Toowoomba’s Emerging Designers are revealed

Teacher the toast of Toowoomba’s fashion scene

Ahigh school art teacher has become the toast of Toowoomba’s fashion scene, after creating the winning design at the Stepping Out Winter Glamour Runway fashion event.

Centenary Heights State High School teacher Jodi Robinson took home the Emerging Designer Award at the event at Rumours International in late May.

Her retro-inspired dress, modelled by Jade Moffatt, wowed the judges.

Ms Robinson admitted she had no experience in fashion, saying she decided to take part to try something new.

“I don’t have any background in the fashion industry — I’m an art teacher,” she said.

“I encourage my students to try different avenues so you know what you might have skills in.

“I thought, I’ve never done this before so I’d have a go and I enjoyed it.”

Ms Robinson said her piece was inspired by nostalgia, particularly old blankets.

“I can’t knit, I can’t crochet so I thought back to winter and retro winter blankets that everyone could remember nostalgically,” she said.

“So I tried to use those in both of my designs and that retro sort of aspect to it.

“My second design was the one that won, and I always tell my students that it’s usually your second idea that’s the best, so that proved it tonight.”

Caitlin Duff took out the Youth Emerging Designer Award for her creation modelled by Hayley Smyth.

Stepping Out Winter Glamour Runway is an annual event, so keep your eye out for the next Emerging Designer Awards.