There was never any doubt in Thorn's mind about what she wanted to be when she grew up, and she got her first sewing machine at age six.

"I think it's always been a part of me. I've always loved fashion and making clothes and drawing since forever. I've always known this is where I want to be," she said.

She has participated in Cooma fashion show Fashionation twice, once in 2014 and again earlier this year, which gave her the confidence to apply for Fashfest.

"Doing the last few shows that I did in Cooma, that sort of gave me the confidence to go, 'yeah I actually have something here, I think I can push myself and do this again'. And then I applied and I got in which is amazing," she said.

In between finishing year 12, Thorn spent every weekend and spare moment designing and sewing. Her Fashfest collection is a range of retro-inspired streetwear, predominantly made from Australian wool, plus one floor-length evening gown which will be worn by former international model Anneliese Seubert.

Now based in Canberra, mother-of-two Seubert also grew up in Cooma, before she modelled for the likes of Dior, Gucci, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Hermes in the 1990s.

"I've known Charly since she was a little girl. [Her parents] have been great family friends for a long time, and I just thought, 'I have to model for her'," said Seubert.

"She was always making things, she's always been really creative."

Now that Thorn has finished school, she has applied for a traineeship with successful Cooma-based online retailer Birdsnest, and hopes to one day have her own label and boutique.

Thorn is the youngest designer at this year's Fashfest, which returns for its fourth year from September 29-October 1. It is again on at the Convention Centre, Canberra, with two shows on each of the three nights.