Pack your bikini and heels and get jet-set-ready for the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival 2015. This year’s style spectacular will have a runway filled with innovative fashion, elegant couture, ready to wear, ethical design, swim and resort-wear…

Looking for the next big in fashion? The 8th annual Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival will be glittering evening of catwalk shows featuring local, national and international designers and the perfect mix of classic and contemporary style. Even better, after the show, guests can buy direct from the catwalk at the Designer Trade Lounge and purchase Summer 2015/16 at wholesale prices!

Here’s a few designers to look out for…

Embellished Kaftans

Born and bred in the colourful Bollywood city of Mumbai, designer Karen Chandwani draws her inspiration from the vibrant colours of India and exotic destinations of Australia. Stunning designs, digital animal prints, clash with tropical plants, turquoise, orange, yellow and blues all dripping with embellished Swarovski crystal, just perfect for poolside San Tropez.

OPERA®

This luxury swimwear label hails from Germany and is for glamorous and daring woman who oozes confidence. The collections epitomise refined discretion and subtle details, ensuring every woman is presented at her best.

SUNFLAIR®

One of the most popular swimwear brands in the world and winner of countless industry awards. The brand demonstrates finesse in German design, cut and quality and celebrates the diversity in feminine form. Also showing, the Sunman for men range, which includes edgy prints and durable styles, in boy-shorts, shorts and Bermudas.

Robert Kennedy Fiji

Bringing a riot of colour to the catwalk with his collections, Robert Kennedy Fiji draws inspiration from Morocco, Turkey, Spain Syria, Egypt and India. Think vibrant prints, delicate fabrics and flowing designs perfect to whisk you away tropical climates. It’s resort wear for the cocktail set.

Lepou

Designer Failepou Peni draws her inspiration from the rich tapestry of nature, its shapes, colours and textures. Lepou specialise in figure flattering resort pieces, luxurious kaftans, swimwear and elegant dresses. Exquisite prints and flowing fabrics inspired by the ocean and natures landscapes.

Sets of Seven Swimwear

The hottest new label on the market by Coolum Beach based designer Tara McNeela. The brand is inspired by the beach and ocean, “Sets of Seven” representing waves rolling in sets of seven – the seventh wave being the biggest – as well as there being seven oceans, seven continents and a set of bikinis.

Hive Swimwear

Noosa local Hive Swimwear will preview their latest collection in sports fashion swimwear for the surf and pool. Showing for the 8th year in a row, Hive is a Sunshine Coast success story, now available in over 100 stores across Australia, online and in 20 stores within Europe. The cuts and styles improve functionality and customisation allowing for the perfect fit, and the label has since expanded to sell an ultra-chlorine resistant collection.

Blossom Betty

Eccentric hip-swinging femme attire with a vintage heart! Blossom Betty is brought to you by another Sunshine Coast local, Indigenous designer Leearna Saunders, and she will be showing at SCFF for the 6th year running.

Cymbeline ART

Where the painter’s canvas meets fashion. Picasso, tribal art and Central American culture inspiration colourfully painted onto rugged denim canvas, jeans and clothing that tell their own story. Originally from Bundaberg, Natalie Ing, will be showcasing her Cymbeline ART label at the SCFF for the first time this year.

Flowers by Julia Rose

Be captivated by stunning floral creations worn as garments on the catwalk. Based in Sleepy Hollow, NSW, the brand is an ecological and ethical label that proudly uses organic/natural materials. Witness the natural wonderment that is Flowers by Julia Rose at Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival.

Hatha Clothing

Calling all Yogis! Modern and stylish Yoga and Active-wear based on the Sunshine Coast and created by Brazilian native Paula Magrani. Exquisite vibrant prints to invigorate your soul, high performance yoga wear in soft, breathable second skin fabrics. Perfect for making you feel and look good on and off the yoga mat.

Carena Lee of Maleny

Think breathtaking bespoke millenary, for discerning ladies. Designs that ooze confidence, elegance and are just artworks in their own right!

Bruce Bikini

Bruce Bikini, designed by Brooke Stephen and Hayley Stephen, is for the woman who wants to be noticed. Sexy, glamorous and a little provocative, Bruce Bikini is bespoke swimwear.

Bikini Genie

Glitzy, street, glamour and in your face. Bikini Genie, designed by Karlah Condon, is for the woman who demands to be noticed.

Anjoreen Couture

International Afro-Eccentic label from Nigeria. Award winning label for dignitaries, Anjoreen Couture, designed by Anjorin Babatunde Adeniran, focuses on flavours, colours and heritage while creating for the men and women of the next generation.

Dorothy the Label

One of the hottest new emerging labels from Melbourne, designer Melissa Petts makes a debut.

The Beach skirt

Italian born designer Sonia Rapp has brought her European flare to create an easy, comfortable, stylish and feminine skirt to wear – always. In and out of the water, the beach skirt is a versatile little number and a wardrobe essential.

Tickets for this fabulous evening of fashion are available on the events website www.sunshinecoastfashionfestival.com and direct from the Events Centre. Combined show and stay packages available on the website with our affiliate accommodation partners Rumba Resort and Breakfree Resort, or through our event partner Trivago.

Photo Credits: Model: Shannon Guthrie, Tamblyn Models Location: The Events Centre, Caloundra Photography: Fletcher Photography Hair: Leon Kyriacou assisted by Ashleigh Aitken, La Biosthetique Make-up: Kylie Eustace, Kylie’s Professional Stylist: All About Missy Garment: Pearl Bridal Assistants: Leilani Richmond, Aja Caverley, Alison Cooper, Lisa Venning.

Are you heading to the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival? Tell us below…