Lady LUX

Jumping into all the runway fun, Brisbane joins in this year with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival, hosted by South Bank. This fashion extravaganza, now in its sixth year, started on Aug. 20 and will run until Aug. 26. More than 60 local, national and international fashion labels have come together to this Australian city to have their Spring/Summer collections grace the runways.

The Brisbane shows are a diverse mix of fashion, ranging from swimwear to mainstream styles and independent ready-to-wear designer labels. Unlike other traditional fashion shows that will exhibit the upcoming season, Brisbane’s event focuses on the current season and only features apparel currently in-stores and ready for purchase after the show. Intended to be consumer-driven, the Fashion Festival is open to the general public, who may purchase tickets. Fashion lovers can attend all the runway shows and are welcome to participate in high teas, an Australian Fashion Graduate of the Year competition, a “fashion after hours” discussion and a gala closing event. Brisbane’s event is comparable the international shindig Fashion’s Night Out – only it lasts for seven intense days!

This festival is more important than ever because of the natural disasters Australia has suffered this past year. The weeklong event supports the local fashion industry and the many jobs it provides, as well as generating exposure for the city. Retailers and designers also hope to draw customers through the event and, just as important, retail sales. Last year, $4.35 million was reported in excess retail sales due to the festival. Brisbane hopes for even a stronger year than last, putting in an all-out its effort to stage fashion editorial shoots with the most well-known designers at iconic locations to help promote tourism, sales and excitement.

Tickets for the fashion shows and events are made available through www.qtix.com.au

This article was contributed by Annette Tang of the VersaStyle. You can follow Annette and her fashion adventures on Twitter at @theversastyle.

Tagged in: runway, australia, fashion festival, brisbane fashion festival, brisbane,

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