Meet Rachel Burke, esteemed artist and AWAF judge in 2025
Australian Wearable Art Festival is thrilled to have Brisbane-based artist, designer and author, Rachel Burke, joining next year’s judging panel in August 2025.
Renowned for her vibrant, tactile wearable artworks that incorporate imaginative use of naive craft materials and are worn by celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Harry Styles, there are few people in Australia with more successful wearable art careers than Rachel.
We sat down with Rachel to find out what she’ll be looking for on the Australian Wearable Art Festival runway in 2025.
How do you feel about being a judge at AWAF next year?
I’m thrilled to be a judge at the Australian Wearable Art Festival next year! It’s an honor to celebrate the artistry, creativity, and craftsmanship of wearable artists. I can’t wait to see these talented creators push boundaries and bring their imaginative visions to life!
What will you be looking for on the AWAF runway in 2025? Are there any trends or innovations you hope to see?
In 2025, I’ll be looking for pieces that tell a story, spark curiosity, and use unconventional materials in their making process. I’m excited to see artists embrace bold textures, eco-friendly approaches, and conceptual silhouettes that push the boundaries. Wearable art can surprise and captivate, so I hope to see some creative risk taking and clever use of materials. I’m also especially excited to see how artists embrace the growing trend of upcycling in their work. The more trash being made into treasured pieces…the better!
What advice would you give to artists who are new to wearable art and considering entering for the first time?
My advice? Embrace play and experimentation in your design process! Follow the magical path of exploration and trust your creative instincts and impulses. Remember there’s no right way to create something extraordinary, you just have to follow your gut and go for it!
In your view, how can a festival like AWAF contribute to an artist’s career growth or open up new opportunities?
A festival like AWAF can really be a game-changer for an artist’s career. It’s not just about showcasing talent – it’s a chance to connect with fellow creatives, industry professionals, and an audience who truly appreciates the craft. The exposure and networking can open doors to collaborations, commissions, and exciting new projects. Plus, participating in such a wonderful event builds confidence and credibility, and can spark fresh ideas for future work. If this festival had existed when I was starting out as a young designer, I would have loved to be a part of it, so consider me absolutely thrilled to be involved in this capacity now.
What elements of design or storytelling do you find particularly compelling in wearable art?
What I love about wearable art is that it’s not just about fashion, it’s about storytelling. Every piece has the power to communicate an emotion, concept, or message. I’m drawn to how artists use materials to convey meaning, with design, shape, and details working together to bring the story to life. That’s what makes wearable art so exciting to me!
Artists entries are now open for Australian Wearable Art Festival in August 2025. To find out more and to apply, go to Designer Entry.
