We know that for emerging fashion designers, models, and creatives that the opportunities for being discovered and showcasing their talent are few and far between. It can seem like an uphill battle with so many others competing for the few opportunities that present themselves.
Rise to the Runway aims to change all of that, being the Gold Coast’s first combined modelling industry and fashion design competition of this calibre, with the rare opportunity for entrants to sit in on invitation only masterclasses with highly respected and renowned Industry professionals while being in the running to win thousands of dollars’ worth of cash, trophies, prizes, and recognition.
We have six fashion categories which you can enter as a Student or an Emerging designer. Check out the categories below, apply or reach out if you have any questions.
When entering for your category, you will have to select whether you’re an Emerging Designer or Student Designer.
Open to designers 25 years or over, entrants may be graduated students or self taught designers. emerging design entrants may have sold or retailed their designs but may not be at a commercial market level.
Open to secondary school, tertiary, university, or Independent fashion design college students, Under 25 years of age. Students must be either currently enrolled or have graduated within the past 12 months. student entrants must not have marketed their designs on a retail or commercial scale
It’s time to apply! Register & pay for your application and we’ll help you through the process with our workshops.
Don’t worry you don’t need designs at this stage.
To be updated
It’s time to submit your photographed designs!
By now you would have attended the workshops & have your designs ready for a model.
Our judges would have pre-assessed your designs & now it’s ready to show them off at Rise of the Runway!
Let’s go!
Think playful, fun, and wearability. Children’s wear is an ever-changing and growing market in fashion that sometimes gets overlooked.
Use your imagination to capture the youthful energy of your models aged from tiny tots to teens, with no restriction to genre, you may show anything from swimwear//playtime//streetwear//sleepwear//elegant party attire.
(max 100 word) descriptor for your collection explaining the inspiration, fabric / textiles / prints & the target market.
1-2 Models (Female and/or Male)
Innovative, edgy, and fashion-forward. This is the fashion sector that is driving the most global trends and innovation. Think Strong & Bold and make an immediately creative impact on the runway. Use fabrics that are ideal streetwear practical, functional, and commercially available. Think about sustainability and recycle awareness that is currently driving the fashion industry. Original textiles, print, and fabric embellishment will make your mark as a unique designer.
(max 100 word) descriptor for your collection explaining the inspiration, fabric / textiles / prints & the target market.
1 Model (Female, Male, or Gender Fluid)
Unleash your imagination on over-the-top extravagance with no boundaries.
consider drawing on fictional themes, gender fluidity, cultural diversity, political statements, nature-inspired, historical musings, victorian style, mocking the ordinary.
This category is a collaboration piece and must incorporate the work of both a makeup artist and hairstylist working together to create the overall look.
(max 100 words) descriptor for your collaboration piece explaining the inspiration behind the design//make up//hair style//fabric//embellishments.
List names of designer, MUA, Hairstylist, and (include business or training organisation for each creative)
1 Model (Female and/or Male or gender fluid)
A collection for 5 models on the runway. The collection has to reflect you as a designer. It must have a strong design aesthetic that belongs to you and your brand. The collection can be either co-ordinated or 5 unique outfits that add maximum impact on the runway. This is an opportunity to present 5 models on the runway and get maximum exposure for you as a designer, so go for it and make a big, impactful statement.
(max 100 word) descriptor for your collection explaining the inspiration, fabric / textiles / prints & the target market.
5 Models (Female and/or Male or gender fluid)
Your imagination challenge your creativity, with the use of unconventional materials, artistry and construction.Your piece of wearable art should scream innovation and inspire wonder. Create an outfit that is inspired by any of the ‘R’ words:
Revolutionary | Ravishing | Rebellious | Radical | Radio-active.
Address your design criteria with the following ‘R’words ; Recycled, Re-invented, Re-designed & Re-created.
Create one outfit for females or males. The garment must be practical to be worn and fit the model. There cannot be any parts of the garment that can injure, restrict runway movement or hinder model performance. Note that organic matter that will deteriorate or break down cannot be used. Harmful materials and chemicals cannot be used.
The garment must be practical from a wearability aspect. Innovation is key. Select any ‘R’ theme that inspires your imagination to create something that will amaze and capture the wonder of the judges and the audience.
Submit a written descriptor of your outfit explaining the inspiration/theme, fabric / textiles & materials. Designers may submit more than one design.
Include: (max 100 word) descriptor for your collection explaining the inspiration, fabric / textiles / prints & the target market.
1 Model (Female, Male or gender fluid)
Australia is unique in its first nation people, ancient culture, and diverse art, Indigenous designers have exclusive and unique fabrics, prints, and story-telling inspired by their homeland. Take this deep and rich past and throw it forward into future fashion that can represent and show off indigenous fashion to a global market. Take from the past and infuse it into future fashion, It is a time to shine.
Submit a written descriptor of your outfit explaining the inspiration, fabric/textiles/prints & the target market. Designers may submit more than one design.
(max 100 word) descriptor for your collection explaining the inspiration//fabric//textiles//prints //target market.
List Artist name/business name (if applicable)
Student designers: shown on 1-3 models
Emerging designers: shown on 3-5 models
(Female, Male, and/or Gender Fluid or a combination)