Following on from huge success of their debutante year, Undress Brisbane 2012 promised guests an even bigger night of fashion, fun and frivolity – all with a focus on sustainable design. Vintage clothing displays, recycled fabric decorations and gorgeous light installations left the Chinatown carpark unrecognisable, while crowds admired QUT-designed eco furniture and put their feet up on recycled seating in ‘Couchland’ and indulged in vegetarian dumplings and organic cocktails – and all this before the main event!

Decked out like Mineral Goddesses in Kylie’s Professional Makeup, the models hit the recycled pallet catwalk for the first of Undress’ three runway shows, Emerging Designers. Standouts included Harriette Hill, Fabled and True, Alexandra McGuire and Holloway Eyewear (as seen in Peppermint Issue 12!). Handpicked for their local manufacture, use of local and organic materials and zero waste techniques, these up-and-comers certainly set the pace for the evening.

From new to old, vintage finds followed. Stores such as Can You Keep a Secret? and online emporium Tenspeed and Brownshoes followed, showing the best in retro-inspired trends and pre-loved finds, complemented by upcycled accessories from Ties & Whimsy and SpiritFire Desings.

The night finished with an Established Designers showcase which saw the best of the big labels hit the runway. Everything from zero-waste beach basics from Nathan Paul Swimwear, fair trade dresses by One Colour, Sinerji’s gorgeous summer collection of free-flowing, organic fabrics to Madonna Bain’s organic cotton smalls and Lydra’s quirky, locally-made tights and bags.