The Times Australia
Fashion and Beauty

.

Runway With a Hug: Gary Bigeni’s Colourful Comeback

  • Written by Cesar Ocampo


By Cesar Ocampo

Photographer | AFW 2025

Some designers you photograph once, admire from afar, and move on. But others — like Gary Bigeni — pull you in and never let go. Not because of the spectacle, but because of the soul.

I’ve been lucky enough to shoot every one of Gary’s runway shows at Australian Fashion Week since he first took to the schedule. Each time, his shows feel like a celebration — not just of fashion, but of individuality, identity, and the beautiful, vibrant communities that surround him. This year, at AFW 2025 Day 4, I found myself back where I always am during his shows: behind the lens, smiling as I shoot.

There’s a kind of warmth in Gary’s world that translates so effortlessly into every frame. Polka dots, bright colour blocking, sequins, silkscreen prints — yes, they make the photos pop. But what gives them life is the way they move with the people wearing them. His collections aren’t built to sit still. They’re made to dance, to laugh, to hug — just like Gary himself.

 

This year’s runway ended just the way I hoped it would — in a full-blown burst of dancing and joy, hugs and applause. It’s a signature now, this emotional release at the end of his shows. The moment the final look passes, music swells, and his cast — which always reflects a beautiful spectrum of sizes, ages, and identities — come together in one collective embrace.

For me as a photographer, those are the most meaningful frames to capture. They’re not staged, not polished, and that’s exactly the point. They’re real. They’re Gary.

Over the years, I’ve seen how he casts not just models, but people — friends, muses, icons — like this year’s surprise runway debut from Melissa Leong, who absolutely radiated confidence and grace. His runways have never been about chasing trends; they’re about rewriting what a runway can be.

Gary’s refusal to shrink his vision or cast according to outdated industry norms isn’t just admirable — it’s necessary. In a world that’s far too quick to regress into narrow definitions of beauty, his shows remind us that style is for everyone. And photographing that truth — year after year — has become one of the greatest honours of my career.

I’ll never forget the first Bigeni show I covered. The energy backstage, the colour on the runway, the thunderous cheers at the end. I remember thinking: this is what fashion should feel like. And now, five shows later, it still does.

Every show leaves me inspired. Not just as an artist — but as a person. Gary brings the joy. And I’ll be there to capture it, every time.

 

Times Magazine

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

CNC Machining Meets Stage Design - Black Swan State Theatre Company & Tommotek

When artistry meets precision engineering, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what unfolded when Tommotek worked alongside the Black Swan State Theatre Company on several of their innovative stage productions. With tight deadlines and intrica...

The Times Features

Cult Favourite, TokyoTaco, Opens Beachfront at Mooloolaba this June

FREE Tokyo Tacos to Celebrate!  Cult favourite Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco is opening a beachfront venue at the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast t...

Samsara Eco and lululemon announce 10 year partnership

lululemon and Samsara Eco Announce 10-Year Plan to Advance Recycled Material Portfolio Plan will see lululemon source a significant portion of its future nylon 6,6 and polyes...

The viral diet that could boost your immunity during winter

As we settle into the winter months, immune health becomes top of mind, and the latest food trend gaining traction may be worth taking seriously, especially when it comes to st...

Running Across Australia: What Really Holds the Body Together?

How William Goodge’s 3,800km run reveals the connection between movement, mindset, and mental resilience As a business owner, I’ve come to realise that the biggest wins rarely com...

Telehealth is Transforming Healthcare Services in Australia

It has traditionally not been easy to access timely healthcare in Australia, particularly for people who live in remote areas. Many of them spend hours on the road just to see...

Launchd Acquires Huume, Strengthening Creative Firepower Across Talent-Led Marketing

Launchd, a leader in talent, technology and brand partnerships, has announced its acquisition of influencer talent management agency Huume from IZEA. The move comes as the medi...