The Fairholme Design Awards form part of Fairholme Fashion Week and entries are shown at the Fairholme Fashion Awards and Parade as part of the annual Spring Fair.

Held on Saturday 24 October 2026

The Fairholme Fashion Week theme for 2026 is In Full Boom: A Celebration of Individuality, Creativity and Self-Expression

This year, we invite you to step into a world where creativity flourishes, ideas blossom, and individuality is celebrated.

Inspired by the beauty of spring, In Full Bloom is a celebration of personal expression through fashion. Just as no two flowers bloom in exactly the same way, every designer brings a unique perspective, story and creative voice. We encourage you to embrace what makes you distinctive and transform your inspiration into an ensemble that reflects your imagination and artistic vision.

Draw inspiration from the colours, textures and shapes/silhouettes found in nature, from the romance of a blooming garden to the quiet beauty of a single flower unfurling its petals. Explore themes of growth, renewal, confidence and transformation. Whether your interpretation is bold and dramatic or delicate and whimsical, allow your creativity to bloom without limits.

As part of this year's theme, we encourage thoughtful and sustainable design practices. Consider breathing new life into existing materials through the use of preloved textiles, vintage fabrics, embroidered linens, lace, upholstery remnants, curtains or other reclaimed materials. Celebrate craftsmanship through hand-finished techniques such as embroidery, embellishment, appliqué, beading, patchwork, fabric manipulation or surface decoration.

Fashion has the power to tell stories, evoke emotion and reveal something of who we are.

This year, we invite you to create a piece that is not only visually beautiful but also meaningful - a design that reflects your creative journey and celebrates the confidence to be authentically YOU.

Create something original. Create something expressive. Create something unforgettable. Most importantly, create something that is In Full Bloom.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Fashion designers from the Southwest and Southeast Queensland regions are invited to submit original fashion ensemble/s for judging in the 2026 Fairholme Fashion Awards.

Category One

Open Category (18 years & older)

Open Entry fee $30 per entry

Category Two

Senior School Category (Years 10-12)

Entry fee $10 per entry

Category Three

Middle School Category (Years 7-9)

Entry fee $10 per entry

The above Categories invite you to try your hand at Producing/ Sewing an 'Outfit/s' inspired by the theme In Full Bloom within the season of Spring/Summer 2026.

It is essential that the Entry Conditions » are read prior to commencing design work.

Note: All Entries and documentation (mood board and photos) are submitted to Fairholme Administration, 40 Wirra Wirra Street, East Toowoomba no later than 4:00pm Friday 16 October 2026.

Please allow time for postage if entries are to be sent to ensure garments arrive by submission date.

For more information visit Fairholme Fashion Week

or contact the Fairholme Fashion Department Mandi-Joy.Meise@fairholme.qld.edu.au

Contact the host of 2026 Fairholme Fashion Design Awards - Entries

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