At the Australian Cotton Conference, the runway came alive with a showcase dedicated to Australian cotton - allowing farmers to see the tangible results of their hard work.
Nearly 3000 farmers and industry professionals watched as top fashion brands – Country Road, Workwear Group, Elk, Big W and Sussan – presented their Australian cotton collections, thanks to Cotton Australia and the Australian Cotton Shippers Association.
In its fourth year, the Australian Fashion by Design runway event highlights the brands using Australian cotton, completing the circle by bring the fibre back to those who helped grow it.
Jacqui Westwood, Content Marketing & Communications Manager for Workwear Group, attended the conference and said being part of the runway event was a great experience for the brand.
“We talk about producing hard-wearing garments for workwear, and it was amazing to see product, including our Australian cotton tees on the runway in front of a huge John Deere cotton picker, with hundreds of farmers in the background,” Jacqui said.
“It was wonderful to share our story, showcase our garments, and in particular, show off our Australian cotton tees which are in both the Hard Yakka and King Gee ranges, with more to launch soon.
Jacqui, along with Country Road’s Gemma Cahil, participated in the panel, hosted by Cotton Australia’s Ashley Hollis, ahead of the runway, discussing the brand’s involvement with Australian cotton.
The conference, held on the Gold Coast every two years, is an opportunity to bring the entire cotton industry and the cotton supply chain together to network, learn and share.
Cotton to Market Program Lead Brooke Summers said the runway was an opportunity to connect opposite ends of the supply chain, both passionate about Australian cotton.
“Connecting the brands to the growers and industry at grass roots through the runway is so important for our industry and the supply chain and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback,” Brooke said.
“Our farmers are growing premium cotton, and our brands love the care and sustainability that Australian cotton is known for. The opportunity to highlight farm to fabric on the runway just shows how connected our industry is throughout the entire supply chain.”