Media Release
Tuesday 26th May
Brisbane Fashion Festival 2026
A New Era of Style, Celebrating 21 Years – the Legacy of Australian Fashion
The official program of events has been released for Brisbane Fashion Festival 2026, with a refined and elevated line-up of the best local and national design talent alongside a curated series of experiences that celebrate its 21-year legacy as Queensland’s largest and most prestigious fashion event.
With the support of Principal Partner, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, Brisbane Fashion Festival returns to King George Square in the heart of Brisbane City from Monday 24 – Friday 28 August 2026.
This year’s program features a thoughtful selection of leading and emerging designers presenting new-season Spring/Summer collections, reinforcing Brisbane Fashion Festival’s position as a critical retail driver for not just Brisbane and Queensland but also Australian fashion.
“In 2026, our designer line-up is firmly focused on legacy, relevance and perception,” said Festival Director Lindsay Bennett.
“The 2026 program delivers a balanced mix of established national and local designers. It features the timeless sophistication of a standalone Carla Zampatti Runway Show, reinforcing our legacy focus, with Kidman Clothing making an entrance into the W Brisbane Fashion Show alongside some of our contemporary, standout designers.
We are intentionally showcasing the very best our designers have to offer, while ensuring the program drives strong retail outcomes for participating designers and retailers.”
Bennett continues, “Brisbane Fashion Festival remains a vital platform to connect designers directly with consumers. Our audiences aren’t just attending shows, they’re shopping the runway, investing in local fashion, and supporting Australian creativity in a meaningful way.
“As we enter our 21st year, the Festival continues to evolve, delivering a premium program that reflects on the strength, diversity and future of Australian fashion.”
“With our runway events always selling out at an extraordinary pace, Brisbane Fashion Festival will once again deliver live streams of every runway show in 2026 , giving audiences the opportunity to relive the experience, catch the shows they may have missed, and join us from across Australia and globally live which gives us a real point of difference.” said Brisbane Fashion Festival Director.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane Fashion Festival plays a vital role in positioning Brisbane as a leading creative city.
“Brisbane Fashion Festival is a key part of our city’s cultural calendar and showcases the creativity, talent and innovation of our local fashion industry,” Cr Schrinner said.
“This event supports local designers, businesses and the broader fashion industry while helping drive economic activity across our city.
“Brisbane Fashion Festival continues to support some of the city’s most vulnerable residents with a portion of every ticket donated to the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust.”
ON THE RUNWAY PROGRAM
Parade Marquee, King George Square, Brisbane City Hall
The 2026 On The Runway program delivers a dynamic and elevated showcase of Australian fashion across four key runway events.
Tuesday 25 August opens with the W Brisbane Fashion Show, a premium multi-brand runway featuring an exceptional line-up with Silk Laundry, Pamela Easton, Camargue, Perri Cutten, Garry Bigeni, Cable, Luxe de Valentina, Kidman Clothing, Edward Street Brisbane (Mitchell Ogilvie, M.J. Bale, Lannah Dunn, Montblanc), Wintergarden (Peter Jackson, Seed, Sheike & Cue), QueensPlaza (David Jones, Oroton).
The evening continues with the stand-alone Carla Zampatti Runway Show, a dedicated showcase celebrating the enduring legacy and modern evolution of one of Australia’s most iconic fashion houses. Carla Zampatti has been a leading force in Australian fashion since 1965, blending Italian heritage with modern Australian sophistication. Founded by the late Carla Zampatti, a trailblazer in women’s empowerment and diversity, the brand continues her legacy of innovation, artistry, and commitment to local manufacturing.
Wednesday 26 August presents the Hancock Prospecting Next Gen Group Show, spotlighting the future of fashion with a curated selection of emerging designers including Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Natalie Hamblin Couture, Swimb/are, Ruya, Forty-Love, Asteria, Alexandr. Murray, Fell From Grace, HAKS, Kinder.Label and institutions including TAFE Queensland Brisbane and QUT Fashion.
Thursday 27 August features the Designer Group Show, bringing together an eclectic mix of established and contemporary labels including Sacha Drake, Kristian Williams The Brand, Sonia Stradiotto Couture, Mannzilo, Millyzu, I Am My Husband’s Mistress, RicRac Road, Astille, Jotéo and Carol D’Silva.
OFF THE RUNWAY PROGRAM
The 2026 Off The Runway program offers an immersive series of experiences designed to connect audiences more deeply with fashion, culture and creativity.
The Festival opens on Monday 24 August with the Fashion Brunch and Designer Salon Showing at The Lex, W Brisbane. Presented by QueensPlaza, Wintergarden and Edward Street Brisbane, this opening event is an intimate and sophisticated introduction to the week’s designers and collections with Styling Director of Brisbane Fashion Festival, Kimberly Gardner and her daughter Lulu Gardner, presenting the 40 must-have looks for Spring/Summer. Issada Cosmeceuticals and Schwarzkopf Professional will also share styling tips and looks from the runway.
On the evening of Monday 24 August, Kidman Clothing will host an exclusive invitation-only event in Brisbane, offering guests a first look at the brand’s signature apparel that seamlessly blends sophisticated city style with the laid-back comfort of rural living. The event will also provide an exclusive preview of the designs set to walk the runway at Brisbane Fashion Festival 2026, while celebrating the extended Kidman range available as part of the brand’s evolving Brisbane retail presence.
Running throughout the festival at the QUT Art Museum, Gulbuuygu (Together) celebrates eight years of collaboration between Queensland University of Technology fashion students and artists from the Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre in Cape York Peninsula. Meaning “together” in Guugu Yimithirr language, the exhibition showcases garments, textiles and works on paper developed through the partnership, alongside paintings by Hope Vale artists that reflect the rich cultural and creative foundations of the collaboration. Grounded in shared learning, creativity and respect for cultural knowledge, Gulbuuygu highlights an evolving creative dialogue shaped by trust, place and collective making over time.
Also on Monday 24 August (6:00pm – 9:00pm) is Behind the Seams: A Night of Indulgence and Ballet Magic, presented by Queensland Ballet x Layla. This exclusive experience begins at Layla with a curated menu by renowned chef Shane Delia, featuring canapés, a signature dish, dessert and paired beverages. Guests will then be guided in small groups through Queensland Ballet’s Costume Workshop, a space rarely open to the public, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship behind tutus, embellished bodices, tiaras and pointe shoes, before returning to Layla for a final course. Positioned as an intimate invitation into the magic behind the curtain, this is one of the Festival’s most unique experiences.
On Wednesday 26 August, guests are invited to attend A Luxe Luncheon at Hanworth House, a refined conversation exploring fashion and legacy of some of Queensland’s most influential fashion families, the importance of generational influence, and the seamless passing of creativity and legacy. Hosted by Alison Kubler with guests Samantha Ogilvie and daughter Phoebe Ogilvie as well as Margot McKinney OAM and nephew Andrew McKinney Welch, the event blends thought leadership with elegant dining prepared by chef Alastair McLeod. Money raised at this luncheon go to Women’s Legal Service QLD.
Also on Wednesday 26 August, Museum of Brisbane will present From Archive to Exhibition: A Fashion Experience at Museum of Brisbane, an immersive education program for secondary students in Years 10–12. The program offers guided exhibition tours, hands-on White Gloves sessions and exclusive access to the renowned Easton Pearson Archive, alongside current exhibitions including Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose, Precious, Warrajamba and The Red Dress.
On Thursday 27 August (8:00pm – late), the Official Wrap Party presented by InterContinental Brisbane invites designers, models, ticket holders and VIP guests to celebrate the close of Brisbane Fashion Festival in style. Guests will enjoy a welcome drink and canapés on arrival before dancing the night away with live DJs, an electric party atmosphere and a cash bar flowing late into the evening. The ultimate end-of-festival celebration, the Wrap Party brings together fashion, music and Brisbane nightlife for one unforgettable final soirée.
On Friday 28 August, Brisbane Fashion Festival proudly partners with Beyond DV for Dress to Express Day, a meaningful initiative inviting the community to walk in solidarity with domestic violence survivors through Queen Street Mall, followed by an evening cocktail event at InterContinental Brisbane (5:30pm – 8:00pm). To register and for more information around this event head to www.beyonddv.org.au
Closing out the Brisbane Fashion Festival’s Off The Runway program on Friday evening the 28 August is In These Shoes hosted at The Powerhouse Underground Theatre, a fashion-fuelled cabaret written and performed by Glynis Traill-Nash, with musical direction by Josh Haines. Blending Glynis’ 20-year career as one of Australia’s most respected fashion journalists with her life as a jazz singer, In These Shoes offers a joyous final celebration for fashion lovers and certified style deniers alike.
The full program is available now via brisbanefashionfestival.com, with tickets on sale from Monday 1 June.
$1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Festival’s official Charity Partner for 2026, The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust.
Brisbane’s Fashion crowd are invited to secure their tickets before they sell out, experience the curated series of events, and support Australian fashion this Spring/Summer season.
Once again the Epicure Fashion Bar will run throughout the Brisbane Fashion Festival runway show evenings both prior to and following the shows with free admission, while the VIP Runway Lounge will welcome invited guests along with Platinum and Gold Reserve ticket holders. Guests are also encouraged to turn their Brisbane Fashion Festival experience into a luxurious experience with the curated FashionBites available at some of Brisbane’s finest dining and a luxury city stay, with accommodation packages available through Festival partners W Brisbane, and InterContinental Brisbane.
See it. Love it. Own it.
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For further information, interviews or photographs, please contact Amanda Goddard – 0405 101 739 or Bec Pini – 0409 949 400.
ABOUT BRISBANE FASHION FESTIVAL – 24 August to 28 August
Brisbane Fashion Festival returns in 2026 for its 21st year, proudly staged at King George Square, Brisbane City Hall. As Queensland’s premier annual fashion event, the Festival coincides with the arrival of new-season Spring/Summer collections in stores, creating a direct connection between the runway and the retail floor.
Celebrating the very best of local, national and emerging designers, Brisbane Fashion Festival presents a vibrant program of runway shows and events before an audience of fashion lovers, media, and industry insiders. A central focus of the Festival is championing Queensland’s creative talent by providing a high-profile platform for designers to showcase their work, while ensuring fashion enthusiasts can purchase looks straight from the runway.
Across its 21-year history, Brisbane Fashion Festival has delivered outstanding outcomes for participating designers and retailers including boosted sales and online traffic. In 2026, the Festival will once again shine a spotlight on Queensland’s immense fashion talent, reinforcing Brisbane’s place on the national style stage and continue on with building the legacy of Queensland’s fashion.
Brisbane Fashion Festival on social media our tags are –
- Facebook – @BrisbaneFashionFestival
- Instagram – @brisbane.fashionfestival
- TikTok – @brisbanefashionfestival
- Hashtags – #BrisbaneFashionFestival #SeeitLoveitOwnit #visitbrisbane #brisbanecity #queenstmall
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
Brisbane Fashion Festival would not be possible without the support from our valued partners.
Principal Partners
Brisbane Economic Development Agency
Brisbane City Council
The City
Platinum Partner
Hancock Prospecting
Gold Partners
W Brisbane
Mercedes-Benz Brisbane
Issada Cosmeceuticals
Schwarzkopf Professional
STYLE
Silver Partners
Edward Street Brisbane
QueensPlaza
Wintergarden
OPTUS
InterContinental Brisbane
Festival Partners
Queensland Ballet
Hanworth House
EPICURE
Official Charity
The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust
Official Partners
Ticketek
Richard Smith Services
PixelFrame
Designfront
TPD Media
Priestley’s Gourmet Delights
San Pellegrino
Platypus Print Packaging
NWGroup
Iceworks
Hire Republic
Social Event Hire
Beyond DV