Fashion Forward in the Mountains: The Asian Fashion Festival and Heritage Runway 2025 to Light Up the Blue Mountains This Weekend

As Australian Fashion Week draws to a close, fashionistas across the country are already setting their sights on the next major style event — the highly anticipated Asian Fashion Festival: Heritage Runway 2025, a two-day celebration of fashion, culture, and community spirit set in the picturesque Blue Mountains on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18.

Making its debut this year, the festival promises to deliver a rich tapestry of multicultural creativity and emerging talent, with a packed schedule of runway showcases, high-profile guests, and diverse designer line-ups. Organised and produced by Regal Star Productions, the event marks an exciting new chapter for Australia’s fashion calendar. Lovely Bandal, CEO of Regal Star Productions, is the driving force behind the event and a passionate advocate for representation, culture, and empowerment through fashion.

Saturday Highlights: Runway Supermodel Australia 2025 and More

Kicking off on Saturday, 17 May at the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury, the main stage will spotlight the Runway Supermodel Australia 2025 competition — a premier event that seeks to discover and elevate Australia’s next top modelling talents. This will be followed by a double feature: the StarCentral Media Group Cover Model Showcase, featuring cover stars from one of Australia’s leading entertainment and lifestyle publications, and the Dreams to Reality Runway, a segment dedicated to giving aspiring designers and models a platform to shine.

Adding star power to the event is none other than Hollywood casting director Paul Weber, whose career includes a roster of Emmy-nominated television series and major box office hits. Paul is set to join the judging panel on Saturday, bringing an international perspective and a keen eye for talent to the proceedings. His presence signals the festival’s growing appeal on a global scale.

Sunday Highlights: Designer Showcase and Local Labels Take Centre Stage

Sunday, 18 May will shift the spotlight to a full day of fashion showcases, with the runway set to feature a dazzling range of designers and labels. Among the standout appearances is local eyewear brand venEyes, known for blending innovation with bold design. They will take to the runway alongside acclaimed designers such as Marissa O’Donnell, Norman Acuba, NV Kids, and the popular menswear label Mr. Ginoo.

Each collection promises to reflect a blend of heritage and modernity — a nod to the festival’s theme of embracing both cultural roots and contemporary creativity.

A Festival of Diversity, Unity, and Style

The Asian Fashion Festival: Heritage Runway 2025 is more than just a celebration of style — it’s a platform for cross-cultural exchange and the elevation of voices from diverse communities. Set against the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains, the event combines fashion with purpose, offering attendees a unique experience that’s both visually inspiring and socially significant.

Whether you’re a fashion insider, an aspiring model, a lover of design, or simply looking to be inspired, this weekend promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

As Australia’s fashion landscape continues to evolve, events like this are proving that the runway can be a powerful space for community, collaboration, and change.