Article by Christopher Kelly courtesy of Ragtrader.
Brisbane Fashion Festival 2022 has officially launched, offering a platform to Queenland’s local designers.
Brisbane Fashion Festival director Lindsay Bennett said the event is more important than ever.
“Fashion is a serious business,” Bennett said. “The Australian fashion industry generates $27.2 billion annually, employing close to half a million workers.
“However, local designers struggle to compete with the expansion of international fast fashion retailers in Australia.
“And while this expansion is projected to drive industry growth, it often comes at the detriment of our local designers, retailers, and emerging talents.
“It’s through platforms such as Brisbane Fashion Festival that we can promote our incredible homegrown talent, connecting them with fashion fans who want to buy their pieces.”
According to Bennett, the Brisbane Fashion Festival has seen a “record ticket sell-out”, which has prompted organisers to stage an encore for one of its runway shows.
Brisbane Fashion Festival 2022 will promote more than 50 designers, presenting in excess of 400 new season looks.
This year’s event will spotlight First Nations designers and new emerging talent, as well as Queensland’s leading brands and retailers.
Brisbane Fashion Festival kicked off on August 22, with a Civic Reception hosted by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
“After a few difficult years of Covid disruptions impacting the fashion and retail industries, homegrown designers need our support more than ever,” Schrinner said.
“Brisbane Fashion Festival… will inspire residents and visitors to discover talented local designers, while shining a spotlight on sustainability and diversity.
“With more than 1,000 stores across the city and premier destinations like Queen Street Mall and James Street, we have a world of choice at our doorstep.
“It’s time to back Brisbane businesses by choosing to shop local.”
Events throughout the week include:
- The Treasury Brisbane Fashion Show, showcasing collections from the biggest names in Australian fashion, on August 23.
- The Hancock Prospecting Next Gen Group Show, celebrating emerging and First Nations fashion design, on August 24.
and the Designer Group Show (plus encore staging), featuring the most-loved designers and retailers in Queensland, on August 25. - The program finishes on August 26 with Fashion Friday: a free, one-day event hosted in Queen Street Mall, featuring styling workshops, giveaways, entertainment and a Champagne Bar.
$1 from every ticket that has been sold this year will be donated to the festival’s official charity partner, The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust.
