Vying for the award this year are four Queensland finalists from both the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (MSIT). Sharing the stage with leading national and international designers will be Marianna Tigani from QUT with her label Marianna Octavia. Descending from a line of three generations of Italian dressmakers and a painter mother, Marianna grew up in a very creative environment. After completing a psychology degree, Marianna dabbled in a few short fashion courses in dressmaking and fine art before delving head first into a full fashion degree at QUT. Her graduate collection emits a throw-on feel, but with intricate detail embedded in each garment’s construction.

Also hailing from QUT is Sally Edwards, whose designs pay homage to punk history through a combination of anti-establishment plaid and sartorially elegant structured suiting. From MSIT, see Jess Tovey’s modern gothic styles with edgy embellishments strut down the runway alongside the creative designs of Alice Waugh, who won Westfield Garden City’s stylist assistant campaign last year. See these innovative designers for yourself on Wednesday August 29 at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival.

Image via Marianna Octavia.