Celebrating Our Debut: The Inaugural Toowoomba Fashion Festival
We are thrilled to share the success of the inaugural Toowoomba Fashion Festival, held at the Armitage Centre. This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone for regional creativity and sustainability in the fashion industry. As the founders, Christel Ryley and Julz McBain, we are proud to see our vision come to life after six months of dedicated planning and collaboration with our esteemed partners.
Image by Theresa Hall // Designer: Corde Couture // Models: Mia, Jorja, Keeley, Sophie, Mackenzie & Jarrod
Our festival wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support of Ryley Jewellery Creations, Style Magazine Toowoomba, Australian Fashion Platform, Mind Your Fashion, and Minx Contemporary Hair Boutique. Their unwavering commitment played a crucial role in bringing the festival to fruition and highlighting the power of collaboration in driving positive change.
Image by Theresa Hall // Designer: Elaurante // Model: Rhiannon Walters
We were delighted to showcase the diverse talent of regional designers and boutiques, with over 24 collections gracing our runways. With 38 models strutting their stuff, the event not only celebrated fashion but also had a significant economic impact, estimated to have generated approximately $50,000 in revenue for the Toowoomba region.
Behind the scenes, our dedicated team of over 35 backstage professionals, media personnel, and event staff worked tirelessly to ensure the festival's seamless execution. Their efforts fostered a supportive and inclusive environment, reflecting our commitment to promoting mental health within the fashion industry.
Image by Theresa Hall // Designer : Vanshika Bhatnagar // Model: Mia House
Our three mesmerizing runways attracted 278 attendees, showcasing emerging designers, student talent, and established brands. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees underscored the festival's impact and success within the community.
In line with our sustainability ethos with partner Stirling & Truffles, we implemented initiatives to reduce single-use plastic, including the introduction of branded aluminum water bottles. These efforts prevented approximately 200 single-use plastic bottles from entering the environment. Furthermore, regenerative plastic-free alternatives were incorporated for banners, bags, and booklets, reinforcing our dedication to environmental responsibility.
Image: Theresa Hall // Designer: Barr Body & Swim // Model: Madeline Braun Marziac
Diversity and inclusivity took center stage, with models representing a spectrum of sizes, ages, and cultural backgrounds. From size 6 to size 20, and from 16-year-old rookies to seasoned models in their 60s, our runway celebrated the richness and diversity of the fashion industry.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce plans to host the festival again in 2025, alongside a lineup of exciting events. We encourage interested parties to stay tuned for updates and opportunities to participate in this transformative showcase of creativity and sustainability.
Image by Theresa Hall // Designer: Melisa Sivlim // Model: Keeley Foster
As we reflect on the success of our debut Toowoomba Fashion Festival, we are grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our partners, participants, and attendees. Together, we have set the stage for a bright future, where innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability will continue to shape the fashion industry in regional Australia.
