In a bold move that signals resilience and industry unity, the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has stepped forward to safeguard the future of Australian Fashion Week, transforming a potential crisis into an opportunity for reinvention.
A Unified Industry Response
When international event management company IMG announced its departure from Australian fashion events, the industry’s response was swift and decisive. Within days, nearly 70 key fashion professionals—including designers, executives, manufacturers, editors, and model representatives—gathered at the iconic Sydney Opera House to declare their commitment to continuing the resort 2026 collections showcase.
The dramatic demonstration, supported by New South Wales government officials, underscored the fashion community’s determination to maintain Australia’s premier fashion platform. This collective action highlights the sector’s strength and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.
Reimagining the Fashion Week Format
The AFC’s emerging strategy suggests a radical departure from traditional fashion week configurations. Instead of a centralised venue, the 2025 event is poised to feature a decentralised presentation model, with runway shows and exhibitions scattered across Sydney’s diverse urban landscape.
This innovative approach traces the event’s rich history—from its original home at Fox Studios Australia in 1996 to subsequent locations like the Overseas Passenger Terminal and Carriageworks. The potential new format promises to inject fresh energy into the established event while showcasing the city’s architectural and cultural diversity.
A Strategic Nonprofit Approach
By assuming management, the AFC brings a nonprofit perspective that aligns with successful international fashion weeks in Milan and Paris. This transition represents more than an administrative change; it signals a profound shift towards prioritising creative integrity and industry development over commercial interests.
The organisation’s leadership has articulated an ambitious vision: positioning Australian fashion on the global stage while delivering substantive economic and creative benefits to local designers and the broader textile sector.
Looking Forward: Opportunity in Transition
As the fashion industry anticipates this transformative moment, the AFC’s leadership appears committed to creating an inclusive, forward-thinking platform that celebrates Australia’s design talent. The upcoming resort 2026 collections showcase will likely be watched closely as a potential blueprint for future fashion event models.
With IMG’s local talent management and modelling divisions continuing to operate, the ecosystem supporting Australian fashion remains robust. The industry’s rapid, collaborative response demonstrates a collective spirit that may well become its most significant competitive advantage.
The next chapter of Australian Fashion Week is being written—not with uncertainty, but with creativity, determination, and a united vision for the future.
