top of page

RISE TO THE RUNWAY

28 February 2026

FASHION DESIGN AWARDS

CATEGORIES

030A6950 copy.jpg

Resort and Swim: A Tropical Escape

Transport us to a sun-soaked paradise with designs that embody the essence of a luxurious tropical beach holiday. Think sleek swimwear silhouettes, flowy, lightweight cover-ups that catch the breeze, and oversized floppy beach hats that exude effortless glamour.

030A7910 copy.jpg

Country of Origin: Cultural Couture Reimagined

Celebrate your heritage with a design that proudly flies the flag of your roots. This category invites designers to explore the rich traditions of cultural dress and reinterpret them with a modern, fashion-forward twist.

030A9572 copy.jpg

Reinvented Streetwear: From Old to Bold

Step into the future of fashion by breathing new life into the old. Reinvented Streetwear challenges designers to take discarded or pre-loved garments and transform them into cutting-edge, innovative designs.

030A0004 copy.jpg

Ethical Bridal: The Modern Bride’s Statement

Design for the bride who dreams of walking down the aisle in a gown that’s as conscious as it is captivating. This category demands bridalwear crafted from ethical fabrics and adorned with sustainable embellishments.

030A8668 copy.jpg

 Day at the Races: Elegance in Motion

Channel the glamour and sophistication of Melbourne Cup fashion with a design that turns heads and captures the essence of race day chic. This category calls for exquisite tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and an air of refined elegance.

030A8997 copy.jpg

Wearable Art: Fashion Meets Fantasy

Unleash your imagination and create a masterpiece that blurs the line between fashion and art. Wearable Art challenges designers to use unconventional materials.

TITO1845.jpg

RISE TO THE RUNWAY FASHION DESIGN AWARDS

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of Australian fashion with Rise to the Runway Fashion Design Awards—the ultimate launchpad for emerging designers, models, and fashion creatives. Since 2020, this prestigious competition has become a national sensation, drawing visionary talent from across Australia. Each year, designers compete for the coveted title of RTTR Fashion Designer of the Year, showcasing their creativity, innovation, and commitment to sustainable practices.

At the heart of our awards is a dedication to sustainability, innovation, and diversity. With six highly contested categories—Resort and Swim, Country of Origin, A Day at the Races, Wearable Art, Reinvented Streetwear, and Ethical Bridal—we challenge participants to push boundaries, create marketable designs, and redefine the future of fashion with ethical and sustainable materials.

But Rise to the Runway is more than a competition; it’s a movement. Through designer pathways, our quarterly Model Masterclass Series, and breathtaking runway shows, we provide real-world opportunities for emerging talent to thrive. Partnering with our sister entity, the Queensland Arts and Fashion Festival, we expand exposure and experiences for designers and models alike. Our five iconic annual runway shows—QLD SWIM, NEXT GEN, THE FLOWER SHOW, VALOR Men’s Show, and CIRCO Wearable Art—are a testament to our mission to celebrate creativity and elevate Australia’s fashion culture to the global stage.

 

Whether you’re a designer seeking your big break, a model ready to own the runway, or a fashion lover with a passion for sustainability, Rise to the Runway is your destination for inspiration, innovation, and impact.

 

Join us in shaping the future of fashion—one stitch, one step, and one show at a time. 

JOIN THE EXCITEMENT

BE INSPIRED

OUR MISSION

Rise to the runway is a unique competition based on the fundamental belief that we are all worthy and valuable. We enjoy creating opportunities for you to be discovered and recognised, by building confidence and self worth through a series of workshops, events and competitions. We believe in teaching self worth empowerment, life skills, entrepreneurial strategies, health and wellbeing through fun and interactive activities.

TITO8148 copy.jpg
RTTR-white.png

#RISETOTHERUNWAY

bottom of page