The inaugural Spring Fashion Show last Friday will be remembered as a highlight event of the year by everyone who attended.
There were queues of well-dressed patrons waiting to enter the fabulously adorned historic town hall, to cheer as their friends and family braved the runway and a full house (including a bus full of Newstedians) enjoyed the festivities.
Held to raise money for the Castlemaine State Festival, which starts in March 2026 and will celebrate 50 years of operation, the event was planned by one of the CSF founders, Phee Broadway, with talented fashion designer Ulrike von Radichevich from Rike Designs.
Support was provided by five local fashion houses including; Rike Designs, Mensland Castlemaine, Ivy & Grace, Corner Store Merchants, and Aolita, together with over 30 models representing the diversity of the town and an impressive front and back-of-house team.
The organisation required was massive and was achieved with precision, while the atmosphere created for the audience was ‘Party time, Relax and Enjoy!’
The fashions were worn with confidence and style by models often well-known to the audience who cheered them on, and by the end of the evening, the models were even dancing down the catwalk!
Georgina Heydon, as the creative MC, encouraged the audience to take note of where the garments and accessories could be purchased and reminded us that Castlemaine was indeed a Fashion Capital where new trends are being set.
There are many highlights to remember: the ‘Stair Angels’ were two young men who waited at the top of the catwalk to help the models descend effortlessly. They were dressed in military style and acted out their part impeccably.
The MC announced a ‘celebrities recognition’ as one of the highlights for the night – a totally at ease Rosie Annear appeared in a stunning outfit, followed by the co-directors of the State Festival, Linda Sproul and Martin Paten, dressed in outfits we hope to see them wear next March!
The ages of the models ranged from teenagers to older members of the community. After all, isn’t fashion for everyone?
This event showed that art and fashion are perfect partners and that the community is ready to embrace both!
