AFW reimagined
Australian Fashion Week (AFW) run for industry by industry. This generational opportunity for the Australian fashion industry marks a transformational shift.
I am confident that AFW will evolve into a platform that elevates Australian fashion on a global stage prioritising the needs of local industry that generates over $28b for the Australian economy. Leading designers, Vogue Australia, Ebay Australia, University of Technology Sydney showed solidarity here, have you shown your support? I attended the AFC member update (virtually) yesterday and congratulate the proactive actions, vision, accountability and transparency of the Australian Fashion Council (AFC).
I would love to see our homegrown natural fibres and pearls showcased on the global stage that is Australian Fashion Week.
The Talks conversations and panelists I’d love in the official schedule:
Fibre to Fashion: Meet your makers moderated by Clare Press
Speakers like Scott Morgan an Australian cotton grower who presented at the The Textile Exchange Cotton Round Table in the Netherlands last year about his farming practices from solar-powered irrigation, how he has improved water efficiency on farm, and his passion for bee keeping but could also speak on his involvement in The Circular Cotton Farming Project Cotton Research Development Cooperation. Emma Gittoes The Woolmark Company sharing on-farm projects & Merino wool’s potential as a science-backed and nature positive solution in the fashion.
Morris-Moody MTK sharing insights into production, importance of quality fibres, sustainability & Australian manufacturing. MTK bespoke knitting mill creating premium knits for cut and sew.
Designers showcasing in AFW that manufacture in Australia with Australian fibres and why it is integral to their operations Citizen Wolf Viktoria & Woods Bianca Spender
Out with the wash moderated by Patty Huntington
Veronica Bates Kassatly on the role of natural fibres in sustainable solutions and the most important sustainability fashion metric, Impact per Wear. Washing like the world depends on it, Frankie Layton The Dirt. Tim Rissanen what does enough look like for you, Jillian Boulsted repair services and why they are essential to good business.
Mending activations
Jane Milburn, Fashion Revolution Australia
Art and Fashion intertwined
We need a cultural program / directory that highlights off site offerings, events and exhibitions that interrelate with Australian Fashion and the stories of our clothes. Last year I attended AFW and The 24th Biennale of Sydney as recommended by Alex Schuman with highlights including an installation of naturally coloured cotton woven by Cristina Flores Pescorán, Abrazar el sol (Embrace the Sun), 2023–24. Powerhouse Art Gallery, NSW Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Art Gallery of NSW
Connect public to the stories of their makers + local sustainable services + initiatives
Cultural program to contain QR codes and links connect AFW guests, attendants and fashion users to the people, materials, skills and passion driving Australian fashion; and where the public can learn more about local sustainable fashion initiatives, education and services. Ethical Clothing Australia, Thread Together, Ebay, Cotton Australia, Australian Wool Innovation, Pearls of Australia, The Volte, Clare Press Wardrobe Crisis Academy Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Fashion + Textiles, seamless, Circular Sourcing, Full Circle Fibres, BlockTexx, QUT (Queensland University of Technology) Salvos Stores, Nina Gbor, B Corp B Fashion, RMIT, Courtney Holm
What next?
Show your support https://lnkd.in/gEznD5RY
Become an Australian Fashion Council member. https://ausfashioncouncil.com/join-us/
We are an industry that operates from fibre to fashion. The AFC advocates for our fashion and textile industry at the tables that matter. Helping members adapt, evolve and thrive, providing information and education, conversation and collaboration, leadership, advocacy and support.
Comment and share your thoughts on the future of AFW via linked in
Image credits: Artwork Emma Bond, photo Deppicto Photography Madi and Pip design
