The ‘NEXT BIG thing’ in Fashion is…….

It was truly a spectacular evening at Sanctuary Cove on Saturday 27^th March at the first ever “NEXT BIG thing” in Fashion event. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, champagne and magnificently decorated tables as the 360 guests sat by candlelight (in order to support earth hour) and ate a sumptuous 3 course Meal. Throughout the night guests were treated to fire twirling entertainers, music that melted the soul and the fashion parade of the 6 Finalists of the evening’s event.

The GC Fashion Incubator a non-profit industry association that provides a platform for new, student, emerging and established designers to launch and grow their labels was behind the idea of the event. Donna Caley from the Fashion incubator did a phenomenal job in co-coordinating the students and fashions for the night as did Tracey Toovey Marketing Manager from Sanctuary Cove and Simone from shac communications.

The 6 finalists of the night were:

Indigo Joker by Kathryn Edmonds www.indigojoker.com

JANIN by Aneta Rycombel www.janin.com.au

Jemae Australia by Paula Tangredi www.jemae.com.au

JettRoc by Deb Tranter Parkinson www.jetroc.com

KJ by Kevin Heisner www.kjheisner.com.au

Taree.birse by Taree Birse www.tareebirse.com

The finalist’s products were displayed at a retail site in Sanctuary Cove and consumers were able to vote online, in store and on the night. I was honored to be one of the judges in conjunction with Kathy Castens from Katz Management (who also provided the models for the evenings event) and Brad Webb, Brisbane’s finest Bridal designer.

A BIG congratulation to the overall winner of the competition Taree Birse. Taree (among other things) will now have the opportunity to spend a week working with Carla Zampatti in Sydney and will showcase her range at Fashion Exposed in Melbourne in late August.

Given the response and popularity of the event it will sure to be back next year.

The Fashion Incubator is supported by Business GC, the Gold Coast City Council’s Economic Development agency, its members and corporate partnerships.