In a crowded room, even the youngest of flowers can bloom…

As I settled into the front row of Toowoomba’s inaugural fashion festival, my heart filled with anticipation. I was excited to immerse myself in the culmination of months of passion and creativity poured into the creations of countless designers. Two striking figures, draped head to toe in vibrant shades of denim-blue, emerged from behind the curtains. Jarrod Montoro and Sophie Barnes, the models chosen to open the show, strutted down the runway, radiating confidence with every step. Suddenly, they paused to strike a pose—Sophie rested her arm on Jarrod’s shoulder, showcasing the intricate patchwork denim detailing of her Khashaee-designed skirt, and revealing an ultra-high, irresistibly sexy split. She was the epitome of denim chic from denim shoes to matching accessories. Meanwhile, her partner in crime on the runway, Jarrod Montoro, gazed out across the entirety of the Armitage Centre at The Empire Theatre. If looks could kill, Jarrod would undoubtedly top the hit list. 

As the models turned around, their walks back down the runway mirrored the finesse of their entrance. Each step exuded elegance. My attention shifted to another model making her ingress into the ultimate fashion extravaganza that was the Toowoomba Fashion Festival. Dressed in sleek all-black attire with pops of cerulean blue, the designs of Melisa Sivlim came to life on the runway. Model Poornima Mani confidently knew her cue—she struck one pose, and then another. What truly astonished me was the moment that she turned around. A stunning, bright blue spine design seamlessly trailed down her back. It was a natural and creative touch, seeing a spine in such a vibrant hue hanging just like that, almost as if it had been plucked straight off the rack.

Adding a spine to the skeleton of a fashion design may not have crossed your mind (it hadn’t ever crossed mine), but designer Melisa Sivlim made it appear effortless. As several more models took their turn on the runway, each adorned in pops of black and blue, an intriguing blend of organic and futuristic elements emerged. This fusion was further accentuated by the tattoos of the third model— a giant sun upon her thigh and, when she turned, a butterfly not far behind. It was at this exact moment that I felt the overflowing talent radiating from the Emerging Designers Runway. “The future of Australian fashion is in good hands…” I thought to myself, eagerly anticipating the next look to grace the catwalk.  

The calibre of designs on the runway surpassed any recent trends I’ve witnessed in the Australian fashion industry. Next up were the designs of Vanishka Bhatnagar, and I found myself once again captivated by the sheer beauty of the models and the structural designs that they wore. Layers of ruching, unique sewing techniques, and the meticulous manipulation of fabrics to build dimension and texture—all seamlessly woven together in Bhatnagar’s creations.

As the runway continued to overflow with designs, the rhythm of the music picked up its pace. In Australia’s contemporary fashion world, we’ve grown accustomed to a rapid turnover when it comes to the latest trends. The concept of ‘newness’ often lasts merely a week, with brands capitalising on this by swiftly introducing new collections before customers even have the chance to wear their recent purchases. However, amidst this fast-paced environment, there is a growing movement of individuals concerned about the environmental impact of their clothing consumption. Many designers have taken up the mission of creating garments as sustainably as possible. And so, it was a pleasant surprise to witness Australian street style reimagined by designer Mary Evalaroza, hailing from regional Lismore, showcasing her up-cycled designs on the runways of Toowoomba. The super-cool, edgy, and wearable Esva Designs were modelled by some of the youngest talents of the show—symbolising the future generations of Australians embracing eco-friendly and up-cycled style.

The innovativeness of emerging Australian design did not stop there. CJ Pannell, Eleve Couture, Ruby Dong and Kasabelle by Kate Bellars each presented their unique aesthetic on the catwalk, revealing a distinctive trend in neutral tones, creative dressmaking and thinking outside of the box. Eleve Couture was represented on the runway by Cairns-based model Brandon Acevedo, who showed off a striking contrast of dyed denim and soft white lace complementing his frame. Softness in design was further exemplified by designer Ruby Dong—as one model was draped in distinct textures with delicate pearl detailing around the edges of her garment.

CJ Pannel crafted a dress I would have worn right off the runway: a beautiful, linen-like number with ruching along one side. As the model slinked down the runway, she released a ribbon on her hip, revealing how the dress effortlessly transformed into a fuller length. Kasabelle also demonstrated her adoration for the cottage-core trend: an aesthetic that embraces a more idyllic rhythm of life. Characterised by a love for vintage and rural life, it was intriguing to see this trend reimagined for the Toowoomba runway. Models Chelsea Mayer and Amy Grant epitomised these designs with their charm as they each made their way down the runway, embodying the diversity of cottage-core fashion.

The final flurry of models for this runway began with a captivating and cohesive collection featuring various silhouettes adorned with fresh floral prints. The closing act for the Emerging Designers Runway showcased designs from Year 12 students of the local Toowoomba school, Fairholme College. I admired the textile techniques applied by these student designers, as well as the trends they presented on the runway. Bare midriffs, matching co-ordinate pieces, and skirts of every length highlighted the latest styles. It was refreshing to see the favourite looks as envisioned by the younger generation of fashion enthusiasts. Each skirt featured on the runway was unique in shape and design—from maxi skirts with daring leg splits to mini skirts with intricate layering techniques. The models showcased these designs with a blend of sass, attitude, and pride. As the student designers themselves stepped onto the runway, the crowd’s applause grew louder and more enthusiastic.

There are countless reasons why showcasing new and emerging designers is essential. It fosters creativity by providing a platform where individuals can authentically express themselves through textiles, art and design. Emerging designers often bring fresh ideas and innovative perspectives to the runway, being less constrained by the traditional norms of the industry. They are more willing to experiment with materials, styles and sewing techniques. The Toowoomba Fashion Festival exemplified this spirit of innovation and creativity. Ultimately, supporting emerging talent from diverse backgrounds and cultures enriches the fashion landscape by giving designers a space to showcase their unique visions. I was grateful to witness so many emerging designers from greater Queensland grace the glamorous runways of regional Toowoomba — and I couldn’t wait to see what this fashion extravaganza had in store for us next!

---

Article and Photography by Melanie Canosa