The intriguing event at the South Coast Field Days showcased local and handmade clothes, jewellery and accessories.

On the afternoon of September 12, the Bega Showground Pavilion was packed with an excited audience ready for the fashion show.

“I was a bit nervous and I wasn’t sure how it was going to work out, as we had no dress rehearsal, no nothing,” team coordinator Tabitha Bilaniwskyj-Zarins said.

“[But] the girls were just amazing – I couldn’t stop smiling.

“I don’t think people expected the quality, styles and professionalism that they got.”

Most of the 13 models – which included gardening personality Costa Georgiadis – were sourced from the Valley and the designers came from the South East NSW region.

 “The importance of the catwalk was to showcase the region’s talents,” Ms Bilaniwskyj-Zarins

“The skill set we have in this region of arts and crafts people is incredible.

“It is equal to, if not surpassing, that of the cities.”

Two women, Suzy Hacker and Linden from Meea Knits, who were fashion designers in the 1970s and ’80s assisted out the back along with co-organiser and designer Sabine Hagan.

The catwalk’s designers included TooWiird Designs, Bega Valley Spinners and Weavers, Brogo Knitters, Towamba Valley Feltmakers, Eden Spinners and the South East Region Mohair Australia.

If you want to purchase the designs displayed at the catwalk, some can be found at Tabandy Farm and the Bega Valley Market Place on Gipps St, Bega, and some designers hold stalls at markets around the Valley.

Ms Bilaniwskyj-Zarins hoped to hold a summer catwalk between Christmas and New Year’s on a Bega Valley beach.