The future of Australian Fashion Week (AFW) has taken a promising turn, with the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and Destination NSW joining forces to produce the iconic event in 2025. This development marks a significant milestone for the Australian fashion industry, which has faced uncertainty since IMG Fashion Events and Properties withdrew its support in November 2023.
The industry’s swift response to this setback has been nothing short of inspiring. Designers, industry leaders, and fashion enthusiasts rallied together, culminating in a poignant gathering at the Sydney Opera House. This collective effort, spearheaded by AFC CEO Jaana Quantance-James, successfully garnered government support to secure the event’s future.
The NSW government’s commitment to AFW was solidified by the Honourable John Graham, Minister for Arts, Night Time Economy and Music. He emphasized the event’s crucial role in showcasing Australia’s thriving fashion industry and its talented designers.
With the backing of the NSW government, the 2025 program is set to proceed as planned, returning to Carriageworks from May 12-16. To ensure a seamless transition and a bright future for AFW, the AFC has enlisted the expertise of Simon Lock, a co-founder of the event. Lock, who played a pivotal role in AFW’s early years, will contribute his invaluable knowledge and experience to shape the event’s future direction.
The AFC chair, Marianne Perkovic, expressed her confidence in the new team and their ability to deliver a world-class event that benefits designers, buyers, and the entire fashion ecosystem.
As the fashion industry eagerly awaits further details, the new year promises to bring exciting announcements regarding the AFW 2025 program and the team behind it.
