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.

2023 JUDGES

Jude Kingston

FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF MIND YOUR FASHION

With 3 decades experience in the Australian and international retail landscape, Jude has built a reputation as a formidable and sought-after global retail and fashion expert where she brings her wealth of knowledge and expertise to her organisation and clients.

Jude is a strategic and creative industry professional who started her career in retail buying and then moved into senior roles where she worked with leading fashion retail brands both in Australia and Overseas.

Highly regarded for her industry knowledge and insights working with clients around the globe, she has consulted with key industry stakeholders in New York where she is held in high regard for her business acumen and industry know how.
Jude is a featured guest speaker at New York Fashion Week and is also a fashion and trend forecaster attending Fashion Shows and events.

Amongst the highlights or her career, Jude is also the Founding Director of Mind Your Fashion, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness and supporting Mental Health in the Fashion and Creative Industries and is leading the charge to affect a much-needed change in the way Mental Illness is viewed and managed in these industries with the roll out of The Mind your Fashion Mental Wellness Program.

RESHMAN Ramasamy

Honorary Professor, university lecturer and Allied health practitioner.

Resh Ramasamy identifies as a queer autistic person with pronouns of he/him and they/them. He is a Distinguished Honorary Professor, an academic and university lecturer who have taught for 10+ years, an allied health practitioner, a fierce human and animal rights activist, published author and peer reviewer. Resh has international standing and regularly collaborates with scholars in UK, US, India and Pakistan on forthcoming publications, projects, and conferences.

Alongside his impressive academic portfolio, Resh also shares a strong passion for all pursuits related to art. He is a trained dancer, model and stylist. Resh has a prominent presence within the Brisbane social scene. He is a fashionista and epitomises poise, individuality and glamour in the way he dresses and expresses himself. Resh is unafraid to dismantle orthodox ideologies about fashion and beauty with the view that diversity, inclusivity and non-conventionality should be equally championed and celebrated. He is especially passionate about helping models of colour and those with disabilities to take up space and showcase their inherent talents.

Sher Lo

Creative Director of Anannasa Lifestyle.

Sher Lo is a self taught designer who started her illustrious career off the back of a Commerce degree from the University of Melbourne. Her first job was an assistant fashion buyer with the leading department store in Singapore in the early 80’s. This was the launching pad for Sher to the world of fashion and product merchandising. Her work thrived throughout Asia, primarily in Singapore and Hong Kong, with monthly travels to Tokyo, Delhi, Milan, and London. Sher’s past achievements, spanning over four decades decades included merchandise development, line procurement and marketing for more than 200 stores in South East Asia. Her area of expertise also included multi dollar licensing deals with companies such as Sanrio for Hello Kitty, Disney, Teletubbies, and ForeverFriends to name a few.

In 2004, Sher emigrated to Brisbane from Hong Kong and became a full time mum to her 3 children. Fast forward to 2014, she decided to launch ANANNASA, a stylish and timeless resort wear label. ANANNASA, which means pineapple in Hindi, reflects her love for both the fruit and the Indian sub-continent which regularly inspires her and her work. She is very passionate about slow fashion and championing the works of artisans. In her beautiful designs, you will find always find some form of intricate beadwork, embroidery, block-printing and upcycling from vintage sarees and fabrics.

Today, Anannasa has a strong presence in Australia. The brand continues to grow and has expanded to New Zealand, China, India, Singapore and Malaysia.

Sher is an active participant of fashion shows and supports many charity events. This year to date, ANANNASA has showcased in Gold Coast Fashion Mind your Fashion May event, Sunshine Coast Rizeup Charity High Tea, Ravishing Fashionistas Fashion Week and very recently, took part at the Gold Coast event for Queensland Arts and Fashion Festival.

In 2018, Sher was invited by the Tourism Board of Malaysia in conjunction with Mercedez Benz Sarawak to take part in its premier fashion show Alta Moda.

Upcoming events will be ANANNASA’s second international show at Milan City Fashion Week this September. This will be followed by her participation in another fashion show in Brisbane for the inauguaral Miss Femina Beauty Pageant. Last but not least, ANANNASA will debut their Spring Summer collection at the Designer Showcase Runway by Brisbane Fashion Month on the 13 Oct 2023 at Queen Street Mall.

Sher believes in giving back to society. She sits on the board of directors for HUMANS FOR HUMANITY, which is an NGO in India founded by Anurag Chauhan. HFH runs programs in rural India primarily educating women about menstrual hygiene, providing them with sanitary napkins and as well as workshops to train them to make bio-degradable ones. Counselling and nutritional advice forms part of the program.

Michael Dunn

PERSONAL STYLIST AND BOUTIQUE MANAGER & STYLE CONSULTANT AT URBBANA, PACIFIC FAIR.

In a career spanning ten years in the world of fashion and modeling, where the spotlight shines brightest and creativity knows no bounds, Michael stands as a testament to the artistry and dedication that define this captivating realm.

With grace, poise, and an innate sense of style, Michael’s work has graced runways, both on and off the field. The Gold Coast Bulletin posted an article listing Michael as one of the best dressed males for the year of 2018. He is also a published stylist and journalist for his article “7 Ways to Modernise Your Wardrobe” in the international fashion magazine, DQ Magazine.

At the Bond University charity fashion show, Angels with Wings, Michael collaborated with Hannah Croly, the head stylist of George and King, to curate fashionable menswear looks for the runway in 2017.

Michael has also been a sash holder at multiple Fashions on the Field events. In Brisbane’s 2017 Spring Racing Carnival, he placed 1st in Derby Day & Caulfield Cup, and 2nd place in the Melbourne Cup & Cox Plate. He has also placed first in the Tattersall’s Tiara Raceday (2017), the Golden Peacock (2018), the Ekka (2018 & 2023), Stradbroke Day (2019), Rockhampton Amateurs Cup Day (2019), GC Derby Day (2022), as well as placing across many other events during his illustrious & expansive career.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael has a genuine passion for fashion that extends into his personal life. He is a trendsetter and influencer, known for his distinctive style that effortlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary flair.

With a commitment to pushing fashion boundaries and a remarkable ability to forecast upcoming trends. Michael continues to make waves in the fashion world, inspiring others to express themselves through the medium of fashion. His journey is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and enduring love for all things creative.

Michelle Lee Aslin

Owner and Designer of Michelle Lee Swimwear

Michelle Lee Aslin is a renowned figure in the modeling industry, having earned a significant name for herself during the 70s. She graced the covers of popular magazines like Pix, People, and Post, establishing herself as a prominent cover girl throughout the 80s.

In December 1980, Michelle’s exceptional beauty and talent led her to win the prestigious title of Cover Girl of the Year. Not content with just being a model, Michelle delved into the world of swimwear design after creating custom swimsuits for her friends. Her breakthrough came when a photo of her wearing a swimsuit called “The Daredevil” appeared in a magazine, captivating readers and leaving them yearning for more of her designs, Michelle’s creative flair in swimwear design has transcended four decades and continues to captivate the industry. Her work has been featured in numerous high-profile projects, you may well remember Michelle as the girl in the white bikini in the Come on Aussie Come On Cricketing TV commercial and for her hosting on live TV and radio, notably on Dr Dan and the Jogetts.

Aside from her work in the fashion industry, Michelle has had a blast organizing nightclub fashion parades and running promotions for esteemed events like car and boat shows. She has worked alongside well-known brands such as Malibu, XXXX, Harley Davidson, and Porsche. Additionally, Michelle’s talent for costume design has been showcased through her creation of outfits for the Bearettes Cheerleaders, Queensland Reds, Miss Nightclub, Miss Indy Gand Prix, and various other esteemed organizations maybe the most notable making stage costumes for Jamie Durie and the Man Power boys.

Notably, Michelle worked for FM104, adding another feather to her cap in the realm of media. Despite her illustrious career, Michelle continues to design and craft swimwear, catering to custom orders for special events, cruises, and holiday outfits. Her passion and dedication to her craft have ensured her enduring success and a loyal clientele throughout the years.

JUDGES

Introducing our judges