INTERVIEW with Chona Allen || The Solo Launch on 9 November 2024
SD: Hi, Chona. It's great to interview you again. Can you please introduce yourself for my readers?
CA: I’m Chona Allen, proudly born and raised in the Philippines, often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Orient.' I hold a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Mass Communications and Broadcasting, along with an associate degree in Public Speaking. Currently based in Brisbane, I’m an internationally published commission fine artist, as well as a fashion model and designer.
SD: Tell us more about your upcoming event this November.
CA: This event is the realisation of my vision—my ‘Artwork on the Catwalk’ masterpiece, the Avant-Garde Fashion Show and Art Exhibition.
It is the fusion of my two passions—art and fashion—in a groundbreaking way. I’ve embraced sustainable fashion by up-cycling and recycling used dresses, and hand-painting them to create unique avant-garde pieces. My aim is to demonstrate the potential of recycled materials, enhancing their value by incorporating my original hand-painted designs. Beyond the fashion show, I’m giving back to the community through charitable auctions of my paintings. The event also provides a platform for models, helping them celebrate their individuality within the fashion industry.
Join me for this debut event on November 9, 2024, at 5:30 PM at the Blue Pacific Showroom, Kedron Wavell Services Club. This is a revolutionary event produced and presented by J'GLORE AUSTRALIA, in collaboration with the Queensland Filipino-Australian Arts Association.
SD: What's different about this event?
CA: Imagine a world where canvas and catwalk unite, telling stories of resilience with every brushstroke, and embodying empowerment with every color. This event will revolutionise how fashion and art are perceived, breaking the boundaries between the two. My goal is to showcase the powerful synergy of art and fashion, highlighting the beauty of materials saved from the landfill.
This is more than just a fashion show—it's a celebration of life, sustainability, and the innovative fusion of art, fashion, and philanthropy. It will inspire, uplift, and challenge your expectations of what’s possible, all executed by one vision.
SD: What's the inspiration behind this event in November?
CA: The inspiration behind this event is to showcase the gifts and talents that have been given to Chona. No matter how difficult the journey, every story holds the potential to inspire. This event is a reflection of that—each artwork personifies the trials, details, and moments that shaped the artist's journey. I want to show that success isn't defined by age, gender, post code, or background. It’s about the content you create and how you use your creativity to bless the world. Through this event, I aim to demonstrate how art can make the world a better place by turning life's challenges into beautiful creations.
SD: How do you want women to feel when wearing your designs?
CA: Not just women, but men as well—I want them to feel empowered by their individuality and uniqueness, especially when they wear pieces they've commissioned me to create. Each design is a tangible manifestation of their ideas, brought to life through my hands. There's a common slogan that says, "You do you." I want to add even more value to this concept by celebrating individuality with no judgment—just pure acceptance and creative love.
SD: What do you enjoy most about designing?
CA: When I'm in my studio, I enter into a creative zone, and that's what I enjoy the most—the flow of inspiration that comes during the process. It's like a download of endless ideas as I work on each piece, making every design unique. Each creation carries my identity, like a thumbprint on the art, reflecting both my personal style and the individual story of the person it's made for.
- Photo Credits -
First photo by: Priyantha Malavi
Second photo by: Jonathan Ramoza
Featuring: Mercy Woods, Annie Morales, Roxanne O’dea, Lekky Wakeley and Chona Allen
Buy tickets to Chona Allen’s event HERE now:
Diamond ticket/s include:
Early bird VIP party
Free Access to official professional event photographer
Media wall access to other event photographers
Free 1 glass of alcoholic drink
Cocktail Buffet Canapés
Gold and Silver ticket/s includes:
Media wall access to other event photographers
Cocktail Canapés
Chona Allen’s Links:
Website: https://chonaallen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chonaallen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chonasart