JUDGES

Introducing our judges

Our professional fashion judges are dedicated to evaluating each design submission with the utmost care and precision. They bring years of experience and a keen eye for detail to the runway, ensuring that every design is judged fairly and accurately.

From the first submission to the final strut down the catwalk, our judges are committed to recognizing the very best in professional fashion design.

This is an unmissable opportunity to become a judge for 2023 and be a part of the powerhouse panel of fashion icons.

2024 JUDGES

RESHMAN Ramasamy

Honorary Professor, university lecturer and Allied health practitioner.

Honorary Professor Resh Ramasamy is a distinguished academic, researcher, and senior allied health professional with expertise in behavioral science and developmental education. With over 15 years of experience in the mental health sector, Professor Resh combines his professional knowledge and lived experiences to passionately advocate for the disabled, coloured and queer populace.

Resh’s former career as a professional dancer and model has also sharpened his artistic sensibilities and established him as a key figure and fashionista in Brisbane’s social spheres. Driven by a profound passion for the creative arts, he is on a mission to dismantle conventional beauty standards and redefine fashion through the promotion of self-expression and conscious representation. Resh also mentors both emerging and established models and designers, empowering them to make an indelible mark in the industry. In his capacity as a Pageant Executive for the prestigious Ms. Oceania beauty pageant, Resh furthers his commitment to championing diversity and self-confidence, fostering a culture of grace, leadership, and representation on a global stage.

Samantha Taylor Reynolds

CEO BRAESIDE ESTATE

Samantha was a professional model and leader in the fashion industry for almost two decades. She has been a successful fashion runway and fashion photography model in Australia, Singapore and Malaysia. She was a fashion stylist for Myer, Westfield and has been a personal stylist for Guy Sebastian and Rob Mills.

She has been the coordinator and stylist for a number of fashion festivals including Westfield What’s What, Melbourne Cup and Adelaide Fashion Week. Her career moved beyond the catwalk to teaching business, wearable art and design and winning top Australian Awards for programs she has delivered to students in Design and Business.

She is now the Owner and Managing Director of Braeside Estate one of Australia’s leading wedding venues, but continues to deliver design thinking and entrepreneurship to young adults in universities and schools in south east Queensland.

Tayla McFarlane

FASHION DESIGNER, CEO OF 7ROSES

Tayla, a young and aspiring fashion designer, has knowledge well beyond her years at just 17 years of age. Tayla specializes in designing and producing her own unique couture pieces in luxurious fabrics and this has led to becoming a now 3-time Grand Champion at the Ekka Natural Fibers competition! Tayla has also competed in RISE to the RUNWAY where she has won Junior Designer of the year for both 2022 and 2023! Tayla was also lucky enough to be awarded “Redlands Coast Young Citizen of the Year” award for 2023.

7Roses brings a refreshing twist to classic and elegant fashion, drawing inspiration from the rich colors and fluidity of exquisite Italian textiles. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind handmade garment, reflecting Tayla’s passion and creativity. Her aspiration to study fashion in Europe underscores her ambition and determination—essential qualities for any successful designer. By pursuing education at prestigious fashion colleges, Tayla aims to enhance her skills and knowledge, setting the stage for her dream of becoming a globally recognized designer with her label, 7Roses.

Bruno Falcone

Managing Director and Master Tailor of House of Falcone

Bruno Falcone is a celebrity stylist and founder of House of Falcone. Trained as a made-to-measure specialist for prestigious Italian brands, Bruno has styled well-known figures like Vince Vaughn, Mark Bouris, Caroline Stanbury, Sergio Carrallo, Joseph McClendon III and James Keyes.

Bruno’s passion for suits began early in Italy, inspired by the first suit tailored by his Nonna, Esterina. His expertise in personal styling, color analysis and body shape theory helps men and women look and feel their most authentic selves. Committed to crafting outstanding, custom-made suits, Bruno’s life purpose is to instill confidence from the inside out.

Sarah Hutson

CEO and Creative Director of SFH Designs

Brisbane based stylist Sarah Hutson is the CEO and Creative Director of New Farm based Boutique, SFH Designs. Sarah is fresh from New York Fashion Week, where she supported charity Mind Your Fashion and showed New Yorkers how to entertain with colour on the runway with her own SFH designs on both Australian and US Models. Plus, in extra exciting news, Sarah is also currently featured in US Vogue October 2024 issue.

Sarah discovered her true joy for colour back in 2013, which inspired her to create SFH Designs. Now with many years of fashion shows, opening a Boutique full of her unique and vibrant fashions and supporting local female creatives; a television commercial with AAMI insurance, being included in the Women’s Network Australia book production of ‘Humble Leaders’ plus also receiving a ‘Pride of Workmanship’ Award from Rotary New Farm for her continued charity work.

Most recently Sarah was the winner of the inaugural IMPACT Awards QLD for Women’s Network Australia. Sarah was also the Gold Winner for Best Fashion Business at the BEAM Awards for 2024. To top off Sarah’s achievements and for the 3rd year in a row, Sarah will be the ‘Spirit’ Judge for Dancing CEO’s, a fundraiser for Women’s Legal Services Queensland which supports women and children affected by domestic violence, over $1.3 million was raised in 2024 at this event.

Sarah Hutson has established herself as an innovative business owner who loves to share the joy and happiness with all that she meets. She is a passionate advocate for being your authentic self and bringing women together through colourful fashions, community workshops and local artists collaborations. Sarah is absolutely thrilled to be a Judge and looks forward to supporting emerging designers for the Raise to the Runway project.

Leanne St. George

Leanne St. George & Associates Pty Ltd

I have worked across PR and media in Australia and internationally for the past 35 years.

Presently, I exclusively work with premium brands such as Maritimo Luxury Motor Yachts, AutogenAI (an international generative AI company), Ripper Corporation, and Global Drone Event, as well as Cambridge RE Partners in Singapore.

These are very select international companies with distinctive products and services.

Fashion is a product that needs to be beautiful, practical, and sustainable. I have always believed that any media or event delivery for clients in the fashion industry needs to be honest and ethical. When mentoring young designers, I would include business training and practical advice from leading experts in the industry in those courses.

Over the past 35 years, I have worked on some of Australia’s largest events and iconic brands, and I believe that honest and pragmatic delivery of a product or service by the company or brand is key to success.

Fashion is perceived to be a very glamorous industry on the surface, but in reality, it is one of the hardest where talent is only one part of achieving success. Issues such as ethical supply, landfill, responsible use of water, and the earth’s resources are now important issues that must also be addressed.