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The Mackay Student Festival of Fashion began as a fundraising event for Gymnastics Mackay and Mackay Physical Activities Group. Over time, the Student Festival of Fashion has evolved to become the much anticipated highlight of the youth art scene in Mackay The event is open to any high school aged student (under the age of 19) who is currently enrolled in high school. Students may enter either individually or collectively and the event is open to anyone in Queensland (even though to date our entrants have primarily been from Mackay, the Whitsunday Region and the Central Highlands). There have been many entrants since the 1998 event some of whom have used the event as a stepping stone to further their studies in art, fashion and design. But most simply use it as an opportunity to have loads of creative fun and to express their individuality and independence. In 2003 The Student Festival of Fashion became a subcommittee of Mackay Pioneer Valley Arts Council Inc. and now operates as an independent, autonomous entity. The 33 entrants in 1998 became 66 in 1999 and over 100 in subsequent years with 2001 or the year of the Centenary of Federation as having the most entries to date. Since 2004 the Student Festival of Fashion has been included in Mackay Arts Festival schedule of events. Themes to date have included Centenary of Federation, Spirit of the Outback, a celebration of the Colours of Life and Bizarre to Brilliant. Our judging panel has included internationally renowned couturier and stylist and glamour guru Richard de Chazal in 2001 and in 2002 nationally acclaimed fashion designer Ruth Osbourn with artist and sculpture Adrain Vanderlugt and textile artist Denise Vanderlugt. In 2004 the judges included well known stylist and winner of many regional hair awards Shane Gibbs along with textile designer Val Simonsen and artist Ruth Parry. In 2006 our judging panel included textile designers Wanda Bennett and Sherrie Piccone as well as fashion designer Mary Ede. The Student Festival of Fashion receives financial support through sponsorships from local business. Audience numbers have increased steadily as more and more people become aware of the very high standard of the entrants and the diverse range of categories. It has become the wearable art and fashion event in our district. A dedicated troupe of volunteers ensures that this opportunity for the many creative and talented high school students to showcase their art is available. The committee is constantly looking for new members and new ideas. Please join us and join in the fun. Come and help us celebrate out our 10th Birthday - "Rage! Let's Party!"on Sunday 22nd July, 2007 at
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