Cairns artist Luisa Manea holds fashion exhibition Master of Style at Crystalbrook Bailey hotel

A Cairns fashion designer will showcase her arty designs at a hotel in Cairns. This is where you can check out her ideas and even buy.

WITH spring racing quickly approaching, a Cairns fashion designer has put on a month-long display to showcase a number of sustainable fashion pieces.

Dressmaker, artist and potter Luisa Manea will hold her exhibition Master of Style at the Crystalbrook Bailey hotel until September 30.

“It’s something a bit more unique, it’s a mixture of paintings and dresses,” she said.

“With the spring racing coming up it’s a great opportunity to showcase more of a fashion influence.”

Cairns designer Luisa Manea will hold a month long exhibition at the Crystalbrook Bailey. Ms Manea on the opening night. Picture: Supplied

“We get a lot of ladies coming from down south and staying at the Bailey so it married up beautifully.”

Ms Manea has made everything in the display.

“A lot of it is upcycled where I’ve used my leftover material from my workroom,” she said.

“A lot of the material I use is high end, it’s a shame to throw them out so I’ve created a new concept where I've utilised more of what I’ve got.

“One of the dresses cost me nothing, it is just labour intensive.”

The dresses have been hand sewn by Ms Manea.

“There’s a joy to hand sewing, it’s a bit like meditating and painting,” she said.

“It can be good for your mental health and there are benefits to doing it.

“It’s a slow art, definitely a shame more people don’t do it. You will end up with a more unique gown.”

Ms Manea was a fashion designer in Perth before she moved to Cairns.

“Making dresses for bridal is very labour intensive, I branched out to art, pottery and painting. But I still love to dressmaking,” she said.

“I love the skill. I also wear them a lot, because why not. They are standout dresses.”

Ms Manea has had a number of significant achievements like being a finalist at the Myer Fashions on Your Front Lawn in 2021 and attending Hong Kong Fashion week.

The artwork from the exhibition will be available to buy.

Originally published as Cairns artist Luisa Manea holds fashion exhibition Master of Style at Crystalbrook Bailey hotel