This year marked a milestone for the Macleay with the very first Macleay Valley Fashion Show — an event that not only celebrated style but also set a benchmark for future community showcases.
The show was the vision of Jacky Piper Industries (JPI), founded just over a year ago by long-time friends and Crescent Head locals Jacky Piper and Leah Hudson. Together, they have built more than a business, they’ve created a platform that brings people together and opens doors for local talent.
Meet the Powerhosue behind JPI
Many know Jacky for her work in hair and make-up, but not everyone realises the powerhouse partnership behind JPI. After building her career in Newcastle, Jacky returned home to freelance and establish her own brand. Leah, equally inspiring, has balanced running multiple businesses with raising her blended family of six children.
Having known each other since childhood, the two reconnected when they both returned to the Macleay. Their energy, respect, and shared vision sparked the creation of JPI. “Industries” was deliberately chosen for the name, leaving room to grow into new creative ventures including fashion.
Why a Fashion Show?
Both Jacky and Leah knew the Macleay was bursting with creative potential but lacked outlets for expression. They wanted to give young people real-life opportunities to showcase their skills, beyond what’s available in schools. The Macleay Valley Fashion Show became that opportunity a stage where emerging designers, artists, models, and businesses could collaborate and shine.
“We wanted something that brought together as many locals as possible — from make-up to hospitality, from wearable art to design,” Jacky explained. “It was about building confidence and showing our community what’s possible.”
Building the Event
The idea was born in the salon, as many great ideas are, during conversations with clients. To make it happen, Jacky and Leah teamed up with world-renowned make-up artist Chris King, whose global experience helped bring the event to life. Local businesses including Rawspice, Beaux Laidy, Harley & Rose, Kahana & Moku, and Mokea jumped on board immediately.
The team also collaborated with artists Jason and Roxanne Ridgeway (Blackboycreations) and Carly Marchment, alongside designers Karina Brien, Emily Clarke, Joel Agostini, Mary Walker, Willow Miles, and Nancy Pattison. From wearable art to upcycled designs, the ideas flowed — and the magic that unfolded on the catwalk proved how powerful collaboration can be.
The Night
Behind the scenes, the show ran seamlessly thanks to Chris’s expertise and training from model coach Tione Hawkins. For many of the local models, it was their first experience on the runway, and their confidence lit up the stage. The atmosphere was electric — both backstage and in the audience.
What made the night even more special was seeing how deeply the show celebrated Macleay culture and creativity. Local artists and designers had a platform, young people were given opportunities, and the community came together to witness something truly unique.
Congratulations to the team!
Jacky, Leah & Chris.
The inaugural Macleay Valley Fashion Show was nothing short of a success. Jacky, Leah, and Chris, along with their network of artists, designers, and models, created an unforgettable night that inspired both participants and the community alike.
For many, it was the first time they believed something like this could happen here in the Macleay. For others, it reignited a passion to create. Either way, it has sparked a movement that is only just beginning.
And as for next year? While they’re not giving too much away, the team has promised it will be “bigger and better” — with more time to plan, more opportunities for locals, and even more inspiration for the Macleay.
