How to attend this year’s Australian Fashion Week if you don’t work in the industry
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRETT CLARK
WORDS BY ZEMIRA WHITEHEAD
Take note.
Australian Fashion Week (AFW), once an industry-only event, is slowly becoming more accessible to the wider public. With AFW integrating several consumer events across the schedule, fashion fans are now able to join in (and possibly get snapped at Carriageworks, home of the iconic event).
Discover more up-and-coming local designers in our Fashion section.
Running from May 13 to 17, this year’s program boasts an expertly curated selection of runway shows, presentations and various industry-related activities and talks to sit in on. So whether you’ve cleared your week in preparation or you’re simply hoping to dip your toe in with a single event, we have you covered. Here are some of the standout events that are open to the public.
Day one
Sustainability Symposium: The Future of Fashion Presented by City of Sydney, 2pm
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This roundtable discussion will take a look at sustainability within the fashion industry and explore what a circular fashion industry looks like in practice. With key fashion executives weighing in, it’s set to be an informative and engaging way to start the week.
Find out more here.
Carla Zampatti Presented by Porsche, 8pm
The opening night will start out strong with iconic Australian label Carla Zampatti returning to AFW after a four-year hiatus. For more than 55 years, the label has created timeless womenswear characterised by its bold, clean lines and Italian sensibility. This runway show will present the label’s Resort ’25 collection and if you’re making a day of it, it’s the perfect runway to follow the sustainability panel earlier that afternoon.
Find out more here.
Day two
Women With Drive: Karlie Ungar Presented by Porsche, 12pm
This series of talks focuses on female thought leaders in Australian fashion. Following the previous day’s Carla Zampatti show, the label’s Creative Director Karlie Ungar and CEO Alex Schuman will speak on honouring the legacy of the label and making their mark in the industry.
Find out more here.
The Talks: Go West: The Rise of Western Sydney Culture, 5pm
Western Sydney is a rapidly growing and culturally diverse community with a thriving arts and fashion scene. However, due to a class divide, the West continues to get a bad rap with crime and poverty preceding its reputation. In this panel, designer Chris Potirakis, musician Esky Escandor and Russh Magazine‘s Arts and Culture Editor Jasmine Pirovic will discuss their views on Western Sydney and its impacts on Australian culture.
Find out more here.
Acler, 8.30pm
Australian label Acler is known for its sleek silhouettes and refined minimalism. Expect to see technically exquisite pieces making their way down the runway, complete with bold pops of colour, hand-tooled hardware and handpainted prints.
Find out more here.
Day three
Women With Drive: Marina Afonina Presented by Porsche, 1pm
The next talk in the Women With Drive series will feature Albus Lumen’s Founder and Creative Director, Marina Afonina. Albus Lumen’s manifesto is simple: to make easy work of getting dressed with modern designs made from the finest natural fabrics and crafted with a conscience.
Aside from running her own label, Marina is also one of Australia’s most sought-after stylists working across high-end magazines and styling names like Elle Mcpherson, Tessa James and Lara Worthington. If you’re eager to hear about the treasure trove of fashion and industry knowledge sh’s accrued over her career, this is the talk for you.
Find out more here.
The Talks: Made for Music, 5pm
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This panel will feature Sydney-based designer Alix Higgins, stylist Jana Bartolo and Triple J’s Tyrone Pynor. Together they’ll unpack the relationship between music and fashion and how the two industries have influenced the way we present ourselves to the world.
Find out more here.
Romance Was Born, 8.30pm
Renowned duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, the Founders and Designers behind the iconic Australian label Romance Was Born, are known for creating breathtaking pieces featuring intricate beading, detailed embroidery, bright colours, vibrant prints and plenty of florals. This will be a memorable show worth clearing your schedule for.
Find out more here.
Day four
Women With Drive: Liandra Gaykamangu Presented by Porsche, 12pm
The third Women With Drive talk will feature Liandra Gaykamangu, the Founder and Creative Director of Liandra Swim. Coming from the Yolngu community in East Arnhem Land, Liandra’s fashion journey is deeply rooted in her cultural background and the landscapes of her island home. Join this discussion to hear how Liandra has built her business and the influence of her family on her creative endeavours.
Find out more here.
The Talks: Changemakers 2024, 5pm
Since its launch in 2021, IMG’s Changemakers has spotlighted individuals shaping the evolution of Australian fashion on a global scale. This panel will feature the 2024 cohort as they discuss Australian fashion’s cultural impact and what they see for the future of Australian fashion.
Find out more here.
David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway, 8.30pm
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This year will mark AFW’s fourth year hosting the Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway. Each designer set to take the runway is part of the Indigenous Fashion Projects Pathways Program supported by David Jones, which cultivates business development and cross-cultural learning through a series of industry-led workshops and mentorships.
Find out more here.
Day five
The Talks: Now and Next: New Directions in Australian Fashion Presented by Glenfiddich, 5pm
For the last night of AFW, a panel of journalists and industry professionals will come together to discuss the key trends of the week. Featuring Le Bon Marche consultant Nathalie Constanty, Moda Operandi’s Ready-to-Wear Buyer Kelsey Lyle, David Jones General Manager of Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories and Popsugar’s Amanda Bardas, this will be the ideal way to wrap up a week of jam-packed fashion moments. .
Find out more here.
Pandora’s Australian Fashion Week Closing Night Runway, 8pm
AFW’s presenting partner will finish off the week by celebrating creativity and innovation in this runway featuring established and emerging Australian designers.
Find out more here.
View Australian Fashion Week’s entire schedule here.
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