Read the mag: Issue 197

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This month marked a pivotal change in Australian fashion. For the first time, Australian Fashion Week was held under the stewardship of the Australian Fashion Council.

It was a big deal, as the Council’s primary purpose is to champion a prosperous (and creative) fashion and textiles industry for the country – an imperative that sits in stark contrast to the event’s previous multinational owner. The change signalled a new direction for the industry, one that’s determined to platform Australian talent on the world stage without them needing to move overseas to find commercial success.

For more shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

At Fashion Journal, we’ve long believed our local designers are among the best in the world. It’s a driving factor behind our decision to exclusively spotlight local labels in our pages and platforms. We felt it fitting to use this issue to celebrate the full spectrum of design our country has to offer, spending a little extra time at its fringes.

There’s a plethora of raw, creative talent that calls Australia home, beyond what we see in the mainstream. Thanks to these creators, Australian fashion doesn’t fit neatly into a single narrative. They stretch the boundaries of local design, keeping it refreshing and fun.

Within these pages, we highlight the creatively restless who don’t just reflect Australian culture but actively shape it. You’ll find the origin story of a local designer inspired by old-school rag traders, including her great-great-grandfather. You’ll hear from those who put artistic pursuit over profit, valuing fashion as art above all else. You’ll meet the local shoemakers who, in the face of commercial infeasibility, are keeping a dwindling industry alive.

Our team acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the many lands on which this issue was made. Their resilience and creativity inspire us every day.

As the industry shifts, we’re hopeful – not just for what Australian fashion can become but for those who are driving it forward.

To browse past issues of Fashion Journal head here.