Fashion Queensland helping aspiring fashion students in Brisbane

In the fast-paced world of fashion, success often hinges on the ability to adapt, innovate and connect. Within Billy Blue College of Design fashion programs, we understand the significance of real-world industry exposure and expert insights. Whether it’s through our industry connection program INTRO, which encompasses portfolio reviews, live briefs and more, or our top-tier partnerships with organisations such as Fashion Queensland, industry is at the core of what we do.

Experienced fashion industry expert Laura Churchill

A prime example of how we foster emerging fashion designers is our partnership with Fashion Queensland, led by Laura Churchill.

As the director of Fashion Queensland, Laura's commitment to nurturing the future talents of the fashion world is truly exceptional. Laura is a regular presence in our classrooms, sharing her invaluable knowledge and experiences with students. For Laura, her connection with our students goes beyond the classroom too.

Laura has led the Runway show at Brisbane’s annual EKKA show – where for the last five years our students have participated on stage, backstage and through photoshoots.

The EKKA Runway show is a prominent event on Brisbane's fashion calendar, and it's a unique opportunity for our students to shine.

Highlights from the EKKA x Billy Blue collaboration

Laura is also at the helm of Brisbane Fashion Month, which runs annually during October.

Brisbane Fashion Month is an exciting celebration of all things fashion. Last year, four Billy Blue students had the honour of showcasing their work, giving them exposure to leaders of the fashion industry in Queensland.

Virginia Mann's work was showcased at Brisbane Fashion Month 2022

Tanaka Magoche's work was showcased at Brisbane Fashion Month 2022

Joshua Djordjewitsch's work was showcased at Brisbane Fashion Month 2022

Rachel Johnston's work was showcased at Brisbane Fashion Month 2022

This coming October, the work of our students will be on the runway once again. Join the team on Friday 13 October at Queen Street Mall, Brisbane. Tickets are free but limited and available on Brisbane Fashion Month's website.

Critiquing fashion design portfolios

In the world of fashion, industry insight and mentoring is priceless. Laura understands this well and dedicates her time to attending our students' Collection and Range Plan presentations. It's an opportunity for our aspiring designers to receive practical, industry-focused feedback on various aspects, from garment design to fabric selections, branding, marketing, and the in-store and unboxing experience.

Recently, six students – Eleonora Vogogna, Noah Faint, Colton West, Emma McLachlan, Aiden Heim and Alexandra Linnane – got their chance to present their collections.

Student presenting their collection

Laura was joined by Deanne Luke, another respected figure in the fashion industry, at our most recent Brisbane portfolio review. Their shared expertise provided our students with a comprehensive evaluation of their work, ensuring they gained insights into every facet of the fashion business.

“It was great to meet everyone. I hope the students benefited from the feedback today and it puts them either in the right direction or a little clearer as to their brand idea and development,” Deanne said of the experience.

Get a behind-the-scenes peek of the day.

Sponsoring emerging fashion designers in Brisbane

We address more than the core educational needs at Billy Blue; we're also about fostering talent and providing opportunities students wouldn’t get anywhere else. The Fashion Queensland Emerging Fashion Design Scholarship is a prime example of our commitment to the future of fashion.

In 2022, we proudly awarded the scholarship to Lilly Miles, a deserving student who showcased immense potential. This scholarship is a testament to our dedication to recognising and supporting emerging talent in the industry.

The good news is the scholarship is back for 2023, offering yet another up-and-coming designer the chance to kickstart their fashion journey with 50 per cent off their tuition fees and ongoing mentorship opportunities.

At Billy Blue, we believe that success is not just about what you learn in the classroom but also about the industry connections you make and the real-world experiences you gain. With industry experts like Laura Churchill by our side, we are continually opening doors to a world of opportunities for our fashion students.

Whether it's the annual EKKA Runway show, introductory Portfolio Review sessions, or the chance to win the Fashion Queensland Emerging Fashion Design Scholarship, we're committed to providing our students with the tools, knowledge and exposure they need to thrive in the ever-evolving world of fashion. Join us on this exciting journey of creativity, innovation, and growth.

Ready to turn your fashion dreams into reality? Prepare for the 2023 scholarship application now and kickstart your journey towards a vibrant future studying fashion with us in 2024!