The voice of
Australian Fashion

Who we are

The Australian Fashion Council is the peak body for the Australian fashion and textile industry.

AFC members are Australian founded or majority owned businesses involved in producing fabric, clothing, footwear or accessories. Our members are also the individuals that contribute creatively and economically to the Australian fashion and textile industry.

Our mission

On behalf of our members, we champion and advocate for a prosperous and creative Australian fashion and textiles industry. Our purpose is to build a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem for our member community through education, collaboration and innovation.

To deliver on this mission, the AFC will pursue these strategic priorities:

REPRESENTATION:
Build a dynamic, engaged and diverse AFC member community that represents the full breadth of the Australian fashion and textile industry.

ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY:
Create value for our members by fostering community and collaboration and advocating for their interests with all stakeholders.

IMPACT:
Support our members to be successful through initiatives that deliver positive commercial outcomes.

Key impact areas

Support industry success through programs, resources and initiatives across our four impact areas:

- Local Manufacturing

- Export & Trade

- Jobs & Skills

- Sustainability & Circularity

Key programs

- Resource Hub & Industry Directory

- Member-Only Forums & Events

- Government Advocacy and Policy Development

- Australian Manufacturing Strategy

- AFC Academy

- First Nations Fashion Sector Strategy

Find out more

CEO

Jaana Quaintance-James

Jaana is a seasoned leader with a strong track record in commercial strategy delivering market advantage through sustainable practices and innovation. With strategic planning and strong governance, Jaana has successfully led and delivered impactful change with significant commercial and sustainability benefits, both in Australia and internationally.

Working for the past 20 years in manufacturing and retail, Jaana was most recently the Chief Sustainability and Sourcing Officer at Global Fashion Group the European listed parent of THE ICONIC. Prior to this she was Head of Sustainability at THE ICONIC and earlier, Ethical Sourcing Manager at David Jones, following a decade-long consulting career in consumer goods.

A graduate of the Institute of Company Directors, Jaana also serves as a Board Director of The Social Outfit, the social enterprise fashion brand which employs refugees and newly arrived migrants in their manufacturing and retailing operations in Sydney.

Holding the mantra of ‘progress, not perfection’, Jaana believes in the power of collective, actionable change, and that with industry, government and private sector support the Australian fashion and textile industry can carve out its competitive advantage globally to thrive economically, environmentally and socially.

“I am excited to champion and support our members as they manage change and innovate. Behind the incredible Australian Fashion brands are businesses and their employees supported by consumers. Together we create opportunities to accomplish more and continue to grow the economic contributions of the Australian fashion and textile industry”.

AFC Board of Directors