Tayla McFarlane wins grand champion of Ekka Natural Fibres Competition 2022
She had her first sewing machine at seven, and has been entering fashion competitions from 11, so it’s no surprise this teen designer has triumphed at the Ekka Natural Fibres Competition 2022.
QLD News
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She’s not quite old enough to have a driver’s licence.
But 15-year-old Tayla McFarlane knows how to put the pedal to the metal on her sewing machine.
Last Saturday, she was awarded the grand champion at the Ekka Natural Fibres Competition 2022 and Natural Fibres open champion, coming first in all five categories she entered.
After much blood, sweat and tears, Ms McFarlane said she was overjoyed to win in all five categories.
“It was it was so surreal, I didn’t think it was gonna happen,” Ms McFarlane said.
“I was really proud of myself. All my models did amazing and the outfits looked so good on the runway.”
Ms McFarlane has been developing her skills since getting her first sewing machine at seven, and has been entering fashion competitions since she was 11.
From making beach bags to now designing and producing her own couture pieces in luxurious fabrics, Ms McFarlane said she had truly fallen in love with fashion.
“Everything about fashion I was obsessed with; I started making dresses for myself, then I started pattern-making, sewing and making 12-hour designs,” she said.
The young fashion designer is well beyond her years, having trademarked and created her own fashion brand 7roses when she was just 11.
Her label was named in honour of her father, Andrew McFarlane, an Australian motocross sports champion who died after a crash in 2010.
“His race number was seven and my middle name is Rose,” she said.
The talented teen said she hoped to become a worldwide fashion designer with her label.
She will be the youngest designer at the Brisbane Fashion Festival, which is coincidentally celebrating its 15th-year anniversary.
Ms McFarlane, along with a team of year 12 designers from her school, Kelvin Grove State College, will showcase their collection on August 26.
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