Entertainment
16 November, 2025
Fashion week ‘reloaded’
‘PARADISE Reloaded’ is the theme of 2025 Cairns Fashion Week (CFW) which returns from Tuesday 18 November to Sunday 23 November 2025.
Fashion week founder and director Jade Turnbull said the event was designed to highlight both local talent and international flair.
“It is Paradise Reloaded this year, which is our own spin on our beautiful tropical paradise up here,” she said.
“With a touch of pink neon, which is bringing a bit of a different element – but still lush and bright.”
She emphasised the week’s role in supporting the local fashion industry.
“It definitely supports them by creating job opportunities and networking opportunities that come from it,” she said.
“It’s a stepping stone to success for local designers who are wanting to get their name out there, build brand awareness and build their name up as well.”
Among those participating is Cairns-based designer Melanie King, founder of The Lovers Cove, who will present her tropical-inspired collection during the week.
“I just saw a little gap in the market where I love wearing matching mother and child clothes and couldn’t find anything that really suited the climate up here. It needs to be nice and cool and relaxed and comfortable,” she said.
“We look at a range of fabrics, obviously all suited to the tropics … the ones here today are linen, and I do a lot of crepe and fujiette, which is really nice and breezy for the tropics.
“I’ve been working with Jess Duffy, who’s styling the show, and she’s been amazing to collaborate with. She’s got such a great eye for detail and really understands how to bring out the best in each designer’s work.”
On her eco-print collaboration, she added: “I’ve licensed her beautiful artwork to put into print … I get my fabric printed overseas by a really eco-friendly printer, and they use about … a tablespoon of water in that process, rather than thousands and thousands of litres.”
Cairns-based model Daria Gryanik also praised the event’s impact on the local scene.
“It’s really exciting and it’s fantastic that Cairns now offers this platform to the designers and models,” she said.
The week kicks off at the Vine Room at the DoubleTree Hilton, followed by the main runway showcases on Friday 21 November and Saturday 22 November, with an after-party on Saturday night.
Ms Turnbull said the future of Cairns Fashion Week included expanding outreach and community engagement.
“Growth is always a great thing, so we’re looking at increasing out-of-region visitation again and also more community events as well,” she said.
Check out the official CFW website at www.bit.ly/49gYALP
