Fashion and diversity: Brisbane Fashion Month 2021

Hosting our own show at Brisbane Fashion Month really was a dream come true. 

I was asked in an interview with Shelly Horton for 9Honey: why do this show? 

And  my answer was simple, I love fashion but I’ve grown up with an industry that doesn’t love me - or specifically my body shape and now my age - so much. 

In the many years before social media, I’d pour over magazines with images of women who didn’t look anything like me, obsessed with what each model was wearing, wondering and hoping whether it might: a) fit me and b) suit me. 

I’d see images of models - super and other - on catwalks around the world and wonder the same.

When I left journalism to start my second career, meeting and working with everyday women, I grew to understand that I wasn’t alone. Most women couldn’t visualise themselves in the garments they saw in fashion campaigns.

With the advent of social media has come a welcome diversification and disruption to how fashion is showcased. Women of all ages, shapes, sizes, colour, abilities and beliefs can - and do - show up, sharing their personal style.

If you choose to curate your social media feeds with a focus on style diversity (and let’s face it, if we all dressed the same it would be a boring old world), then your feed will be filled with images and videos that celebrate that beauty comes in many different forms.

As the Styling You community grew, I knew I wanted to put my money where my mouth is and create my own own label and create campaigns that allowed more women to see themselves in our clothes. 

Yes, it’s a bigger investment but it’s one I feel incredibly passionate about. Our community does too. Not only do they feel connected to our brand, they find it easier to shop with us online.

WATCH THE VIDEO from Brisbane Fashion month, including a panel interview with the founders of Active Truth and Capriosca Swimwear - two brands that have embraced diversity in fashion marketing from day one.

Scroll on for runway images from the night (photo credit Brie Conomos) where we showcased a mix of our summer bestsellers and previewed pieces landing early November and early December. Sign up to our emails HERE to be first in the know when these styles launch.

Shoes: FRANKiE4 Footwear
Bags: Bon Maxie
Hats: Anannasa
Earrings: Jilly Marsden Designs