Those with a passion for fashion flocked to the second annual QT Fashion Week and Awards on the Gold Coast last month, to witness some of Australia’s biggest established and upcoming designers showcasing their newest collections to the ‘Who’s Who’ of style. With the title of Best Established Designer, Best Up and Coming Designer and Best Up and Coming Swimwear Designer up for grabs, models strutted their stuff down the runway to win over the public vote and panel of judges.
From modest beginnings, a former accountant and advertising art director went on to create an underground phenomena in Australia. Now one of the most internationally recognised brands and known to frequent the runways of New York and London, Sass and Bide, took out the title of Best Established Designer 2014. The brand which has been dedicated to the strong, the obscure and the beautiful, has evolved from the initial 90’s denim collection to a high end label that pushes the boundaries of contemporary fashion. To get your hands on this season’s collection, go to www.sass&bide.com.
The woman behind Misha Collection, Michelle Aznavorian, knew she was destined to work in fashion. Now, her brand which is inspired by the luxurious sophistication of European style has taken out the title of the Best Up and Coming Designer 2014. The collection represents elegance for the modern woman while focusing on flattering the feminine form. The Misha Collection works by the mantra that simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication, pairing high end fashion with a sexy edge. For affordable luxury, head to www.mishacollection.com.au.
With more than a 9-5 job on her mind and the desire to create something of her own, designer Nicola Spicer has done just that. Her unique line of globally-inspired prints won over the judges as Zingiber was awarded the Best up and coming Swimwear Designer 2014. The edgy collection, mixed with an element of sophistication, is inspired by the young designer’s worldly travels and firsthand experience of different cultures. With form fitting flair, the playful and vibrant collection is dedicated to the edgy woman who wants to make a statement. To bring the world to your beach with a contemporary and exotic look, visit www.zingiber.com.auN
The QT Fashion Week & Awards not only provides designers an intimate platform to showcase their current collections and compete for the awards encouraging the development of Australian Fashion Designers in a public forum. Applications are already being accepted for next year’s designers so for more information on how to become involved, head to the website at www.fashionweekandawards.com.au