Kelvin Grove State College graduate Tayla McFarlane accepted into prestigious International Fashion Academy in Paris

A budding Brisbane state high school graduate has secured a place at one of the world’s most well-known fashion schools – the prestigious International Fashion Academy in Paris.

Forget Emily in Paris – it’s Tayla’s turn.

Budding Brisbane fashion designer Tayla McFarlane has secured a place at one of the world’s most well-known fashion schools – the prestigious International Fashion Academy (IFA) in Paris.

The Kelvin Grove State College graduate said she spent her final year of high school collating her portfolio.

“The Paris schools were looking for a lot of abstract, unique shapes and really creative stuff that really pushed the boundaries (of fashion),” she said.

“A lot of my garments I normally make are quite classic, and I felt that I really needed to push myself and go out of the box and design a couple of more garments to really showcase the potential in my work,” she said.

High school graduate Tayla McFarlane has just been accepted into an exclusive fashion school in Paris. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Ms McFarlane said she had originally wanted to study in London but quickly discovered the Paris scene aligned more closer with her “personal style and aesthetic”.

“The fashion industry over there is quite big,” she said. “Paris is the centre of fashion.”

While Ms McFarlane will be able to complete her first year remotely and so can continue her studies from home, she will relocate to Paris in 2026.

Ms McFarlane’s dream after graduating from IFA Paris is to get a job at a high-end fashion company like Dior or Vera Wang before starting her own business or fashion label.

The fashionista, who started making beach and cosmetic bags when she got her first sewing machine at seven, is a two-time Rise to Runway Young Designer of the Year award recipient, took out the Redlands Young Citizen of the Year in 2023 and was the Ekka Natural Fibres Fashion Competition Grand Champion three years running.

She said she found out about her placement with IFA while at dinner with family on a recent trip to Fiji.

“It was definitely a shock, but a really good way to find out and celebrate, especially with my closest family,” she said.