Students' fashion pieces featured in Brisbane Fashion Month show

We’re in an era where the fashion industry is undergoing significant evolution. Consumers are increasingly investing in quality over fast fashion, showing a preference for local designers who champion sustainability and ethical practices.

At Billy Blue College of Design, these principles form the core of our curriculum. We equip our students not only with this knowledge, but also connect them with industry professionals who share these values. Continuing our commitment, we partnered with Fashion Queensland as a key sponsor for Brisbane Fashion Month 2023, showcasing the state’s emerging fashion talent.

Branded Fashion Design students showcase collection on runway

Billy Blue’s strong partnership with Fashion Queensland’s director Laura Churchill offers our Fashion Marketing and Design course students invaluable insights. Laura’s frequent classroom visits, Ekka runway shows and portfolio reviews enrich their learning experience with expert advice and industry knowledge.

Laura aims to unite designers, industry professionals and consumers through Fashion Queensland. As the powerhouse behind Brisbane Fashion Month, held annually in October, she spotlights the best of Queensland’s fashion scene.

After the success of our 2022 partnership, last year another four Billy Blue Branded Fashion Design students had the privilege of showcasing their collections, providing them with a platform to present their work to both the community and the industry’s leaders.

At Brisbane Fashion Month 2023, Alexandra Linnane’s designs took the spotlight.

“It’s a surreal experience, watching your designs come to life. There is so much work that goes into creating garments and seeing them on the runway is the cherry on top,” says Alexandra Linnane, one of the four Billy Blue students whose designs were displayed. “It’s a celebration of success. I loved hearing the reactions of people in the audience. It ignited a fire in me and gave me a taster for the future after I graduate.”

Fiona Waller’s creations were showcased.

Sofie Hackett’s collection made a debut.

Mushana by Tanaka Magoche’s work came to life.

Fostering emerging fashion design talent

Mentorship and industry connection is a key driver for Laura and the team, and to ensure there is a strong creative community in Queensland and the best talent stays here we launched the Brisbane Fashion Month Emerging Fashion Designer Scholarship. We are thrilled to announce Ashley Phillips as the winner of our 2023 scholarship program. Ashley, alongside Lily Willow who was our 2022 recipient, will study Branded Fashion Design on a half-scholarship in Brisbane and we can’t wait to see their careers flourish.

Building fashion industry networks and connections

Our commitment to recognising, supporting and empowering emerging talent extends beyond the runway, aiming for a future where sustainability and ethical practices are fundamental to fashion’s evolution. Through our partnership with Fashion Queensland, we lay the groundwork for our students to build essential industry connections before stepping into the fashion world.

Recognising the importance of connecting her students with experts like Laura, our Senior Learning Facilitator, Jaki Walker was instrumental in preparing these four students for their showcase at the Brisbane Fashion Show.

“Partnering with Fashion Queensland provides our students and graduates with unique opportunities to network and showcase their designs to industry,” says Jaki. “In class and out, Laura’s mentorship is much appreciated, and her support in developing our students to become the next generation of fashion leaders is so valued.”