An Australian-first fashion awards event, established in Brisbane, is taking over the fashion meccas of Melbourne and Sydney and is now eyeing off international destinations such as Dubai.
Women in Fashion Creative Director Upma Kite said: “I felt like we have awards in all these segments except in fashion.”
“We have a film festival, we have a design festival, we have all these segments, but not for the fashion industry.
“So we have tapped into a new area and everyone wants to be a part of this,” she said.
In Brisbane, their flagship long lunch is moving to a larger venue due to popular demand, and they will be hosting 400 guests at Hamilton Northshore’s stunning Portside Wharf space in September.
Upma took on the mantle of creative director in 2022 when Carly Vidal-Wallace, who founded the event in 2020, stepped away to focus on other projects.
With the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast fashion industries clamouring to be involved, Upma expanded the event’s focus to southeast Queensland and is now hosting the first Melbourne event at the Langham in October.
The event is supported every year by Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner and their returning MC of the last five years, dynamic media personality Damien Anthony Rossi, and attracts influencers, businesspeople and local identities as well as fashion movers and shakers.
Joining Ms Schrinner as Jury Member will be acclaimed speaker and CEO Elena Gosse OAM.
“Our audience are not only from the fashion industry; they are leaders from different industries, different backgrounds, but they want to be a part of this magical event,” Upma said.
Upma has managed to achieve an astounding amount since first starting out in fashion as a model just 10 years ago.
Upma said she learned quickly by taking every opportunity to help out behind the scenes.
After being crowned Mrs Australia Universal in 2019, she decided to make the most of her platform, saying: “With that crown, I was able to convey my message, and people were ready to listen to me.”
“Within three years, I had seen overall the experience of the industry: what models are looking for, where the gap is, and thought, why can’t we include models of all shapes, all sizes?”
As founder of diverse modelling agency Ravishing Fashionistas and the charity organisation Dignifying Women, Upma is on a mission to transform the industry and make a positive difference.
“Inclusivity is what we are trying to showcase… my mission is to break that mindset of people where a model has to be just beautiful – every individual who has a passion about showcasing their talent should be welcome,” she said.
With five new awards categories introduced this year, bringing the total achievers recognised to 15, and the event having grown from 125 to 400 distinguished attendees over its six years, Women in Fashion has cemented its place as one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year.
Women in Fashion at Portside Wharf will be held on Saturday, September 5 from 11am-3pm, promising a premium long lunch event where guests can mingle and connect while celebrating leaders in fashion.
To purchase tickets, visit Women in Fashion Global website womeninfashion.com.au.
