The Hunter will be further cemented as a burgeoning fashion destination next week when the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths are turned into a runway.
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Newcastle fashion magazine Facon will hold its summer runway at the ocean baths on the evening of Thursday, November 28, which founder and editor Lara Lupish said was exciting as it was their first outdoor event and it would fulfil a childhood dream.
"I've always had this wild dream to do a runway at Newcastle Ocean Baths. I envisaged a runway between the two pools, creating an illusion of models literally walking on water," Ms Lupish said.
"I can't think of any other runway event in the world that can create such a dramatic effect.
''Without doubt, the Newcastle Ocean Baths is one of the most spectacular locations in Australia and I want to project images of our runway across the country.
"We are a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry on a national scale and I want to show off this stunning city. It's going to be fantastic."
The Facon runway will feature 30 models, many of them that the magazine unearthed through its annual model search including 2018 and 2019 winners Chiara Voigt and Chloe Evans, plus finalists Lillian Owens, Dana Budden, Jamie Smith and Grace van den Boogaard.
There will also be seven male models.
The models will showcase women's and men's designs from national brands such as Camilla, Sass and Bide plus swimwear brands Monty & Lou, Jets and Baku. Westfield Kotara will also be styling 12 runway looks for the summer months.
The models will also wear fashions from local designer boutiques such as Lillie's at The Junction and Scentsation.
Ms Lupish, who started Facon in 2015, said it was a point of pride that the magazine had secured one of Australia's top designers, Camilla, for the runway.
"For us to have a brand like Camilla showcase their designs in a regional environment is no small thing. It cements what we've been doing for the past four years, showcasing that Newcastle is a fashion destination," she said.
In addition to the unique location, Ms Lupish said guests to the runway event would for the first time receive a look book. Last Wednesday Ms Lupish styled all the models who were photographed for the look book, detailing the fashions they were wearing. She said the "fashion forward method" complemented the runway event.
The runway event will coincide with the launch of Facon's summer issue, which features Australian singer, songwriter, television and radio presenter Ricki-Lee Coulter on the cover.
The ticketed show ($159 on Eventbrite) includes sparkling wine, canapes, dessert, gift bag, runway show and a copy of the new edition of Facon magazine.