It is that time of year again when the Gold Coast sparkles; not with the summer sun and surf, but with the latest up and coming labels and their designs. Fashion stakes are set to run high as the party is almost ready to begin. You’ll need to have your most fashionable outfit planned, because QT Fashion Week 2014 is right around the corner.
QT Fashion Week is held annually at the QT Hotel, Surfers Paradise, which fashion week director, Michaela Fitzgerald who we chat with today, explains is the perfect venue.
“It is stylish, fresh, quirky and unique – everything that QT Fashion Week aspires to be,” an enthusiastic Ms Fitzgerald says.
QT Fashion week is certainly a unique event and differentiates itself from other typical fashion shows. she tells us that the emphasis QT Fashion Week puts on the up and coming designers and the awards is what makes it unlike other fashion events.
“It is a consumer driven event aimed at bringing people together and celebrating the greatness that is fashion design,” she explains.
Ms Fitzgerald hopes that even die-hard fashionistas are unsure of what to expect from this glamorous event, as every year is different from the last. She explains that this is her main focus when planning QT Fashion Week, as she aims for it to be fresh and distinctive every year.
This year, Michaela informs us that the QT Fashion Week team have really tried to listen to what the public and the designers want. Each show is more voluminous, so instead of getting glammed up for a show that only lasts about 25 minutes, each event now lasts for about two to three hours. This ensures that fashion lovers can really enjoy themselves and totally immerse themselves in the stylish and glitzy atmosphere.
Increasing the length of the individual events has meant that Ms Fitzgerald and her team have had to change the schedule around a bit this year, making it a bit more jam-packed. QT Fashion Week events include the Up and Coming Swim, and Up and Coming Ready to Wear showcases.
QT Fashion Week 2014 has also seen the introduction of some exciting inaugural events, such as the Gala Dinner. The Gala is where established designers Nicola Finetti, shakuhachi and Talulah will display their wares. The winners of the QT Fashion Week Award Categories will be announced at the Gala as well.
She is also excited about the addition of the QT Fashion Day Out to this year’s QT Fashion Week. Cameo and the Talulah swim collection will be shown at the QT Fashion Day out. Ms Fitzgerald explains that this event provides a great opportunity to buy direct from the designers that have been showcasing on the runway during the week. Quick, easy and stylish shopping – any girl’s dream!
There are many incredibly stylish and creative designers appearing at this year’s QT Fashion Week, with Ms Fitzgerald unable to even pinpoint the headline act.
“It’s amazing to have Nicola Finetti returning, along with Talulah, and I’m very pleased to welcome shakuhachi and Cameo to the event. However I’m also very honoured to have the opportunity to showcase some of the amazing up and coming designers that are emerging out of Australia,” she explains.
These promising designers include Misha Collection, La Biquini, Zingiber and Mariam Seddiq, who caused quite a stir after her recent debut at MBFWA earlier this year.
To attract inspired designers such as these, and to create an event as stylish as QT Fashion Week, a massive amount of work must go on behind the scenes. And Michaela confirms my suspicions. As director of QT Fashion Week, Ms Fitzgerald co-ordinates and organises all aspects of the fashion extravaganza. She explains that this includes sourcing designers and sponsors, designing staging and ultimately ensuring that each individual event is executed correctly.
“An event of this nature takes a lot of work and also a lot of time. I begin planning QT Fashion Week one year prior. There are so many different aspects to it and each needs to be addressed with as much attention to detail as the next,” Ms Fitzgerald says.
In regards to the setup, Michaela explains that she likes to build everything from scratch, to ensure that each year is unique in its design and everything is carried out exactly how the QT Fashion Week team desire. This is another major factor contributing to the individuality and success of QT Fashion Week.
She also mentions, “The set-up is always the best part, you actually start seeing the event come to life after a year of just seeing it in drawings.”
As director of this premier fashion event, surely Ms Fitzgerald has some fashion tips of her own? And she does not disappoint, telling us that she is loving colour this season. Ms Fitzgerald thinks that on the runway we are going to see a lot of attention to detail, including sparkle, beading and embroidery.
“Talulah has once again brought through some amazing prints. I feel this year is a little more structured; straighter edges and more defined silhouettes,” Ms Fitzgerald explains.
So there’s the fashion forecast from QT Fashion Week director, Michaela Fitzgerald. And just like her we cannot wait to see which designs will sparkle on the runways of QT Fashion Week 2014.
Why not head along and check out some of the showcase events below
Up and Coming Swimwear Parade
A runway event under the stars, showcasing the very best in Up and Coming Swimwear Design. Sip on champagne as you watch the new age of swimwear designers, with their eyes set on taking on the Australian swimwear industry. A cocktail party will follow the parade with our models turning into human statues to allow you to get up close and personal with the designers creations.
Entry includes welcome drinks and a 2 hour drink & canapé package.|
Kicking Off at Friday 30th of May at 6.30pm
Showcasing Designers:
Smoking Water Australia
La Biquini
Shapes in the Sand
Up and Coming Designer Show & High Tea
These designers have been labelled the ones to watch, so sit back and let them show you what they have created for the upcoming season.A morning tea with a difference. Champagne on arrival and a high tea to start off your morning before you are led into the Grand Ballroom of the QT Gold Coast to view the new collections of the best Up and Coming Designers Australia has to offer.
Kicking Off Saturday 31st of May at 11.00am
Showcasing Designers are:
Lucid
Anna Hulm
QT Gala Designer Dinner
The Red Carpet event of Fashion Week..
Dine around the runway in the QT Grand Ballroom as the leaders in Australian Fashion Design debut their latest collections. A gala dinner like no other. Enjoy QT Gold Coast hospitality and exquisite food as you watch our designers present their latest masterpieces. Guest designer speakers and an entire evening of entertainment. Be sure not to miss out, as very limited tickets are available.
Tickets include Canapés, and a 3 course dinner and beverage package for the evening.
Kicking Off Saturday 31st of May at 06.30pm
Showcasing Designers are:
Shakuhachi
Get Your Tickets – $185
QT FASHION DAY OUT
‘A sunday morning with a difference…’
The ultimate shopping experience with runway shows taking place all morning. Our brands will be offering sample, sale and new season pieces.
– Complimentary champagne on arrival
– Demonstration stations by Toni & Guy
– Complimentary make up touch ups by Runway Express makeup station
– Complimentary nails by Spa Q
Early bird tickets can be purchased here, snap them up before they sell out. Alternatively, entry is $18 on the door. We look forward to seeing you there!
PARTICIPATING BRANDS:
