Ekka Natural Fibres Fashion Parade returns after two years as models compete for top spots

Local couture is finally back in the spotlight as Queensland’s longest-running fashion parade is set to return to the runway after a two-year hiatus.

Local fashion is finally back in the spotlight as Queensland’s longest-running fashion parade returns to the runway after a two-year hiatus.

More than 100 models gathered yesterday at the Brisbane Showgrounds to vie for a coveted spot on the runway at the Royal Queensland Show’s Natural Fibres Fashion Parade.

Parade producer Laura Churchill said the return of the Ekka Parade after two years of cancellations during the pandemic was one of the biggest opportunities for both local models and designers.

“Covid was a knock to the industry with designers not able to show to crowds, and models not able to work,” she said.

“But the industry is finally bouncing back. There’s really good energy about this year and working on new things.”

Royal Queensland Show's (Ekka) Natural Fibres Fashion Parades model casting has seen around 100 models compete for just 10 spots in the parades. Pictured, Gabrielle Joseph, Annika Burgess and Miraciah Rarasea. Photo: Patrick Woods.

Models from top agencies went through the casting processes yesterday to decide who would fill the 10 spots on the runway for this year’s themed ‘Stories of Styles’ fashion show.

Ms Churchill said the models likely to make it through were those who were keen and ready to showcase local fashion as best as they could.

“It’s long been considered as a launch pad for Queensland’s up and coming models. No other Queensland event offers models the massive exposure the Ekka gives,” she said.

For model Ameika Purcell Minahan, getting cast in the annual parade was an “honour”.

“Knowing it (the Ekka) has been cancelled two years in a row, and being one of the models to cast since makes it so special. I feel very honoured to even cast at Ekka,” she said.

And while the nerves were building during the casting process, Ms Purcell Minahan said it was more fun than anything else.

“Once I saw a few other girls start to walk, all the nerves were gone and it was replaced with excitement. Personally, it (the casting) was more fun than nerve-racking,” she said.