Be Iconic | Fashion Collab & Brisbane Festival

Did I hear a fashion revolution? Yes, please sign me up.

I woke up in my wildest dream and became one of the models at a Brisbane Festival fashion show because I decided to ‘Be Iconic’.

Southbank Piazza was transformed into a fashion runway show. The Sunday afternoon showing celebrated a collective of creatives who have diverse lived experiences.

Unlike many formal runway productions that showcased designer brands, Fashion Collab presented clothing from the collaboration of artists and participants that was created through series of weekly workshops. These workshops were open to public for free and designed to be a safe space for everyone in the community.

As a model in this runway event, I was thrilled to present another participant’s creation. What made the experience powerful was that the runway walk supported and celebrated diverse identities, bodies, ages, genders, neurodivergence, disability and justice. This accessibility meant the creatives involved were diverse in their lived experience. There was no right or wrong way to do this catwalk - you walk your walk, you move how you move! And shine how you feel best and the enjoy the experience of showcasing the wearable art.

I recalled the last time I was modelling on stage five years ago at a modelling campaign, it aimed at diversity. Yet I found this event was even more diverse. In the behind-the-scenes perspective, I appreciated how supportive the organisers were. There were helpers throughout, from backstage to cheerleading us on to the stage, providing us snacks and drinks, and even offered to fan the performers as it was a hot day. Runway pixies were provided by Be Iconic to walk and assisted if required.

Image supplied by BrisFest

A variety of sensational styles were showcased with outfits made from different fabrics, materials, layers, and colours. The catwalk divided into 11 categories, including Flash Blaks, Becky (Bestie) made me do it, Demim Denim Denim, Sensory Snuggle, Vogue Melange, Psychedelic Loungewear, Unabashed Rehash, Star Wars, Save the turtles, Jett’s poem and Grande Finale Realness. Each section symbolised a specific theme.

There were 70 models in total and everyone was shining like a diamond. Flash Blaks opened the show, with Aunty Dawn Daylight wearing a red and black ruffle outfit with an indigenous flag cape and headpiece, representing ancestral greatness.  Artist Annika Strand rocked her costumes in the wheelchair on stage. I was placed in the category of Psychedelic Loungewear together with two other models. The outfit I wore consisted of a long sleeve red orange yellow woven straight dress with a vertical waves pattern, a separate neckpiece with tassels, and a pair of glossy red chunky high heel boots.

My personal favourites categories were ‘Save the turtles’ and ‘Grande Finale Realness’. ‘Save the turtles’ featured a colourful sea creature costume with a cape, painted drape and banners. It reminded us that art has a powerful message. ‘Grande Finale Realness’ highlighted a combination of designs such as painted gown, trains, white lace corset, and outfits made from toilet roll, sticks and petals.

Although I did not participate in designing a costume, I had the opportunity to chat with another model who made her own outfit during the briefing session. I learnt her creative process. She was adopted at a young age, her outfit was inspired by her aunt, who is of Chinese heritage, and is a dedication to her as she is someone very special in her life. Fashion is a form of self-expression. They are not just clothes that you wear. As a person who has a tremendous interest in fashion styles and dress according to current moods, it was fascinated to hear someone else’s story behind their fashion choices. This show delivered on its promise wonderfully - it was inclusive, adaptive, sustainable, and allowed people to express their individuality freely.

I was still able to watch most of the show from a seat in the audience, with the exception of having to miss seeing the ‘Vogue Melange’ category before walking in my category. From the audience point of view, I found the use of MC throughout helped lighten the mood in the room, such as audience interactions and introductions, however, it was slightly distracting to me at times, taking away my attention from the catwalks, costumes and music. The set design, lighting and power point background all complemented the performance brilliantly.  One section of the event did feel out of place though, which was Jett’s Poem. While it was pleasing to hear such personal and expressive poem rapped, I would have loved it to have been better incorporated into the event. For me, the poem would be more effective recorded as a music soundtrack and incorporated into the fashion show rather than having someone standing still and reading it.

I must admit, this was such a unique experience. I enjoyed my moment on the fashion stage and received positive feedback from audiences and other participants- ‘you were great’, ‘you looked beautiful in there’.  The show came to an end as crowd clapped and applauded enthusiastically.  Be Iconic signified the beauty of diversity and inclusivity and freedom by redefining the runway, bringing incredible artists and community to the creative vision. It created a meaningful message and connections. I hope to see similar collaborations in the future.

‘Be Iconic’ was part of the 2024 Brisbane Festival and was held at the South Bank Piazza on 1 September 2024.