The evening of the 1st brought the Official VIP launch party of the Australian Retail Awards Festival held at the Fashion Bar in Conrad Jupiter’s Casino. Here fashionista’s, winners and finalists of years past all flocked to celebrate the 28th year of these prestigious awards. With all this talent around there is no doubt that the ensembles worn would be absolutely gorgeous and I wasn’t disappointed.

I was excited to get an interview with the fabulous Gillian Marriage of Riot swimwear, who has not only competed in and won multiple awards for her swimwear label, but has also managed to make time to teach her skills to fashion students, myself included, at the Australian Institute of Fashion Design.

I also had a chance to have a chat with MSIT student finalist of last years 27th NRA Awards, Megan Todd, who has since taken up a scholarship in Italy and is now working as a designer for Billabong.

All in all a fabulous evening with its glamorous atmosphere and free flowing champagne. Cheers!