A dazzling design lands Ruby runway success at the Ekka

The Wearable Art competition celebrates bold ideas and experimental design, encouraging participants to push creative boundaries and transform unexpected materials into extraordinary works of fashion.

Ruby’s gown captivated the judges with its creativity, craftsmanship, and striking visual impact.

Over 90 per cent of the gown was crafted from reclaimed and second-hand items, including thousands of pearl beads she discovered in a local op shop.

The design featured delicate organza, netting, diamond motifs, and intricate detailing, all meticulously hand-finished with glue, wire, and string.

“When they announced I came second, I was over the moon - and so was my family,” Ruby said.

“It was amazing to have them with me while my first gown hit the runway. I now know the true meaning of your heart beating out of your chest.”

Ruby’s award-winning Blooming Pearl gown was a labour of love and resourcefulness.

The dress combined delicate layers of organza and netting with a hand-crafted bodice made from diamond motifs and thousands of pearl beads.

Each element was carefully pieced together with wire, glue, and string to create a flowing silhouette with detail and texture.

What made Blooming Pearl even more remarkable was Ruby’s commitment to sustainability.

More than 90 per cent of the gown was made from reclaimed and second-hand items, including the pearl beads she stumbled upon in a small local op shop.

Though she didn’t know what she would use them for at the time, Ruby said she had a feeling they would one day become something extraordinary.

The result was a breathtaking garment that impressed the Ekka judges and reflected Ruby’s creative vision, patience, and dedication to her craft.

Blooming Pearl was her first gown ever to grace a runway - and it secured her second place in one of Queensland’s most celebrated design competitions.

Ruby’s passion for fashion has been with her since childhood, having been taught to sew by her mother at 10.

She was also surrounded by creativity in her designer uncle’s workroom, where she witnessed him making outfits from a young age, laying the foundation for fashion to become her purpose during a difficult period.

“A year ago, I found what I love when everything fell apart. Fashion, sewing, and designing gave me purpose and joy when everything else felt dark,” she said.

“So I left high school at 16, moved out of home a month later, and began studying full-time at TAFE Queensland, and I haven’t looked back.”

Ruby says studying the Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles (MST31022) has given her the skills, confidence, and encouragement to pursue her ambitions.

“Being at TAFE helped me feel more passionate and confident about my creation and future. My teachers’ support excites me for what’s to come.”

Ruby’s success at the Ekka is a testament to her creativity, resilience, and determination. While she’s still exploring her career path, she dreams of designing show-stopping outfits for film, television, and stage - costumes that leave audiences speechless.

“I plan on studying for my Diploma of Fashion next year at TAFE Queensland, and I want to design outfits for movies, shows, and celebrities one day. Outfits that make your jaw drop - like Dolly’s golden dress from Hello, Dolly!”

"Let it be known that even though this was my very first creation on the runway, it is definitely not my last! But I cannot be more over the moon that my Blooming Pearl opened the doors for what is to come!” concluded Ruby.