This month Burleigh Tourism took time out to chat with the effervescent Bethany, owner of My Little Frock Shop and stylish fashion lover.
After holidaying with her family at Burleigh Heads for as long as she can remember, Bethany took the plunge and moved to the Gold Coast in 2003.
“When I moved, I decided to study a Fashion Production and Design Certificate then gained my first fashion retail position at Supre where I worked for three years managing stores. One day I was asked to manage a local boutique and from there I’ve never looked back.
You chose Burleigh Heads to open My Little Frock Shop. Can you tell us why?
“Fashion and boutiques have always been my passion, and when I decided to open my own store, My Little Frock Shop, I chose Burleigh Heads because I’ve always known I would open one here.
“There is no other location like it on the Gold Coast, I just love that it has such a wonderful mix of cafes and boutiques. Before I opened My Little Frock Shop, I used to come here and spend hours, which made me feel others would do the same.
“I like that there is lots of accommodation at Burleigh Heads so in peak season the area is buzzing with holiday-makers. The ladies can come shopping while their partners go for a surf. But it’s also got that warm, local feeling that I love.
“There is a uniqueness that makes it so special here. There is a variety of shops suitable for everyone, but Burleigh Heads has definitely changed since I first opened. I think it is becoming a lot more up-market with a good mix of quality fashion stores here now.
You’re planning a fantastic fashion event for June – Fashion on James. What made you think about holding such an event in James Street, Burleigh Heads?
“Fashion on James is an idea I have played around with for years. I’ve always thought our one-way street (James Street) would be ideal for a big runway. I like to do things with a bang and what better way to combine my love of fashion and Burleigh than in this one big event!”
Is there a main focus or theme?
“The theme is Alice in Wonderland inspired. This came about from our idea of having a grass runway with white chairs for guests to sit on and enjoy the show. The parade will showcase the great fashion retailers we have in James Street, Burleigh Heads with fifteen stores showing their winter 2012 collections on the catwalk.
Sounds great. What have you got planned?
“Well, we’re really wanting this to be an annual event, so we’ve organised some great entertainment for the day and hope to attract the families along with the fashion savvy females of the Gold Coast and Brisbane. We’re also hoping to attract new shoppers who have not yet discovered our fashion hub.
“People can come and enjoy the parade and the entertainment, stroll around the shops and dine in the cafes, make a real day of it and experience all the things we love about Burleigh. After that, no doubt they’ll be hooked, and return time and time again!
“As this is our first year, it is all about getting people on board and making it a great event. Hopefully after we have got our first Fashion on James under our belt we will be able to grow and make it bigger and better each year with attracting more sponsors and retailers.
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Mark 2 June in your diary for a street fashion extravaganza seen nowhere else on the Coast. Three hours of runway parades, entertainment and more. Make sure your winter wardrobe holds the latest styles. See it all at Fashion on James.
Fashion on James
2 June 2012
James St, Burleigh Heads
