Hundreds expected at regional fashion festival

The second annual Toowoomba Fashion Festival will kick off this Saturday and is expected to bring thousands of dollars to the region and provide pathways for local creatives.

Toowoomba’s fashionistas will take to the runway at the Empire Theatre’s Armitage Centre this weekend for the return of the much anticipated Toowoomba Fashion Festival.

The brainchild of Julz McBain and Christel Ryley, the event provides the opportunity for regional designers, models and creatives to display their works and opens pathways to jobs in the industry. –

Starting at 2pm, the festival will include three runways featuring emerging designers, everyday wear and after five pieces, a VIP panel with industry experts discussing embracing fashion, beauty and empowerment and an after-party for the VIP guests at Fitzy’s.

Some of this year’s designers include Vanshika Bhatnagar known for street wearable cyberpunk pieces, local designer Kashaee who creates denim revivals, Australian online boutique Proud Poppy and House of Falcone who will be displaying suits.

Co-founder and creative director Ms McBain said they were thrilled to be back for a second year.

“It is exciting, last year was well received and we wanted to make sure we put on an even bigger and better event and blow everyone's minds ,” she said.

“We are expecting about 200 people, it will be a nice full room and we will have guests from Brisbane, Gold Coast and even people from interstate who’ve never been to Toowoomba before.

“Last year we generated approximately $50,000 in tourism revenue, people are coming in for the weekend and they will spend money in the town so it’s a great opportunity for Toowoomba.”

Designs by Elaurante are featured on the After 5 Australian Fashion Platform runway at Toowoomba Fashion Festival at The Armitage Centre, Saturday, March 16, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ms McBain said the festival provided a pathway for local creatives.

“There was something missing in regards to the fashion industry up here, there is a lot of talent and people who want to be involved but don't have a path to get into it,” she said.

“We want to be that point for regional Queenslanders and regional Australians to get people to the bigger cities and bigger runways.

“It is an industry that is very hard to do virtually, it is something you need to be in the presence of, having a centre point where people can interact, network and showcase their talent is very important.

“There are so many people coming through school who have these talents, but they don't have access to the resources and opportunities that they do in the cities, we want the next generation to see those opportunities and know there is options for them without having to leave their town.”

The festival will run from 2 – 9pm this Saturday at the Armitage Centre.

Last minute tickets can be purchased at toowoombafashionfestival.com.au