Last month a hop and a skip was hanging out with Brisbane Fashion Month, and what a thrill it was!! Brisbane Fashion Month is Queensland’s premiere fashion event so it was a real privilege to be included in the line-up of local designers both emerging and established.

There were three events that I took part in this year. First, the Homegrown store which is a pop-up space in West Village, in the heart of West End. Housing a rotating mix of Queensland designers, a hop and a skip was fortunate enough to secure a two week residency in the beginning of October. It was an amazing opportunity launch my second collection, Spring Summer 21/22 and to get the label in front of a fresh and engaged fashion-loving audience. The store was dazzling in itself. Imaginatively styled by Studio Winter and surrounded by floor to ceiling glass windows letting in glorious natural light, it was a wonderful backdrop in which to showcase a hop and a skip.

During my residency I also took part in a panel discussion, Meet the Makers: In Conversation with Britt’s List, along with fellow Brisbane brands Maven Label, Soul Silk and Charmani, where we discussed all things fashion design and sustainable production. It was interesting to hear how each of these women is forging forward with their own sustainable fashion path, because after all, there is no one definitive answer to sustainability in fashion. Whether it’s up-cycling, using natural fibres, keeping production on-shore or mindfully designing for longevity, all of us can make better, more considered choices both as producers and consumers of fashion.

And, if all this was not enough, then comes the cherry on top of this whole BFM experience, the West Village Runway Show! Showing in the historic Peters Ice Cream Factory, it was a night of glitz and glam and a showcase of the latest in Queensland fashion design. It truly made my heart skip a beat to see my pieces on the catwalk. And yet, my top highlight has to be seeing the all the beautiful guests dressed up in celebration of our love of local fashion. Real people using fashion as expression and celebration. That, is what it’ll all about!