Behind the campaign - Brisbane Fashion Month 2026, with Willow Miles
Willow Miles, a graduate of Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia, was the recipient of the 2023 Fashion Queensland × Billy Blue Emerging Designer Scholarship, now in its fourth year.
This year, designs from her graduate collection feature in the hero imagery for Brisbane Fashion Month’s Emerging Designer Showcase and will take to the runway on October 28 at Brisbane Powerhouse.
Here, we catch up with Willow to hear about her journey so far and her aspirations for the next steps in her career.
FQ: What year did you start and finish your studies at Billy Blue, and which course did you complete?
Willow: I studied a Bachelor of Branded Fashion Design, which I started in February 2023 and finished in May 2026.
FQ: How did you find moving to Brisbane, starting your studies and beginning your career in fashion?
Willow: At the opportunity of moving to Brisbane, I was eager to finally devote my time to the thing I've always loved and be a part of a youthful city where I found pockets of independent creatives and community through share housing and uni.
FQ: What opportunities came your way as part of the Emerging Designer Scholarship and your involvement with Fashion Queensland’s projects?
Willow: It is refreshing and inspiring to see Fashion Queensland's commitment to the next generation of designers through highlighting university students and independent designers alongside established names in the industry. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship through Fashion Queensland, which led to having my work shown at the Ekka, the BFM 2025 Resort Runway, and now BFM 2026.
FQ: Tell us about the pieces from your graduate collection that feature in this year’s Brisbane Fashion Month campaign.
Willow: My graduate collection, The Very Eye Of Night, is a dreamscape-inspired collection exploring the parallels between 100 years ago and now.
FQ: What’s next in fashion for you, and where do you hope to develop your career from here?
Willow: As a true designer-maker, I would love to be in a workroom. After completing my university work experience in custom bespoke bridal, I'm working on some personal projects and my portfolio in hopes of pursuing a career in bridal.
FQ: What advice would you give to school leavers or career changers wanting to pursue a career in fashion?
Willow: Start somewhere, start small, play. There is no such thing as wasted time; everything you do contributes to your problem-solving approach in design.