Queensland has a lot of talented young people coming through the fashion field and Italy can provide the perfect opportunity to develop that talent further.

“Italian interiors” are the words that inspired Melinda Felder, winner of the ModaItalia 2004 Scholarship sponsored by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Queensland. Melinda, a fashion student at Moreton Institute of TAFE was one of the 20 finalists who had the opportunity to present their designs alongside some of Queensland’s and Italy’s top fashion designers in the ModaItalia Fashion Spectacular, which was held on the 6th of October 2004.

“The decision was extremely difficult as the talent just keeps getting better and better every year”, said the judging panel which was composed by Roma Clayton from Roma Couture, Debra Kolka of Cotton Wool, Donna Condon from Design Philosophy, Jodie Bache Mclean from Dallys Models, Sonia Karadimos from Bliss and Rosario Floro from Brisbane Alfa Romeo.  The scholarship which is in its second year, will provide Melinda with a return trip to Italy and a two week fashion experience at one of Italy’s top fashion Institutes, the Polimoda Institute in Florence.

Over 300 people were treated to spectacular fashion event, which showcased the very best that Queensland has to offer in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. Organised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Queensland in collaboration with the Moreton Institute of TAFE, ModaItalia 2004not only presented the student designs, but also showcased award-winning designer labels Anissa, Gina Kim and Bliss by Sonia Karadimos. Boobah Swimwear was also there along with Italian label Bianca Palmieri. 

“The concept of ModaItalia is to promote bi-lateral trade in the fashion industry between Italy and Queensland”, said Dr Stefano Catani, Consul for Italy for Queensland and the Northern Territory, while launching ModaItalia 2004.

In fact, ModaItalia 2004, was also an opportunity to showcase the many different facets of the Queensland lifestyle sector that are connected to Italy through fine food, beauty, fashion, furniture and cars. Lamborghini’s and Alfa Romeo’s were abundant, whilst Scootopia provided the legendary “Vespa’s”. Brisbane food sensations Gerbino;s Pasticceria and Café` dell’Ugo Ristorante Italiano provided the mouthwatering Italian delicacies whilst “Principe di Corleone” by Italsea Australia  provided the Italian wine and ‘Red & White” the Australian wine. Brisbane-based Interior Equipment presented the very latest in furniture from Milan, whilst Queensland architectural glass designer David Helg presented his latest collection inspired by Italy. “Many companies supported ModaItalia because they believe in the potential opportunities that events of this nature hold”, said Maria Antonietta Maruca, Secretary General and organiser of ModaItalia 2004.

Photo caption:

ModaItalia winner Melinda Felder (centre) with ICCI Secretary General, Maria Antonietta Maruca (Right) and Chris Twine from Moreton Institute of TAFE (left).