Brisbane's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival is now at risk of being overshadowed by a debut Sydney show pumped up with NSW taxpayers' cash.

Sydney's festival ends on August 17 with Brisbane's opening on August 24.

Local industry figures have cried foul, saying the Sydney organisers would have been well aware of Brisbane's dates.

Brisbane Fashion Festival director Lindsay Bennett said yesterday the timing meant local organisers would be competing for national designers and Australia-wide media attention.

He said the Brisbane dates had been set in stone.

"Our dates were set in November last year, so there's no way we could change the dates," Mr Bennett said.

"Geographically, we are so well placed to be launching spring/summer fashion in August, whereas it's still cold in Sydney.

"It's a shame Sydney are doing one, but . . . we have a two-year history and a reputation for putting on a quality event."

Sydney's IMG Fashion managing director Simon Lock said their festival dates were decided "months ago" to coincide with the retail fashion industry's busiest selling season.

"Certainly from the national media perspective both festivals will be competing but the fact they're in different weeks should make a difference," Mr Lock said.

But Mr Bennett admitted Brisbane's event would be at a disadvantage financially.

Sydney Fashion Festival, which is backed by IMG Fashion, also has a $1.25 million NSW Government funding pledge over the next five years.

Mr Bennett would not reveal how much the Queensland Government had contributed to last year's Brisbane festival, except that it was "significantly less" that that received by the Sydney Fashion Festival. But he said he was hoping to secure 20 per cent more funding this year.

"If we don't have the cash, we'll still make it happen.

"We'll have to hold our head up tall and proud and say: 'This is us'. As long as we have the support of the city, we'll continue to be able to grow this event," he said.

Ticket sales to last year's Brisbane festival increased by 40 per cent, with 9000 people attending.

Both Sydney and Brisbane festivals will offer with runway shows, workshops and parties.

Unlike Sydney's trade-only Australian Fashion Week, fashion festivals such as Brisbane's are aimed at driving retail sales. Clothes on their catwalks are available in stores.

The schedules for both festivals are yet to be announced.