Leading Australian fashion designers and key industry figures gathered at the Sydney Opera House today to stand behind the future of Australian Fashion Week, following the announcement that IMG will no longer fund the event.

IMG has owned and operated AFW since 2005, which has provided a critically important platform for both emerging and established Australian designers to showcase their creativity and innovation on a globally-recognised stage.

After news broke, the Australian Fashion Council stepped in to announce it would be taking over the event for 2025, securing the future of fashion week – at least for another year.

Marianne Perkovic, Chair Australian Fashion Council reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting the event in a statement outlining its proposed not-for-profit model.

“The time has come for Australian fashion to be represented by those who know it best—our own community,” says Perkovic.

Jaana Quaintance-James, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Fashion Council adds, “Fashion Week is so much more than runways and high heels—it’s a vital creative platform that shines a global spotlight on Australian fashion, driving our $28 billion economic powerhouse.

“This industry employs over 500,000 people, predominantly women, and supports an export trade that generates more revenue than wine. Our vision is to create an event that not only celebrates our incredible talent but also positions Australian fashion as a global leader, delivering meaningful economic and social benefits for our industry and beyond.”

As announced on Monday 18 November, the AFC plans to launch an industry working group to manage and facilitate the planning of next year’s event.

The working group will also be informed by a wider survey of AFC members who’ll be asked to share their thoughts about the future of the event, including what it could and should look like moving forward.

“Having a not-for-profit organise Australian Fashion Week will be a game-changer and it’s how other successful fashion weeks like Milan and Paris operate,” commented Alex Schuman, CEO of Carla Zampatti. “This shift is about putting the needs of our industry first and ensuring that AFW continues to be a global launchpad for both emerging and established designers.”

Liandra Gaykamangu, the creative force behind eponymous swim- and resort-wear label Liandra, and marie claire’s winner of Designer of the Year, shared her thoughts on the future of fashion week.

“I am staying optimistic that this is a chance for Australian Fashion Week (AFW) to be rescued,” the Women of the Year award winner, Liandra, told marie claire. “It’s such a vital lifeline for many to build brands and grow our networks. I do believe AFW should always be a connector to the global market and I am very curious to see how international audiences will be enticed to engage with AFW moving forward, especially in the digital age of online showrooms and the like. 

“We are quite isolated from the rest of the world and AFW is one platform that has for 20 years created a consistent pathway for Australian labels and designers to tap into global media and buyers.”

The bid to ensure the success of AWF has been backed by Minister for the Arts, Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham, who today announced the state Government would be continuing its ongoing investment. “The NSW Government has been supporting Australian Fashion Week since 2009 and is committed to supporting the Australian industry fight to keep fashion week going, here in Sydney.”

More details to come.