Entertainment
1 December, 2024
Style that speaks volumes
CAIRNS has once again established itself as a high fashion destination with the successful wrap up of the second Cairns Fashion Week with thousands of attendees and hundreds of garments on display.
Although figures haven’t been finalised, CFW organiser and founder Jade Turnbull said the event had broken last year’s 1100 attendance and continued to gain traction in the fashion industry in Australia.
With two mega showcases, opening and closing parties and the ‘Shop the Runway’ concept, where guests could buy the garments after the show and connect with the designers, CFW catered to all fashionistas looking to observe and experience the fashion.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with the results of Cairns Fashion Week 2024. It’s been an incredible journey and seeing our vision come to life again has been so rewarding,” Ms Turnbull said.
“The positive feedback from attendees, designers and the community has been overwhelming, and it’s a reminder of why we do this – to showcase talent and creativity and to put Cairns on the global map for fashion.
“This year’s event grew significantly in both production, attendance and reach. We had a higher turnout at all our showcases and events, especially with the mega showcase nights.
“The Shop the Runway concept was a hit, with guests staying longer, purchasing garments and engaging directly with designers. It’s clear that Cairns Fashion Week is gaining traction, not just locally, but on a broader scale.”
This year also introduced fewer models and less garments for a more exclusive and higher quality experience.
“By curating the number of models and garments, we ensured a higher standard of quality and storytelling for each designer’s collection. It also allowed us to spotlight the talent in a more impactful way, giving designers and models the recognition they deserve,” Ms Turnbull said.
Founder and designer of Brisbane’s ethical slow fashion brand Secrets of the East and first-time CFW attendee Scarlett Pragya said she was looking forward to next year’s event.
“Secrets of the East was born this year in April, so I’m pretty new to this industry and I don’t even know how I started talking to Jade Turnbull, the CEO of CFW, and she mentioned how this year she wanted to showcase designers that are ethical, sustainable and that’s what my brand is all about,” she said.
“My experience was simply wonderful. The fashion industry can be very competitive, but what I saw was everybody coming together, wonderful back of house support, designers uplifting other designers. I learned so much. It was community and collaboration over competition.
“I can’t wait to return next year, it was an incredible experience, and for their second year just blew my mind, hands down, one of the best shows that I’ve been part of as a designer.”
