Media Release
9 March 2026
Runway. Culture. Legacy. Brisbane Fashion Festival Returns
Celebrating 21 Years
Brisbane Fashion Festival returns in 2026 to mark its 21st anniversary, reinforcing its position as Queensland’s largest and most prestigious fashion event. King George Square will transform into Australia’s first major Spring/Summer runway, signalling Brisbane’s bold confidence and growing influence on the national fashion stage.
From Monday 24 to Friday 28 August, King George Square will become the epicentre of Australian style, hosting a curated program of runway shows featuring leading Queensland and national designers. The week will spotlight bold tailoring, resort and occasionwear, and forward-thinking collections that capture the spirit and direction of contemporary Spring/Summer fashion.
From iconic destinations and unforgettable runway moments, to hosting some of the most renowned names in Australian fashion, Brisbane Fashion Festival has gone from strength to strength over the last 21 years.
Timed strategically ahead of the retail season, Brisbane Fashion Festival is the first runway event in Australia to unveil Spring/Summer collections, giving media, buyers and fashion audiences an early look at the silhouettes, palettes and designers set to define the season.
Festival Director Lindsay Bennett says the milestone year represents a shift in national perception.
“Turning 21 is symbolic, Brisbane Fashion Festival has matured into a platform that launches collections, shapes retail momentum both locally and nationally and reflects the direction of Australian fashion right here in Brisbane.”
“Designers are increasingly using Brisbane as the first runway moment of the season. It’s where the conversation begins, especially for the next gen fashion talent of Brisbane and Australia.” said Mr Bennett.
Brisbane Fashion Festival welcomes back Principal Partner, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, whose valued support ensures the event’s success each year. Brisbane Fashion Festival and Brisbane Economic Development Agency share a dedication to promoting and celebrating our city’s incredible local businesses and fashion scene.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Festival highlighted Brisbane’s growing creative and cultural influence and showcased the entrepreneurial drive of the city’s local fashion industry.
“Brisbane is already Australia’s lifestyle capital and is fast becoming a true creative powerhouse,” Cr Schrinner said.
“For more than 20 years, Brisbane Fashion Festival has shone a spotlight on the incredible talent and innovation of both local and international designers, while bringing more to see and do for residents and visitors right in the heart of our city.”
Lady Mayoress and Brisbane Fashion Festival Ambassador Nina Schrinner said she was proud to support the iconic event.
“Our beautiful climate, outdoor lifestyle and vibrant creative community all influence the way we dress and design here in Brisbane,” Ms Schrinner said.
“This Festival is a wonderful celebration of our talented local designers, while also placing Brisbane firmly in the national fashion conversation with a perspective that feels fresh, relaxed and globally relevant.
“It really captures the energy of a city coming into its own style identity – confident, contemporary and distinctly Australian.”
In 2026, Brisbane Fashion Festival will continue its commitment to building the future of Australian fashion by championing both First Nations talent and emerging designers. Through its partnership with BLAKLIST, the Festival continues to provide a dedicated pathway program supporting aspiring First Nations models from across Queensland, offering mentorship, casting experience and professional development, culminating in runway opportunities during the Festival. At the same time, the NEXTGEN designer program nurtures exceptional graduating students selected by leading fashion colleges to deliver real industry exposure, elevate diverse voices and strengthen the pipeline of creative talent shaping the future of fashion.
Since 2006, Brisbane Fashion Festival has remained dedicated to driving local fashion retail and as the first runway event in the country to launch Spring/Summer collections, the Festival is committed to supporting the local fashion industry, encouraging customers to make considered purchases both in-store and online.
By connecting fashion enthusiasts with Queensland and Australian designers as their new-season collections launch, Brisbane Fashion Festival allows customers to be inspired by the fresh looks through glamorous runway shows, enabling audiences to move from modeled runway inspiration to purchasing fresh looks immediately.
With Australians buying on average 56 new items of clothing per year, directing a number of these purchases to local designers and retailers can ensure a continued thriving fashion scene for Queensland and Australia.
Brisbane Fashion Festival will again present an exceptional line-up in 2026, from the most coveted brands to the soon-to-be industry favourites, for a fresh and inspiring celebration of Spring/Summer fashion.
Applications for designers to be showcased in this year’s Brisbane Fashion Festival are now open.
The full 2026 program, including participating designers and retailers, will be released on Friday 29 May. Tickets go on sale through Ticketek from Monday 1 June.
www.brisbanefashionfestival.com
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For further information, interviews or photographs, please contact Lindsay Bennett Marketing on
07 3358 3350 or Bec Pini or Amanda Goddard from M4M Agency on 07 3366 9494.
IMAGE CREDITS:
BFF26 – Image 1 (Reddacliffe Place – Green Camila Dress)
Model: Chelsea Johnston – Vivien’s Model Management
Wearing: Camilla
Styling: Kimberly Gardner & Lulu Gardner
Photographer: Richard Smith
BFF26 – Image 2 (Green Wall – Pink Kristian Williams Dress)
Model: Chelsea Johnston – Vivien’s Model Management
Wearing: Kristian Williams
Styling: Kimberly Gardner & Lulu Gardner
Photographer: Richard Smith