Australian Fashion Week (AFW) is undergoing significant changes, shrinking its format for this year. The event, which has been managed by the Australian Fashion Council since IMG stepped back in November 2024, will feature a shortened four-day schedule in May, with plans to focus on quality over quantity.
Carriageworks, a key venue for the event, will host only two runway spaces on May 13 and 14, with the remainder of the week reserved for shows at private venues. Notably, the venue will have a dedicated space named after Carla Zampatti, an Australian fashion legend, reflecting the event’s roots in Australian fashion history.
AFW CEO Kellie Hush emphasized that this year’s changes were necessary for the future of the event, describing the streamlined schedule as a “stepping stone.” She explained that a condensed format was required to ensure the event could move forward while still delivering high-quality shows, catering to what the industry truly wants.
A number of major brands, including Aje, Carla Zampatti, and Lee Mathews, are returning to AFW. Meanwhile, newcomers like Farage, Nagnata, and Sir The Label will debut at the event. Other popular Australian designers, such as Romance Was Born, Beare Park, and Gary Bigeni, are also on the roster.
Aje co-founder Adrian Norris shared his thoughts on the shift in AFW’s management, revealing that the brand would not have participated under IMG’s leadership. While acknowledging that they could survive without the event, Norris emphasized the importance of showing up for both the industry and their business, with Aje hosting its off-site show at Barangaroo.
Beare Park designer Gabriella Pereira is also adjusting her approach, using the reset of AFW to present a “see now, buy now” collection rather than showcasing pieces for future buyers. By offering immediate orders via the Beare Park website, Pereira is putting the customer first and catering to demand from buyers who don’t want to wait until later in the year.
This year, AFW is introducing lower-cost group shows for brands to participate in and has partnered with the trade show Splash to attract more wholesale buyers. Hush noted that 160 buyers are already confirmed to attend the event, signaling a shift toward expanding the commercial aspect of the week.
Despite these changes, the event hasn’t been without controversy. Queensland designer Gail Sorronda, who was planning to celebrate her 20th anniversary at AFW, was denied participation due to her focus not aligning with wholesale orders. Additionally, TAFE NSW, a respected fashion institution, will not be included in the official schedule this year, though Hush has expressed openness to future collaboration with fashion institutions like TAFE.
While the changes have sparked debate, AFW organizers are focused on rebuilding the event, with Hush stating that they cannot deliver everything in one year. She emphasized that the event is not meant to be an exclusive club and that while some shows may not be officially included, anyone can still participate during the week. The AFW team is working on building the event’s infrastructure, including a new website and social media presence.
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