Local designer Khashaee wows runway with thrifted denim collection
Hundreds filled the Armitage Centre for Toowoomba’s second annual fashion festival, which was particularly special for one designer. Here’s why.
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A recent fashion design graduate is well on the way to having his dreams of owning his own fashion studio could be right around the corner.
Entering the Toowoomba Fashion Festival for the second time, 21-year-old Yahya Khashaee wowed spectators with his sustainable designs at the Empire Theatre’s Armitage Centre on Saturday.
After graduating high school Mr Khashaee was at a crossroads with his future.
He knew he wanted to help others and was considering studying psychology when he decided fashion was his calling.
“Studying fashion just showed me a bigger perspective on fashion and ways you can use it to help other people,” he said.
“I’ve realised there’s a bigger issue with the waste we make through wearing clothes and buying mass produced clothing, so I think it’s a great way to influence others to wear recycled clothing.
“I’m trying to make this movement a thing in Australia because it’s huge in Europe but not so much here.”
Mr Khashaee said his interest lies in denim and debt stock fabric which he recycles from other big-name brands, finding peculiar pieces at thrift shops to use as part of his statement pieces.
The collection showcased at this year’s event is a mixture of three separate collections made as part of his final year at university.
“I had a donation box at the entry of the university where students would drop off their old denim jeans, which was a great opportunity for me to use them to make my pieces because they didn’t end up going into waste,” he said.
Each collection and item revolves around an earthy theme, with the blue denim dress showcased at the event inspired by the movement of waterfalls.
Mr Khashaee said his dream was to one day feature his collections in Melbourne Fashion Week.
He is currently searching for a studio in Toowoomba where he can continue making his designs and even take on orders.
See some of the designs featured at the 2025 Toowoomba Fashion Festival below.
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