North Queenslander with designs on success

Designer Jason Chetcuti, of Mackay, made it to the finals with a “dream dress” for Australia's Miss Universe representative Olivia Wells, and hopes to see his work on the Moscow catwalk.

A labour of love, Mr Chetcuti spent over 250 hours creating the pure silk and chiffon gown, adding intricate beadwork, feathers, shells and jewels to capture the beauty of one of Australia's natural icons.

Mr Chetcuti appeared earlier this week on Seven's Sunrise with his fellow finalists, to show off his creation and encourage competition voting.

Mr Chetcuti told The Newsport he was inspired after travelling to Cairns and Port Douglas and watching a documentary on the Reef.

"I love the colours and the lifestyle of this region," he said. "I wanted to show the curves of the female form, whilst combining elements of Australian beaches (the cascade of sparkling jewels) the sexy silhouette reflects our weather and beach culture. The ostrich feather reflects Australia's unique fauna."

Inspired by Italian fashion legend Valentino, Mr Chetcuti knew he wanted a career in the industry at 15. The budding designer began illustrating designs of his own, mentored by a family friend with skills in fashion and garment assembly.

“I was soon entering and winning fashion competitions throughout Queensland with designs from evening wear to active sports," he said.

A stint in Paris honed his talents in draping and design for haute couture, and established his own fashion label, ChETCUTI, after returning to Australia. One of his first jobs was designing and developing a corporate wardrobe for Bank of Queensland.

At 20, Mr Chetcuti moved to Sydney, establishing a made-to-measure design business from his Kensington garage.

“I had great fun making costumes, wedding dresses, and street wear for friends and clients," he said. "Eventually, I had my own store on Crown Street in colourful Darlinghurst where even the occasional celebrity would come in to browse, chat and buy the odd frock.”

Not one to rest on his (ever fashionable) laurels, Mr Chetcuti has appeared on Kerri Anne Kennerly’s morning show, featured in SBS presenter Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista documentary, and was a contestant in the second series of Project Runway.

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