For 2019, James Street hosted its annual iconic event series, Resort, over three days in Brisbane’s bustling shopping precinct. This time, Sinéad Burke – inclusivity and disability advocate selected as a British Vogue Forces of Change change-maker by the Duchess of Sussex – took to the stage to broaden the discussion around inclusivity in fashion and business.
Held at the picture-perfect The Calile Hotel, Burke made her first public appearance for the weekend at Resort James Street’s Intelligence Report – a talk centred around how and why we need to weave inclusivity into business consciousness. Hosted by Wish magazine editor David Meagher, the discussion was thought-provoking as Burke adapted her insights to Australia’s advocacy scene, after a round-table discussion with some of Brisbane’s community stakeholders prior to the event. In the lead up to the day, Burke chatted to Vogue about applying and leveraging disability to inspire change and the importance of access in fashion and on the day, Burke shared personal experiences to demonstrate this. The key message? We need to take conscious actions which are based on thinking that extends beyond one’s own experiences.
That evening, event-goers were not disappointed to have the highly-anticipated evening shopping event, Resort after Dark, kick off, in partnership with Vogue Australia. Already presented with countless offerings and experiences, Vogue VIP members were invited to the Spin to Win wheel — a popular attraction of the night — where prizes were tucked away ready to be handed out. Some weren’t graced with much luck on the night, while others walked away (often to their own surprise) with major prizes. Champagne flutes in their hands, shoppers happily ended their night browsing through some exquisite designer collections — with many going home with an unplanned bag of items (or two).
At her second event appearance on a panel during the weekend, Burke joined a group of fellow impressive women including Mary Lou Ryan, co-founder and designer of Bassike — Emma Wallace, managing director of Kowtow and deputy editor of Vogue Australia, Jessica Montague, who hosted the panel, called Resort Trailblazers. Guests tuned into the discussion as the panellists examined what challenges the fashion ecosystem faces around sustainability and access, with each providing a unique solution.
To see inside Resort James Street for 2019, scroll on.
Sinéad Burke at the Intelligence Report.
Sinéad Burke at the Vogue Resort After Dark event.
Wish magazine editor David Meagher and Sinéad Burke during the Intelligence Report.
Sinéad Burke at the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Inside the Intelligence Report.
Sinéad Burke with Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Edwina McCann at Resort After Dark.
Inside the Trailblazers event.
Inside the Trailblazers event.
Inside the Trailblazers event.
At Resort after Dark, in partnership with Vogue.
At Resort after Dark, in partnership with Vogue.
At Resort after Dark, in partnership with Vogue.
At Resort after Dark, in partnership with Vogue.
At Resort after Dark, in partnership with Vogue.
At Resort after Dark, in partnership with Vogue.
Vogue Australia deputy editor Jessica Montague hosts the Resort Trailblazers panel with Bassike co-founder and designer Mary Lou Ryan, Kowtow managing director Emma Wallace and Sinéad Burke.
Vogue Australia deputy editor Jessica Montague hosts the Resort Trailblazers panel with Bassike co-founder and designer Mary Lou Ryan, Kowtow managing director Emma Wallace and Sinéad Burke.