it’s time to stand on our own feet and have our own culture and events that showcase our talent,” McBain said.
“Our vision is that look of Australian Fashion Week, Melbourne Fashion Week, in Toowoomba.
“I want it to be a very high-end, editorial looking runway.
“I want it to end up being a destination for people to come, much like the Carnival of Flowers – I want people wanting to come out and visit for the Toowoomba Fashion Festival.”
McBain told the Caller it was a deliberate decision to schedule the March 16 event towards the start of the year, to help fill the gap in Toowoomba’s tourism lineup around Autumn.
“Something more than just a high tea, ladies lunch runway show – we want to be showing high-end, fashion events for them (visitors) to be proud to turn up to, so that’s the goal and hopefully we get some big names both in the audience and on the runway to join them.”
The brainchild of McBain and Ryley Jewellery Creations owner Christel Ryley, the festival will include three runway shows, fashion market stalls and a VIP after party.
“As the presenting partner for the Toowoomba Fashion Festival, Ryley Jewellery Creations is honoured to bring forth an exquisite fusion of timeless elegance and contemporary style,” Christel Ryley said.
“Just as every meticulously crafted piece in our collections tells a unique story, this festival is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the artistry that defines the world of fashion.”
Julz McBain said there had been a strong response from event partners, brands and models keen to be part of the event with hopes to eventually stage the showcase twice a year, coinciding with the release of Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer collections.
“One thing I’ve noticed is being a regional designer or a regional location for fashion, people don’t really embrace that and people don’t really wear that as a proud statement and I want to change that around as well,” she said.
“So Designers who are based in Toowoomba or the Darling Downs can proudly put down their location and know that it’s a more positive thing for them.”
Tickets to the Toowoomba Fashion Festival are on sale now.