We would like to introduce you to the AFC Member Lounge at Australian Fashion Week. Your exclusive front-row seat to the conversations, connections, and collaborations shaping the future of Australian fashion.

AFC MEMBER LOUNGE AT AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK

Located at Carriageworks, the home of Australian Fashion Week, the AFC Member Lounge is a dedicated retreat for Australian Fashion Council members - offering a place to meet, recharge, and engage with industry peers, partners, and special guests.

Throughout the week, the lounge will also host The Talks — a thought leadership series exploring the future of Australian fashion, from revitilising local supply chains through advanced manufacturing to confronting the rise of global fast fashion, and unlocking export growth in an unpredictable global market.

Whether you're between shows or diving deep into industry insights, the AFC Member Lounge is your space to reconnect and reflect on what’s next for Australian fashion.

THE TALKS | Presented by the Australian Fashion Council

Big ideas. Bold voices. The future of fashion, in conversation.

Step inside the AFC Member Lounge at Australian Fashion Week and join the conversation shaping the future of fashion in Australia.

The Talks is a three-part thought leadership series bringing together pioneers, disruptors, and decision-makers to explore the big questions facing our industry - from the future of Australian manufacturing and the rise of next-generation production, to the impact of ultra-fast fashion and global market disruptions.

Curated by the Australian Fashion Council, these sessions offer an opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders, government voices, and innovative trailblazers driving change at every level. Expect insightful conversations, practical perspectives, and bold ideas - with opportunities for the audience to engage directly through live Q&As and roundtable discussions.

We also invite you to join us for drinks and networking after the session, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow industry leaders and continue the conversation in an informal setting.

Whether you're a designer, manufacturer, media, policymaker, or fashion delegate, The Talks is your front-row seat to the future of Australian fashion.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Made in Australia: Powering the Future of Australian Manufacturing
WHEN: 3-4PM, Wednesday, 14th May 2025
Australia’s fashion and textile manufacturing sector stands at a critical crossroads. Amid rising global trade tensions and supply chain volatility, the need to rebuild sovereign capability has never been more urgent.

This session will examine the current state of Australia’s local manufacturing landscape, the global forces accelerating change and the national opportunity to reshore key production capabilities. From future-proofing trade and export growth, to driving regional economic development, enabling advanced skills, and scaling value-add industries like fibre processing, this important conversation will explore why rebuilding Australia’s manufacturing base is the key to unlocking a new era for Australian design, craftsmanship and economic resilience.

Hear from the industry leaders driving this movement and shaping a bold new vision for a globally competitive, future-ready Australian fashion industry.

Smarter, Faster, Greener: The Rise of Australia’s Future Factories
WHEN: 12-1PM, Thursday, 15th May 2025
What does the next generation of fashion manufacturing look like and how do we build it here in Australia? 

This session explores the new frontier of local production: AI-powered facilities, sustainable processes, and faster paths from design to consumer. It’s a conversation about reimagining the factory floor - from digital sampling to low-waste models, and the bold moves needed to innovate our manufacturing ecosystem to help Australian designers bring their ideas to life onshore. 

Join us as we examine the technological and cultural shifts that could shape Australia’s future as a leader in advanced manufacturing, explore leading smart factories worldwide, and hear a special announcement about how the AFC will drive innovation for the next wave of Australian manufacturing.

Fast Threat: Protecting Australian Fashion in an Ultra-Fast World
WHEN: 12-1PM, Friday, 16th May
The rapid expansion of ultra-fast fashion is reshaping global markets, presenting a critical challenge to Australia’s fashion industry. With local businesses facing unprecedented pressures around pricing, sustainability, intellectual property, and market fairness, the need for industry-wide dialogue and action has never been greater. 

In partnership with the City of Sydney, this exclusive roundtable invites guests to share insights, challenges and discuss strategies required to protect our local industry. Your perspective will play a key role in the AFC’s advocacy efforts, including our formal call for a government inquiry into ultra-fast fashion’s impact on Australia’s economy, environment and community.

If you have any questions about the AFC Member Lounge or issues with ticketing links for The Talks, please email: info@ausfashioncouncil.com.