South x SouthWest Sydney gathers visionary thinkers and creatives worldwide, providing a platform for exploration across music, screen, gaming, technology, and innovation. This year, from October 14th to 20th, it will feature a Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle stream.

For the first time, the AFC is thrilled to present four dynamic events aiming to spotlight different aspects of the value chain. These include discussions on the fusion of technology and fashion, the impact of AI, our local manufacturing sector, promoting access to technology and skills in fashion, and member-only networking opportunities. 

We're looking forward to showcasing our industry on this global stageBut we need your support! 

To secure our events on the official South x SouthWest Sydney Schedule, we need our community to vote. Public Voting is now open until Monday, April 22nd. 

HOW TO VOTE

1. LOG IN: Create an account on the SXSW portal here.
2. FIND OUR EVENTS: Click JUDGE on the nav and search for ‘AFC’ events, or use the VOTE NOW buttons below.
3. VOTE: Simply click on ‘VOTE’ to cast your vote.

AUSTRALIAN FASHION COUNCIL SxSW SYDNEY EVENTS

IN CONVERSATION: With Jere Calmes, CEO, The Iconic & Jaana Quaintance-James, CEO, AFC

Delve into the synergy between technology and fashion, exploring innovative practices reshaping the industry, what role AI will play and the next iteration of digital retail experiences.

SPEAKERS:

• Jaana Quaintance-James, CEO AFC
• Jere Calmes, CEO The Iconic

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PANEL: The world doesn’t need any more designers – Where is our local manufacturing powerhouse of the future? 

How do we drive our local manufacturing sector into a female-powered force of the future? Jaana Quaintance-James of the AFC, Eric Phu of Citizen Wolf, Craig Heckenberg of Epson and Julie Shaw of Maara Collective discuss how brands, suppliers and manufacturers can collaborate to make local manufacturing globally competitive and create sustainable growth for the manufacturing sector.

SPEAKERS:

1. Jaana, AFC - facilitator
2. Craig Heckenberg, Epson
3. Eric Phu, Citizen Wolf
4. Julie Shaw of Maara Collective

VOTE NOW

PANEL: What would a FashTech Precinct look like for Sydney? 

How do we champion access to technology and skills for the fashion sector? Marianne, Chair of the AFC, Alex Schuman of Carla Zampatti, Timo Rissanen of UTS and Grace Lillian Lee of First Nations Fashion & Design to  discuss how we can bring a creative fashion precinct to life that breaks down the silos, drives collaboration and fosters career pathways for the jobs and skills of the future in fashion.

SPEAKERS:

1. Marianne, AFC - facilitator
2. Alex Schuman, CZ
3. Timo, UTS
4. Grace, FNFD

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MEET UP: AFC Member Network Event 

AFC members are invited to join Jaana Quaintance-James, CEO and Marianne Perkovic, Chair and the AFC team for exclusive networking drinks. 

We will workshop the topics most pressing for the fashion and textile industry, ranging from the digital transformation of jobs and skills to the shifting retail landscape and reviving local manufacturing. This meetup will provide industry the opportunity to discuss shared challenges as well as celebrate AFC Member achievements for the year. 

VOTE NOW

Mark your calendars for South x SouthWest Sydney running from October 14th to 20th.
Don’t forget to vote for our events here.