Carly Vidal-Wallace Event & Community Business Specialist

24/02/2026

Finally …

A quiet rule change in Europe is set to transform how the fashion industry treats waste and responsibility. Starting July 2026, the European Union will officially prohibit the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes, forcing major brands to rethink overproduction.

Instead of discarding usable items, companies must now prioritize recycling, reuse, and smarter production planning. This landmark decision marks a decisive shift toward sustainability in a resource-intensive industry, proving that progress often begins by setting firm boundaries against unnecessary environmental waste.

The new regulations ensure that waste is no longer acceptable in our global future. By mandating circularity, the EU is pushing fashion toward a more ethical model where value is preserved rather than burned or buried in a landfill.

12/02/2026

For the past eight years, I’ve proudly been a judge for the International Design Awards in the fashion category. It’s a role I continue to take on because giving back to the fashion industry truly matters to me.

Each year, I review over 500 submissions from designers across the globe — from accessories and footwear through to couture. Seeing the creativity, innovation and increasing focus on sustainability is always inspiring, and I’m grateful to contribute my time and experience to help recognise and support the next generation of fashion talent.

One of the most rewarding parts is meeting designers in person at the global awards events — from Oslo to Bangkok — and witnessing the impact that recognition can have on their confidence and careers. These moments are a powerful reminder of why community and mentorship are so important in creative industries.

✨ If you’re a fashion start-up seeking guidance:
I still offer limited consulting and take on one fashion start-up at a time (only if my calendar allows!). If you’re looking for strategic support, industry insight and honest advice as you grow, feel free to reach out via email to submit a request.

Supporting emerging designers / the creative industries will always be something I make space for.

International Design Awards

31/10/2025

✨ Feeling a little nostalgic and incredibly proud!

It’s such a surreal experience watching an event I once dreamed up continue to thrive and bloom. Selling an event you’ve created is honestly a bit like saying goodbye to a child — you pour so much of yourself into it, and hope it lands in the right hands.

There have definitely been times when I’ve had to step back from events I’ve sold because they lost their original heart and energy… but Women in Fashion under the leadership of Upma Kite has been the complete opposite. 💖

Upma Kite, you’ve taken something I started and nurtured it beyond what I ever imagined. You’ve honored the community, the sponsors, and the spirit behind it — and seeing it continue to flourish fills me with so much joy. That little logo I designed on my laptop during COVID still makes me smile every time I see it.

The Queensland fashion industry is often a bit overlooked compared to Sydney and Melbourne, but Women in Fashion was always about celebrating us — our talent, our creativity, and our sense of community.

So here’s to you, Upma — you’re absolutely amazing, and I have so much respect for what you’ve done. ♥️♥️ Women in Fashion

29/10/2025

Once again overwhelmed with thanks for the vote of confidence from attendees xx Carly

Feeling incredibly grateful ✨

It’s always such an honour when my beautiful Celestial community thinks of me for awards, I’m honestly blown away every time.

After being named a finalist in the Telstra Best in Business Awards, I’m now so humbled to be nominated for the Most Influential in Events Award by Eventex!

The past two years have been an absolute whirlwind … from falling back in love with reading (thank you, Sarah J. Maas 💕), to dressing up as a High Fae and searching for friends who wanted to join in the fun… and somehow, that spark became Celestial Events.

Created by a fan, for the fans; and powered by your endless love and support. 💜
No matter how much time passes, I’ll always treasure these moments and the magic you’ve helped me create.

With love,
Carly — Founder, Director, and your fae-book-loving friend at the helm of Celestial.

18/10/2025

✨ NINE YEARS AGO ✨

I took a leap of faith and launched my very first fashion festival in Brisbane. It was bold, a little wild, and truthfully—I had no idea how much it would grow. As a young designer myself at the time, I simply wanted to create something for emerging talent… and that one idea blossomed into so many unforgettable moments.

Some of my favourite highlights:

👗 Partnering with Australia Post and Billy Blue students to create fashion pieces out of Post satchels (the Melbourne corporate team came up and were blown away!).

🌿 Showcasing breathtaking feltwork fashion from the Mornington Island First Nations community. Far far far North Qld!

💫 Flying in a young First Nations model (with her mum!) from Cairns for her first trip to Brisbane, supported by our wonderful First Nations sponsor Carbon Creative.

🛍️ Launching a Wintergarden pop-up, giving emerging designers a prime city space for a whole month.

🎬 Teaming up with Griffith University for a fashion film festival, premiering never-before-seen documentaries.

🚗 Staging a red carpet runway at Porsche Brisbane, surrounded by collector vehicles.

🥂 Hosting a Ragtrader industry luncheon—a first for Qld—leading to a four-page feature.

I’ll never forget how supported I felt in that first year, with incredible sponsors like Australia Post, Wintergarden, Ragtrader, TAFE, and The Fabric Store.

But more than the glamour, it’s the friendships, the community, and the joy of celebrating all things Qld—from Burleigh Brewing Beers and Bundaberg soft drinks to Sirromet wines—that I hold closest to my heart.

Hard to believe it’s been 9 years already. What a journey. Next year will mark 10 years and it feels like yesterday!! 💖

21/07/2025

One month on and I still can’t quite believe it, I hosted a fantasy ball for over 1,000 guests… in the very same Brisbane City Hall where I had my high school formal three decades ago. I stood on those same steps, and this time, it was my night. My vision. My guests. ✨

It’s easy as a business owner to jump straight into the next task, the next event (Perth, we’re coming for you!). But I’m trying to learn to pause. To look back. To celebrate the journey this past 18 months. To be grateful first and foremost.

And yes (fingers crossed) we may even be a finalist in the Telstra Business Awards. No matter the outcome, that alone feels surreal. Thank you to everyone who’s believed in the dream.

21/07/2025

In the past 18 months, we’ve processed over 6,000 tickets and hosted thousands of fantasy lovers across Australia. One of the hardest lessons? When people copy your work. Entire concepts. Branding. Wording. Ideas I poured my soul into. It stings a bit! (Um big shout out to our trademarks and IP legal team who always help us out !!)

Yes, imitation is flattery, but when you live and breathe your vision, seeing it taken without heart yep… it hurts a bit.

But here’s the thing: they can’t copy our “why”. They can’t replicate the intention behind every decision, or the love behind every safety measure, welcome team, medical staff, sensory-friendly zones we’ve built and they can’t copy our sense of community and belonging. Our community isn’t just attending an event, they’re stepping into a space designed to make them feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Our Celestial community, they 100% know the difference! 🎉🎉

So if you are like me and you’ve felt that sting … hang in there and keep creating!! Because our creativity is endless!!

21/07/2025

I still remember the moment I told my husband I was leaving my 9–5 job to chase something that felt… fun. I’d just finished reading ACOTAR and adored the fantasy realm, I literally wanted to step inside the pages. I joined fan groups and saw people dressing up, going to fantasy balls, connecting across the globe… and I thought, Why not here? Aussies always miss out.

The first time I said out loud, “I’m going to host a fantasy ball,” the look on his face said it all 😅

But I believed in it. I believed in creating a space where introverts and extroverts, book lovers and dreamers, could come together, dress up, and be exactly who they are — even if just for a night. And somehow, that weird little dream has grown into a full-blown business and the most fulfilling chapter of my life. I just keep pinching myself. I’ve met the most wonderful people and really am so grateful I gave it a go (despite the weird looks I got when explaining what I was doing!).

If you’ve ever wondered if doing what you love can also become your job — this is your sign. 💫

11/07/2025

✨ The Official Celestial Brisbane Video Is Here! ✨

Still pinching myself after this one… What an incredible night to host! Seeing everyone come together, creating such a magical and welcoming space, is exactly why I do what I do.

Thank you to every guest who brought the magic to life. Perth… you’re next!

https://youtu.be/9aR_gl7JhMw?si=DN8tdIfQDRGvwGO9

— Carly Vidal-Wallace, Host

Relive the unforgettable moments as Celestial Events brought the enchantment of a bookish community to life in Brisbane. From immersive experiences to heartf...