Australian Fashion Week has been reimagined and rebooted for 2025. The event has been firmly and newly set-up as an event to support the growth and evolution of Australian fashion, and for the first time in its history it will be led by the industry, for the industry.
The Australian Fashion Council has taken over the stewardship with a not- for- profit model, more closely aligned to how fashion weeks operate in other countries like France, the UK and the USA.
The new event should elevate the position of Australian design in the minds of local and international consumers and buyers, while driving economic value for fashion businesses. AFW will also position Australia as a creative and sophisticated nation, and Sydney, as an innovative centre of fashion. Simon Lock, who originally co- founded the event, and who sold to the now departed IMG in 2005, is back on board with his considerable fashion world know-how, and to make sure everything is smooth sailing.
Participating designers for 2025 include:
Aje, Alix Higgins, Bassike, Beare Park, Bianca Spender, Boteh, Buluuy Mirrii, Carla Zampatti, Farage, Gary Bigeni,Haluminous, Hansen & Gretel, Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, Joseph & James, Karla Spetic, Ksubi, Lee Mathews, Liandra, Macgraw, Mariam Seddiq, Miimi + Jiinda, Nagnata, Ngali, Nicol + Ford, Permanent Vacation, Romance Was Born and SIR. the label, 1800 Psycho.
Also on schedule for the first time in 2025 is the new The Frontier Group Show including the established and semi- emerging designers:
Amy Lawrance, Courtney Zheng, Common Hours, ESSE, MATIN, Paris Georgia and
Wynn Hamlyn.
The AFC appointed respected industry leader Kellie Hush as CEO of Australian Fashion Week in January. At the launch she said, “We are thrilled to come together to celebrate the designers participating in AFC Australian Fashion Week 2025. The schedule has been carefully curated to showcase the very best that Australian fashion has to offer. Our exceptional talent is in high demand both locally and abroad, highlighting the criticality of this dedicated global platform for them to shine.”
Since IMG departed, the whole industry came together to bring AFW back to Sydney. Multiple partners and sponsors, as well as the NSW Government, have all offered their support.
Aby Shukla, SharkNinja, Managing Director ANZ, presenting partner Shark Beauty said, “Shark Beauty is thrilled to celebrate the incredible creativity and innovation of Australian designers. Our commitment to empowering individuals to be the best version of themselves aligns perfectly with the transformative energy of fashion. We are excited to support this platform that showcases bold visions and exceptional talent from across the country, and we look forward to being a part of this exciting chapter in the Australian fashion industry.”
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, said, “The NSW Government is proud to support the revamped Australian Fashion Week which not only adds a stylish touch to Sydney’s cultural scene but also sews new opportunities for our creative and retail industries by giving designers a platform to showcase their creativity to new markets. I’m delighted to see Australian Fashion Week continue in Sydney, the fashion capital of Australia, highlighting the vital role of retail tourism in the NSW visitor economy and showcasing the enduring influence of Australian fashion talent on the global stage”.
ABOUT AFC AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK
AFC Australian Fashion Week, part of AFC Fashion Events Pty Ltd—a subsidiary of the Australian Fashion Council (AFC)—2025 marks its first year as an industry-driven event. Recognised as an important event on the arts and cultural calendar of the NSW Government, it is supported by Destination NSW. The event will showcase the best of Australian fashion talent to domestic and international buyers to facilitate the trade and export opportunities, while fostering meaningful connections between designers, retailers, media, and industry leaders. With a focus on delivering real outcomes for the Australian fashion and textile eco-system, AFC Australian Fashion Week provides a platform to elevate local talent, drive conversations on the future of fashion, and position Australia as a global leader in fashion, creativity and innovation.
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN FASHION COUNCIL
The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is the not-for-profit peak body for the Australian fashion and textile industry, representing the sector for over 70 years. AFC members are Australian founded or majority owned businesses involved in producing fabric, clothing, footwear or accessories. The AFC champion and advocate for a prosperous and creative Australian fashion and textiles industry, with the purpose of building a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem for our member community through education, collaboration and innovation.
AFC Australian Fashion Week will take place from 12–16 May 2025 at Carriageworks in Sydney, Australia
