Fashion Festival to hit QLD

The 2005 Australian Fashion Design Festival, which will be staged in Queensland from November 2 to 12, is expected to attract a broad range of designers and fashion students from around Australia.
The pinnacle event of the Festival is the 25th annual Australian Fashion Design Awards, which will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 11.
A record number of aspiring designers will compete for awards in one of a several categories, including bridalwear, lifestyle collections, menswear, student designs, fashions on the field and swim/surfwear.
Prizes include overseas travel and $5000 cash.
The preliminary judging will be held at Market Square, Varsity Lakes on November 3 to 4, with finalists moving on to appear in the national final and telecast on November 11.
The national final will be telecast live by Channel 9 throughout Queensland at 8.30pm. The show will be replayed nationally shortly afterwards.
Hosts will include Channel 9 celebrities Jamie Durie, Natalie Gruzlewski, Jillian Whiting and Australian designer Alex Perry, with guest host media personality Kate Fischer. International pop sensation Tina Cousins will headline the awards' entertainment program.
Other events to be held during the fastival include designer collection launches, art exhibitions, hair and beauty workshops and business seminars.
For further information call the National Retailers Association on (07) 3251 3000.