Osher Gunsberg and Jimi the Kween were among the thousands of revellers letting their hair down and flaunting eye-catching outfits at Sweet Relief.
The one-day music and fashion festival in Brisbane on Saturday had been billed as a place where ‘self-expression is applauded and togetherness celebrated’.
Esteemed dance, electronic and live acts were the major draw along with Australia’s Biggest Dress Up Contest.
Gunsberg and Kween hosted the fashion event on the main stage with the pair having their work cut out for them as revellers sported an array of quirky outfits.
Many were in the ‘barely there’ category wearing close to nothing while others went over the top with their creations.
Host Osher Gunsberg (right) is pictured taking notes the old-fashioned way, with a pen and paper
Glamorous outfits? Check. Water bottle? Check. Toy horse strapped to your trousers? Check
If in doubt about what the wear, go for black. It’s always in fashion and helps make a noticeable entrance
Or you could always wear matching orange outfits, that’s very 2023 festival season too
While most people made an effort to dress for success at Sweet Relief, some went the extra mile with fabulous nails too
These two Sweet Relief attendees look very happy to be attending the first major spring/summer music and fashion event
Gunsberg led the daring assortment with a red and blue marbled suit paired with a t-shirt with the Aboriginal flag imprinted on it.
Cowboy hats, fishnet tops and bikinis under sheer skirts were the common sight amid the bustling crowd.
A group of revellers opted for the extra terrestrial touch choosing to wear shiny silver clothes, headbands and carry an alien face pouch.
The rest of the festival certainly didn’t disappoint with the likes of Groove Armada bringing their legendary DJ set.
There was also a live set by Melbourne’s kings of psychedelic, electronic dance music, the Avalanches.
Pink was well and truly in vogue at Sweet Relief, both for women and men (pictured)
Sometimes a powder blue cowboy hat is exactly what you need to top off a racy ensemble
If you have ever wondered what to do with Christmas glitter tassles when it’s not Christmas, wonder no more – they can be a fashion accessory (pictured)
Shoes were also a big fashion item flaunted at Sweet Relief, from black boots with pink laces (right) to a pair where one sneaker is purple and the other yellow (left)
The headliners were joined by the likes of Ladyhawke, Cut Copy DJs, Nina Las Vegas, Latifa Tee and YO! Mafia.
And Australia’s favourite Queer Dance Party, Poof Doof Pride Patrol featuring Jimi The Kween took care of the needs of all those who like the sweeter sounds.
The drag scene was also well represented by Beverley Kills of Rupaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Ruby Slippers and Luna Thicc.
Festival-goers were encouraged to flaunt their creativity and strut their stuff on an Academy Award-style catwalk.
Osher Gunsberg wore not just a fine purple and blue suit, he had a well-worn Aboriginal flag t-shirt underneath (pictured)
Gunsberg (centre) is pictured hosting the fashion parade and competition at Sweet Relief
Cowboy hats (pictured) were not just a popular fashion item at Sweet Relief, they also provided some sweet relief from the sun
‘If you’ve got it, flaunt it,’ is what this contestant in the fashion contest seems to be saying
These two attendees seem to be looking for a lost friend. Hopefully they found them
The contest had a huge prize pool of more than $15,000, including a luxury tropical getaway to Far North Queensland.
‘Sweet Relief is Australia’s biggest dress-up party, and for this gig – I get to be a judge,’ Gunsberg said.
‘As a through and through Brizzo, I’m stoked to come home to see two of my all-time favourites, The Avalanches and Groove Armada.’
The festival came as Brisbane enjoyed a relatively warm start to the weekend.
The mercury was forecast to peak at 26C with revellers making the most of the blue skies to relax under the sun.
A woman wearing angel wings (pictured) seems lost in the revery of the music at Sweet Relief
A pride ladder (pictured) not only looks good in itself, it is also a good spot from where to have your photo taken
Sunglasses, hats and liquid refreshments – these partiers were all prepared for the day ahead
These wise festival goers (pictured) were also showing sun sense with hats and sunglasses
But if you can combine fashionable sunglasses with fabulous, sparkly outfits, that’s even better
Alien handbags and space explorer boots (pictured) helped complete the look
Angel wings are always a popular accessory at music festivals, but few wore them as well as these women (pictured)
If you have even wondered where 1970s-style wedding shirts went to, wonder no more, they have been rehabilitated (pictured right) in the 2020s
Overall Sweet Relief went off with a bang, with crowds enjoying the music, the fashion and the sunny conditions.
Whether it was a financial success remains to be seen – we will know for sure if there is a Sweet Relief 2 in 2024.
Tattoos, such as those on the two women pictured, were also a popular fashion accessory at Sweet Relief
If one person has a good idea about what t-shirt to wear to a festival, there is no harm in his mates copying him (pictured)
Osher Gunsberg (pictured right) seemed very amused by the antics of the pink-clad superhero (left)
Overall Sweet Relief (pictured) went off with a bang, with crowds enjoying the music, the fashion and the sunny conditions
