The local fashion industry’s thoughts on the murky future of Australian Fashion Week
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
What Australian Fashion Week means to those in the industry.
The recent news that media company, IMG Fashion and Events, has withdrawn its backing for Australian Fashion Week has sent shockwaves throughout the industry. Having owned and operated the annual event since 2005, it puts the future of Australian Fashion Week at risk, unless a new owner is secured.
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Held in Sydney, Australian Fashion Week has long been a platform for Australian fashion designers, positioning local talent in front of a global audience. Given that Australian Fashion Week is dependent on so many industries coming together – from designers to media, advertising, beauty companies, models and more – its uncertain future has far-reaching implications. Below, those in the industry share their thoughts following the recent announcement.
Isabelle Hellyer, creative director at All Is a Gentle Spring
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“As far as I’m aware, IMG’s parent company was (reportedly) acquired by a venture capital firm, Silver Lake, over a decade ago. Obviously, the vibrancy of Australian Fashion isn’t a consideration – why would it be? The event was a small part of a large portfolio, and there’s a profit motive.
That isn’t to discount the efforts of the local team, who do have relationships with young designers – I mean, thank God we had those Alix Higgins shows, really. But I know Alix would find another outlet with ease, as would we. The live presentation is important. A gentle spring show would only grow more spirited, lush, and free if it were held off-schedule, off-beat.”
Anna Quan, designer and founder of Anna Quan
“My first thought is that it’s sad for new and emerging designers. It was an affordable and impactful platform. A lot of major names in our current industry got their start at Next Gen. How do we shine a light and nurture new and emerging talent?
The landscape has changed enormously and while success in fashion has always been more favourable to people with deep pockets, it will be [even] more so. Australian Fashion Week isn’t the be-all and end-all but it’s a stepping stone amongst many steps that you take in the industry to gain credibility and recognition.”
Liandra Gaykamangu, creative director and founder of Liandra
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“Initially I was quite surprised, as I had been in touch with the team recently about the 2025 shows and interested in possibly activating a presence again. However, while I was sad to hear the news, I am keen to see how the event might be resurrected in the future and who may come to the rescue.
I have loved working with IMG, their team have been nothing short of encouraging and supportive to me over the past four years – where I have shown consecutively from 2021 to 2024. It is a blow to our Australian industry, to lose IMG’s international reach and presence and I hope that the event, whenever it is on again, continues to create platforms, attention and interest from the international world of buyers and media.”
Jordan Gogos, designer and founder of Iordanes Spyridon Gogos
“At the end of the day, it’s not IMG’s job to uphold the industry. It’s the government’s role to support an industry that’s struggling. Fashion constantly resets and this is another one of those moments.”
Jackie Galleghan, founder, creative director and Head of Sustainability at Madre Natura
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“Madre Natura’s debut at Australian Fashion Week was a huge milestone and we were so proud to be a part [of the event] and for IMG and Australian Fashion Week 2024 to facilitate our bold concept and shine a spotlight on our vision for an optimistic future for Australian fashion. I’m sure the news today will be felt deeply across the industry.”
Chair Marianne Perkovic and CEO Jaana Quaintance-James of the Australian Fashion Council
“Turning to the future, we know we need a platform to profile and celebrate Australian fashion. This moment signals an opportunity for the industry to reimagine and reshape how Australian fashion is represented and provides us all with an opportunity to explore new ways in which to showcase emerging and established Australian talent.”
Caroline ‘Ralph’ Ralphsmith, Chief Executive Officer at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival
“Australian Fashion Week has made a significant impact in supporting the Australian fashion industry and putting Australian designers on the global stage. The Australian fashion industry is rich and diverse and deserves to be celebrated, however, the market for designers is tough and consumer confidence is low. With the digital transformation in the global economy and the local economic climate, the investment into an industry event like Australian Fashion Week is challenging for designers.
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival has been running for 28 years as a not-for-profit organisation, with varied and diverse revenue sources, and is squarely placed in the direct-to-consumer space. This consumer model is open to everyone to attend and in 2024 delivered over 10% growth in attendance and highest customer satisfaction results on record, and planning is well underway for our 2025 Festival.”
melbournefashionfestival.com.au
For more about the future of Australian Fashion Week, head here.
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