The Love of Fashion: From Playful Dress-Ups to Personal Expression From the moment we were little, fashion has been a part of our lives. Dressing up wasn’t just about putting on clothes—it was about transformation. We’d twirl in oversized dresses, wear our parents' shoes, or drape ourselves in sparkly scarves, pretending to be princesses, superheroes, or world explorers. Fashion was a game, a way to embody a character, a feeling, or a dream. 

As we grew up, the game changed, but the love remained. Now, dressing up isn’t just about play—it’s about expression. The way we dress tells a story about who we are, how we feel, and the way we see the world. Some days, we reach for bold colors to radiate confidence; other days, we wrap ourselves in soft fabrics for comfort. We wear structured blazers when we want to feel powerful, flowy dresses when we crave freedom, and vintage pieces when we long for nostalgia.

More than ever, fashion is storytelling. It reflects not only our personal journeys but the progress of our communities. It’s about stepping onto the big stage—not just in a literal sense, but stepping into the moments that challenge us, that push us past fear and into the person we are meant to be. Whether it’s a model taking their first walk down the runway, a designer debuting a collection, or someone simply wearing an outfit that makes them feel seen, fashion is a catalyst for growth.

The love for sun, swim, and Queensland comes to life in QLD SWIM (your tickets here), a celebration of coastal beauty, vibrant swimwear, and the lifestyle that makes Queensland unique. This runway is an ode to the golden beaches, the relaxed energy of summer, and the connection between fashion and the outdoors. Featuring swimwear brands that embrace sustainability, innovation, and effortless style, QLD SWIM showcases how fashion thrives in harmony with nature.

This is what makes the NEXT GEN Runway such an exciting concept. The designers who showcase here are at the very start of their careers, where the love of fashion is still pure and uninfluenced. Their work isn’t shaped by trends, expectations, or commercial demands—it’s driven purely by passion, creativity, and the thrill of bringing their vision to life. This raw, unfiltered approach is what makes the NEXT GEN Runway a space of true innovation, where we witness the future of fashion unfolding in real time.

For established designers, fashion takes on a new depth of meaning, and this sentiment will be beautifully captured in The Flower Show. This showcase will honor the profound love between a mother and her children, a connection woven into fabric and expressed through artistry. Through elegant designs that reflect nurturing, strength, and timeless beauty, The Flower Show will celebrate fashion as a tribute to the bonds that shape us, reminding us that love—like fashion—can be passed down, reimagined, and forever cherished.

VALOR is a show dedicated to the men in our lives and the strength they show in their mental health journeys. Mental health looks different on every man, and this showcase will be a powerful representation of resilience, vulnerability, and the different ways men express and navigate their struggles. Through carefully curated designs, VALOR will highlight the importance of support, awareness, and breaking the stigma surrounding men's mental health, reminding us that fashion, too, can be a tool for change and conversation.

Fashion is more than fabric and trends; it’s a language. It allows us to say, this is me without speaking a word. It’s how we connect with culture, history, and identity. Whether dressing up for a special occasion or simply choosing an outfit that makes us feel good, fashion is an extension of who we are.

And just like when we were little, it’s still about feeling something—joy, empowerment, elegance, or rebellion. The love of fashion is timeless, a constant evolution of self-expression that follows us through every stage of life. But now, it’s also about stepping up—to our dreams, to our fears, and to the future we are ready to embrace.