Entertainment
29 November, 2025
Glitz and glamour show
CAIRNS Fashion Week 2025 has transformed the tropical city into a hub of glamour, creativity and cutting-edge fashion with its theme ‘Paradise Reloaded.’
Over six days of designer showcases, runway events and an exclusive after-party, the event celebrated both emerging and established talent from across Australia, highlighting Indigenous heritage, sustainable practices and bespoke fashion.
Host of designers
The week featured designers including Joseph Ribkoff, Melanie King (The Lovers Cove), Salu Keko, Secrets of the East, Zartji Store, Latina Styles AU, Pandawi Melbourne, Sonlia Fashion, Kayla Manuel, Plivati Swimwear, House of Jaise, Blind Ambition Studios, Catty Haute Couture, R87 Australia, Ma_sa_ve, Two Sista’s Strong, Flying Dresses Australia, Ellery and Moss, River Goddess Fashion, Amoire, MsBella Collections, Luna Gypsyy Couture and Natalie Hamblin Couture.
Two Sista’s Strong, led by Irene Robinson and Darlene Fell, were among the standout highlights. Their designs fused storytelling, cultural heritage and contemporary style.
“Our fashion is about a journey of identity,” said Ms Fell.
“Our ancestors were part of the generations that were stolen and removed, so connecting to culture can be fractured. This is us trying to reclaim, regain, preserve culture and move forward,” she said.
Daytime look
Ms Robinson said “our daytime collection interprets what we think our country looks like during the day. Next year, we’re planning a nighttime collection. We tell our models the story behind each outfit and they interpret it beautifully on the runway.”
The accessories, headdresses, and handcrafted details aimed to empower the models while educating audiences about their heritage.
Tara Fitzgerald, whose label Amoire focuses on evening wear, said: “I’ve wanted to start my own brand for ages and this opportunity was just perfect.”
“I’m so excited to finally get my collection out there and see how people respond,” she said.
“Everything I design is evening wear – I love creating pieces that are elegant, bold and wearable for special occasions.”
Kahlie Johnston, founder of Luna Gypsyy Couture, said she was “truly grateful for the love, support and inspiring kindness I received on Saturday night”.
“It was such an honour to share my sacred couture pieces, especially my GAIA design, created in tribute to Cairns Fashion Week and the stunning FNQ landscape.
’Unforgettable’
“My first showcase was an unforgettable, ethereal experience and I will cherish it forever.”
Cairns Fashion Week founder and director Jade Turnbull praised the week’s impact.
“The success was fantastic. I’m always my own hardest critic, but it really went well and I’m already looking forward to planning 2026,” she said.
“For me, a highlight was working with such an eclectic mix of designers. There was also some wearable art, which was really cool – definitely one of my favourite parts of the event.
“Everyone’s excited to be part of it. It’s not a pop-up, it’s a long-term fixture in the region’s fashion calendar and it’s about celebrating creativity, culture and empowerment.”
Other designers brought innovation and sustainability to the spotlight.
Organic fibres
Secrets of the East focused on slow fashion, using organic fibres and biodegradable fabrics.
Jessica Nourse of Ripped in 87 Australia shared her journey: “Everything is Australian-made. You can design your own pieces online using our interactive tool. It’s all about quality, not fast fashion.”
Lucy Kobier and Sandra Kearney demonstrated bespoke resort wear artistry with Salu Keko, hand-painting fabrics and transforming them into tropical, bespoke collections.
Models like Madison Watson, wearing Melanie King’s designs, praised the light, flowy nature of the garments, perfect for Cairns’ tropical climate.
Adhieu Mayen, while modelling Flying Dresses Australia, reflected on her connection to the environment:
“Cairns feels connected to me… the environment is amazing. I love it here.”
Neon pick
The event’s Paradise Reloaded theme featured neon pink accents alongside tropical aesthetics, creating a vibrant, playful backdrop for fashion, culture and community engagement. It provided networking opportunities and supported local designers, giving them a platform to reach broader audiences and grow their brands.
