Page 110 - Tropic Magazine Issue 13

LIFESTYLE • FASHION

Eco-fashion warriors

The fashion industry is
bringing a stylishly sustainable
message to Port Douglas for
the 2018 Eco Fashion Week.

A thought-provoking seminar featuring
conservation warriors Sea Shepherd
will wrap up a global eco-fashion
extravaganza when it comes to Port
Douglas in November.
Sea Shepherd Australia managing
director Jim Hansen will headline
a jam-packed list of speakers at the
seminar to be held as part of Eco
Fashion Week Australia 2018 at the
Clink Theatre.
EFWA chief executive Zuhal Kuvan Reef Restoration CEO Stewart Christie
Mills, a passionate conservationist spoke at the VIP “Green Carpet” launch
and self-confessed animal lover, wants at QT Resort in September.
the event to get people thinking about Douglas Shire Council is hoping Eco
sustainability in their everyday lives. Fashion Week Australia can become
The Turkish-born veterinarian said an annual event for the region. Mayor
the event will open opportunities for Julia Leu believes the event will give the
local young creatives and businesses region an opportunity to be recognised
to express themselves and gain on the world stage.
international attention. “All signs are pointing to Douglas
“This is beyond fashion,” she said. “I am Shire becoming an eco-fashion hub,”
not really a fashion person, my work is Mayor Leu said. “Council has the
art and that is what this is about. Locals ability to drive a global culture shift
will get experience they will never get towards ethical and sustainable fashion
anywhere unless they fly to another production. There is a sense that there
country.” is an eco-revolution upon us and we
A fashion gala will kick start the week- have two huge environmental assets in
long November event that will feature the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics
community-based activities such as to leverage.”
clothes mending workshops, an eco- Mayor Leu said this could turn into real
market place with locally handmade economic results for the region. “This
goods, fashion swaps and designer could lead to retail stores popping up,
showroom. education opportunities or primary
The event, which is held from production revolving around the eco Eco Fashion Week 2018
November 4 to 10, is designed to fashion industry,” she said. “Putting November 4 to 10 - Port Douglas
educate, inform and entertain the ourselves at the forefront of this • Nightly fashion shows
public. More than a dozen Tropical means a stronger, more durable and • Eco Seminar
North Queensland models will diverse economy that creates genuine • Mending workshops
showcase international and local employment opportunities and attracts • Designer showroom
designers who have jumped at the people to our region.” • Fashion swap
opportunity to be involved this year. EFWA will be attended by global media • Fashion for Rainforests
“Our doors are wide open to all young and will showcase international and • Eco Marketplace
students, graduates, budding models, Australian eco fashion designers and
university students of all disciplines to models. MORE:
provide them a springboard to start to ecofashionweekaustralia.com/contact
their careers”, Ms Kuvan Mills said.

110 • Tropic • Issue 14