The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) has announced plans for its annual natural fibres fashion parades, which is now in its 26th year.
With Ekka celebrating its 140th year, the theme of 'Back to Nature' has been selected, with parades featuring fashion designers from across Queensland paying homage to all things natural.
The natural fibres parades are expected to showcase more than 20 established, emerging, student and regional fashion designers for a total of 30 shows across the 10 days of Ekka.
Stylist Laura Churchill will produce and direct this years parades.
Churchill said this years theme will focus heavily on the importance of farming within the Queensland fashion industry.
“Queensland designers are fiercely loyal to natural fibres – particularly because of our climate - so this year’s ‘Back to Nature’ parades will be aimed at illustrating the connection between farming and fashion.
"While much of the production process happens overseas, our Queensland grown raw materials are a vital supply link to fabric houses around the world that then supply our home-grown fashion designers.”
Brisbane entrepreneur Meriel Chamberlain will also appear at Ekka to discuss how she is producing the first 100% locally grown and finished cotton fabric.
New initiatives for this years festival include:
- Fibre to Fashion conversation series - A panel discussion taking place over the festivals four peak days regarding Queensland’s natural fibre and fabric production, sustainability issues, how designers work with natural fibres and the design process.
- The Makers Market - a market designed for visitors to shop a host of Queensland designer natural fibre fashion and accessories.
- Double runway - a first for the event, the fashion stage will feature dual runways, offering more opportunity for those front row seats.
- Student design display of natural fibre fashion - a display featuring winning entries from the natural fibre design competition.
The fashion designers for this year’s ‘Back to Nature’ natural fibres parades will be announced by May 2017, with the event taking place from August 11 to 20.