Brisbane’s fashion is more than the Queen Street Cowboy uniform

When I went out to capture Brisbane’s street style, I expected to come back with an Attenborough-style video of locals wearing RM Williams and Kathmandu puffer vests … and maybe a montage of Oroton bags.

I should have known that Brisbane would prove itself more impressive than it first appeared.

It makes sense. Some of our biggest current Australian brands were born here. Princess Polly, VRG GRL, Dissh, Sabo Skirt, City Beach – they’re all products of the Sunshine State.

Once upon a time, the best shopping experience a teenage girl in Brisbane could have was visiting the Princess Polly and VRG GRL stores on Adelaide Street, with the Noosa Chocolate Factory store sandwiched in between.

Now, with Brisbane Fashion Week starting on Monday, we took the opportunity to venture out to the mean streets of the CBD to see what the city’s style looks like in 2026.

Of the seven people we interviewed, only one person wasn’t wearing an item from an Australian brand. (Shout out to Narjia for six in one outfit.)

The American tourist we spoke to was in Wittner boots and a Princess Polly skirt.

Even our notorious “Queen Street Cowboy” uniform of RM Williams and a Kathmandu vest is made up of Aussie brands.

In a Panda Mart and Shein world , I found it comforting that we’re not all wearing fast fashion.

And with the rise of Depop and Vinted, it’s also easier than ever to acquire high-quality pieces on a budget (my personal favourite method of shopping).

Brisbane Fashion Week features national legends like Carla Zampatti and Silk Laundry, and locals including Pamela Easton and Samantha Ogilvie, on the program.

Local talent on display at the next-generation show includes Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Alexandr Murray, Fell From Grace and HAKS.

It makes sense that most of these events are happening in the heart of Brisbane, where the streets are already filled with very fashionable locals.

Narjia was wearing a Camilla and Marc trench coat, a Deiji Studio knit tank, Bonds tank, Assembly Label pants, sneakers, Oroton bag and Holly Ryan earrings.