Event details and location
The second annual Fashion with Friends runway show is scheduled for Thursday, 1 May, and will be held at the St. James Community Center, located at 4136 Southport-Supply Road. This stylish evening event is set to commence at 5 p.m., offering attendees a vibrant atmosphere filled with fashion and community spirit.
The St. James Community Center, known for hosting a variety of local events, provides a spacious and welcoming venue that is easily accessible for guests travelling from surrounding areas. With ample parking and modern facilities, the location ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Doors will open promptly at 5 p.m., allowing guests time to mingle, find their seats, and explore any pre-show activities or displays. The runway show will follow shortly after, featuring a curated lineup of fashion presentations designed to entertain and inspire.
What to expect at the show
Guests attending the Fashion with Friends runway show can look forward to an evening brimming with creativity, flair, and local talent. The runway will come alive with a diverse array of styles, showcasing everything from contemporary casual wear to elegant evening attire. Local designers and boutiques will present their latest collections, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s fashion scene and highlighting trends that blend coastal charm with modern sophistication.
Models of all ages and backgrounds will take to the catwalk, reflecting the inclusive and community-driven spirit of the event. Expect to see familiar faces from the neighbourhood, as well as emerging talent from nearby fashion programs and modelling agencies. The show aims to celebrate individuality and confidence, with each model bringing their own personality to the runway.
In addition to the fashion presentations, the evening will feature live music and entertainment to keep the energy high between segments. A carefully curated playlist and performances by local musicians will add to the festive atmosphere, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and beverages, with a selection of nibbles and drinks available throughout the evening. A pop-up market area will be set up near the entrance, where guests can browse and purchase items from featured designers, artisans, and local businesses.
For those looking to capture the moment, a photo booth and designated selfie stations will be available, complete with themed backdrops and props. These interactive elements are designed to enhance the guest experience and provide lasting memories of the night.
- Runway presentations from local designers and boutiques
- Inclusive model lineup featuring community members
- Live music and entertainment between segments
- Pop-up market with fashion and artisan goods
- Photo booth and selfie stations for guests
With a dynamic mix of fashion, entertainment, and community spirit, the show promises to be a standout event on the local calendar, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Community involvement and highlights
One of the most anticipated aspects of the Fashion with Friends runway show is its strong emphasis on community involvement. This event is more than just a celebration of style—it’s a platform for bringing people together and showcasing the talents and contributions of locals from all walks of life. From volunteers to performers, the show thrives on the energy and dedication of the community.
Local schools and youth organisations have played a key role in the planning and execution of the event. Students from nearby fashion and design programs have contributed their creative flair by assisting with wardrobe styling, set design, and backstage coordination. Their involvement not only provides valuable hands-on experience but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership in the final production.
Community groups and charities are also being highlighted throughout the evening. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to local initiatives supporting youth development and mental health awareness. Representatives from these organisations will be present at the event to share information about their work and how attendees can get involved or offer support.
In a heartwarming display of unity, several models walking the runway are community members who were nominated by friends and family for their inspiring stories or contributions to the region. These individuals include teachers, healthcare workers, small business owners, and volunteers—each bringing their own unique story to the spotlight. Their participation adds a deeply personal and meaningful layer to the show, reminding everyone of the power of community connection.
Local businesses have also stepped up to support the event, offering sponsorships, donating raffle prizes, and providing in-kind services such as catering and décor. Their involvement not only enhances the quality of the event but also reinforces the collaborative spirit that defines the Fashion with Friends initiative.
“It’s not just about fashion—it’s about celebrating the people who make our community special,” said one of the event organisers. “We want everyone to feel seen, valued, and inspired.”
With so many hands and hearts contributing to its success, the Fashion with Friends runway show stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision and purpose.
Event details and schedule
The second annual Fashion with Friends runway show is set to dazzle on Thursday, May 1, at the St. James Community Center, located at 4136 Southport-Supply Road. Doors open at 5 p.m., setting the tone for an evening that blends high style with heartfelt community spirit.
This year’s event promises a curated showcase of seasonal trends, with local designers and boutiques presenting their latest collections in a runway format that’s both polished and playful. Expect a mix of coastal chic and bold statement pieces—perfectly suited to the modern Australian woman who values both elegance and ease.
Attendees can look forward to a well-paced schedule that includes:
- 5:00 p.m. – Guest arrival and welcome drinks
- 5:30 p.m. – Opening remarks and introduction of featured designers
- 6:00 p.m. – Runway show begins
- 7:00 p.m. – Post-show mingling and boutique pop-ups
With its early evening start, the event is ideal for fashion lovers looking to unwind midweek while staying connected to the latest style movements. The setting at St. James Community Center offers a relaxed yet refined backdrop, allowing the garments—and the guests—to shine.
Community involvement and highlights
What sets Fashion with Friends apart is its deep-rooted connection to the local community. This year’s show continues its tradition of spotlighting not just fashion, but the people and stories behind it. Local artisans, emerging designers, and boutique owners from the surrounding region are front and centre, offering a platform that celebrates creativity and collaboration over competition.
In a nod to the event’s inclusive ethos, several of the models walking the runway are community members themselves—women of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds who embody the spirit of everyday style. Their presence adds authenticity and relatability, reminding us that fashion is for everyone, not just the elite few.
Proceeds from the evening will support local women’s initiatives, including mentorship programs and small business grants aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs. It’s fashion with purpose—where every ticket sold and every garment showcased contributes to a greater cause.
“It’s not just about what you wear, it’s about who you’re supporting when you wear it,” said one of the participating designers, whose label focuses on sustainable fabrics and ethical production.
Interactive elements like the boutique pop-ups allow guests to meet the makers, try on pieces, and even place custom orders. It’s a tactile, personal shopping experience that’s rare in today’s fast-paced retail world—and one that resonates strongly with the Australian fashion community, which values craftsmanship and connection.
With its blend of style, substance, and social impact, the event is quickly becoming a staple on the local fashion calendar. It’s a celebration not just of what’s trending, but of the vibrant, supportive network that makes those trends possible.
