The good of Australian Fashion Week
Your designer, Emma Bond attended Australian Fashion Week to apply her illustration skills to celebrate the brands that are manufacturing in Australia, the creative makers wearing their own creations, and those implementing circularity initiatives in our industry.
Much to share but to start, here is some of the great key moments of Australian Fashion Week 2024
Thread Together's presence at AFW and partnership with David Jones. If you are unfamiliar with Thread Together, they save clothing from landfill and help vulnerable people, restoring dignity and choice by gifting access to new clothing.
“I’m honoured to announce our renewed partnership with Thread Together, a collaboration that underscores our commitment to supporting Australians, particularly during times of crisis. At David Jones, we understand the power of clothing beyond fashion. It's about dignity, resilience, and the ability to rebuild lives." -David Jones GM of womenswear, footwear and accessories Bridget Veal
The release of the AFC Social & Environmental toolkits for Australian designers. The panel at the AFC announcement instigated great conversation and action. As designers our choices have reaching impact, we need to be accountable and we need to educate. Find out more
Madre Natura boldly presented "Last season's collection " advocating for sustainability and change in the fashion industry. Above: illustrations made live from runway.
AFW sustainability talk sold out, demonstrating the public interest in fashion sustainability. You can watch Sustainability Symposium here. Conversation moderated by Clare Press. If you are interested in sustainable fashion you need to read her book Wear Next. Sustainable fashion will replace existing modes - and the change will occur not out of fear - but by the leaders who demonstrate that it is more fun over here (designing and operating sustainably)!
Fashion being made at AFW. I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Evvia of Loupy Studio. Evvia was crafting an incredible piece at Carriageworks amongst the buzz of all the AFW happenings.
Speaking with AFW guests proudly wearing fabulous looks that they had hand made
Where next?
The Australian Institute’s new textiles waste report reveals that Australia is now leading the world in fashion overconsumption. Australian Fashion Week is an industry event that is unique in its consumer facing engagements. Let’s turn that on its head and restore dignity to people - they are more than consumers! I would love to see citizen events that celebrate Australian fashion: a collaboration of the hard work, resilience, creativity and commitment of both primary producers and textile industry.
“There’s still money to be made for those in business, but it’s not in pushing product. Diversify, offer services to make our clothes last, experiences so that we can connect to our makers, and when you do make - make it fantastic quality so we only have to buy once.”
Where can designers find world class fibres that fit within the circular economy? Fibres created with integrity, made by people that love what they do and care about our planet? Cotton Australia, Australian Wool Innovation , I’d love to see an activation at AFW! Bring your story to the Australian fashion community.
Australian Fashion Week is an IMG event supported by the New South Wales Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. In addition to Pandora, Destination NSW and American Express, Australian Fashion Week is made possible through the support of Official Partners ALIVE, BYHEALTH, City of Sydney, David Jones, DHL, eBay, Glenfiddich, Porsche, Redken, S.Pellegrino, Satellite, Shark Beauty, Simply Seated, SKYE Suites, The Volte and Wynns Coonawarra Estate.
