All eyes of the fashion world will be firmly fixed on Sydney later this month as it hosts the first live fashion shows anywhere in the world for more than a year.
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) runs from 31 May to 4 June and will showcase more than 70 established and emerging Australian designers, with runway shows at Carriageworks and online, as well as workshops, panel talks, masterclasses, live podcasts and more.
Supported by the City of Sydney, AAFW will also profile First Nations designers and have a new focus on sustainability.
The City will host a panel discussion featuring some of the fashion industry's top names and sustainability pioneers, including eco-conscious Maggie Marilyn designer Maggie Hewitt, Nobody Denim Co-Founder John Condilis, and Glam Corner's Audrey Khaing-Jones. 'Fashioning the Future' will shine the spotlight on sustainability in fashion, exploring its role at the forefront of the global fashion dialogue and the bigger picture around social sustainability.
"We feel so excited and honoured to be presenting at AAFW this year," said Maggie Hewitt. "Not only is it a chance for us to showcase Maggie Marilyn in Australia but being part of the panel for Fashioning the Future will allow us to connect with other brands who share our values."
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: "The past year of Covid restrictions has been particularly hard on our valuable creative industries, including fashion. AAFW represents a fantastic kickstart to the industry's recovery, offering the city and our stable of talented designers a unique opportunity to be showcased globally.
"This year's focus on eco-conscious and sustainable designers and fashion practices is in keeping with the City's long-term commitment to the environment, to addressing the worsening climate crisis, and to delivering sustainable programs across the City and local government area."
As part of the City's sponsorship, AAFW has also developed a sustainability strategy to reduce the environmental impact of the event and bring awareness and thought leadership to the fashion industry regarding sustainability issues.
Initiatives implemented as part of sustainable event management include reduction of single-use plastic, elimination of plastic straws, waste-paper reduction and energy efficiency strategies. Sustainable guidelines are also promoted to all participating designers, set designers, event producers, media, suppliers, delegates, staff and attendees.
"We can show the world that Sydney is a hub for fashion innovation and a leader in sustainably produced fashion and events.
"AAFW will give us the opportunity to celebrate sustainable fashion by offering a platform for the industry and designers to show their own sustainable fashion initiatives in practice."
AAFW is Australia's premier fashion event and a showcase for some of the biggest names in the industry. Run by International Management Group (IMG) and supported by the City's annual sponsorship, it provides a fashion platform for local brands to connect with a global audience of buyers, media and consumers.
