Fashion Week 2025

The AFC is proud to have secured the foundational funding from the NSW Government to deliver an industry-led future for Fashion Week 2025.

The AFC is deeply committed to its industry strategy and delivering value to its members. We have no intention of becoming an events agency and are assembling best-in-class providers with Fashion Week experience to deliver the event.

Key Details:

- Location confirmed as Carriageworks, Eveleigh NSW.
- Dates confirmed as 12-16th May 2025.
- Ongoing industry consultation will progress through the Fashion Week Advisory Committee, chaired by Australian Fashion Week (AFW) founder Simon Lock.
- Two SubCommittees will also be formed for Designer Selection and International Delegates & Marketing.
- Designer applications are now closed but were open from 15th-31st January 2025.

This page will continue to be updated with key information as it becomes available.

If you missed the Fashion Week Town Hall for Designers, please watch below.

These FAQs will continue to be updated as information becomes available.

COMMITTEES

The AFC have formed a Fashion Week Advisory Committee and two sub-committees: Designer Selection sub-committee and International Delegates & Marketing sub-committee to guide this years event.

These committees are chaired by AFW founder and The Ordre Group CEO Simon Lock, and include members from: Aje; Alemais; The Bond-Eye Group; CAMILLA AND MARC; Catinella PR; Chadwicks; Christian Kimber; David Jones; Esquire; FDS TAFE NSW; Indigenous Fashion Projects - Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation; LARA INC.; Liandra; MCM PR; Michael Lo Sordo; Myer; Parlour X; RB Patterns; RUSSH; The Artist Group; THE ICONIC; The Known Agency; The Volte; Vogue Australia; Wardrobe Crisis; and We Wear Australian.

DESIGNER

What can Designers expect in the way of financial support for their participation?
Designer participation fees will be discounted by 100% for 2025 by the AFC. The sponsorship eco-system has been opened up to allow maximum opportunities for designers to obtain their own sponsorships. Apart from this, the AFC is happy to make any further connections that it can for designers. however please also be aware we are also working hard to secure sponsorship and ensure we have the funds required to deliver the event.

What logistical support is available for designers?
For Designers showing on-site at Carriageworks, you will receive a full suite of production support, including fully equipped lighting, video, audio equipment and dedicated operators in each showroom, plus backstage amenities. Showrooms are designed as a turn key solution. Designers are encouraged to work with an experienced show producer to assist them with executing their vision. For a detailed list of AFC recommended providers please reach out to designerliaison@ausfashioncouncil.com. See Designer Prospectus for more information.

For Designers participating off-site, the official AFW event production provider New Moon is available to support (Please email designerliaison@ausfashioncouncil.com) or you can engage an external supplier.

What are the sponsorship guidelines for designers?
Please see the Designer Prospectus here

When applying as a designer to show - do we nominate if we would like to show onsite / offsite or timeslot?
We ask for your preference of onsite or offsite. Designers can apply for either so there is no need to classify your brand in this way. You can see the Designer Application Form here

Why should brands send confidential financial information for the expression of interest to participate. Is higher turnover an indication of a 'good' brand that would attract international and local attention?
Brands are asked to send through financial information in order for us to assess a businesses financial health and ability not only to participate in Fashion Week but the required activity post-event such as production, orders, marketing, teams on the ground in international markets etc. We aim to ensure that brands that participate are ready from both a creative and financial perspective.

As the AFC's bid to produce Fashion Week was focused on better supporting emerging creative designers, it seems unusual that scale and wholesale statistics are being used as application metrics.
Additionally, the waved participation fees duplicate IMG's offering, so as it stands, what are the improved outcomes?
As above, scale, financial and wholesale metrics are important for brands to participate in Fashion Week, otherwise a brand can show and not have the ability to continue with the elevates exposure and sales that Fashion Week can provide.

Yes agreed participation fees are being waved similar to 2024, however a big change is opening up of sponsorship categories, and others benefits that we can open up as a not-for-profit. Please see the Designer Prospectus here.

Will there be the opportunity to understand which other brands are approved to show before confirming?
Yes, we will share the full list of brands with all the successful applicants.

Can you please share through the off-site venue list mentioned? Are off-site shows exclusive to this list and if we were to pick an off-site venue on the list would any other brands be able to host a show there too?
We'll be sharing the list of venues that we have on hold and others we have access to shortly. Yes, venues would be open for others to use however we recommend that designers leverage the full breadth of amazing venues throughout Sydney.

What is the platform / tech that ticketing and seating will be hosted on?
We will share this news shortly once we have engaged a platform.

Will a certain % of seats be reserved for the AFC / committee / sponsors at shows? If so how much.
Yes, we are trying to keep at a minimum (~50) and will work with designers selected to show on this once they are confirmed.

Will you have an overarching PR company assisting brands as well as the event itself with coverage and media opportunities?
Yes, we will engage an external agency to be announced soon.

Confirming seating in venues and lighting / rigging is provided by AFC and we wouldn't have to cover this?
Yes, lighting and rigging is included along with a lot more. See the Designer Prospectus here

Can you share any brands confirmed to show?
Unfortunately we can't share any brands until they have been accepted by the Selection Committee.

What will catering at Carriageworks look like? Can we bring in external sources / would we be able to host a drinks after on-site?
We are able to host cocktail and catered events pre and post shows, as well as explore larger dinners onsite post final shows of the day. You will be able to coordinate with our onsite catering team to facilitate the necessary arrangements for bar service, staff, dining, styling and setup. Please reach out to us to discuss specific requirements, to see how we can accommodate.

I know there are a few other spaces at Carriageworks, are the canvas i and ii the only options for all designers?
Canvas i and ii are the only runways available on site at Carriageworks.

EMERGING DESIGNER

How might emerging designers with lower sales/ financial figures but strong press presence participate? What is the criteria for an emerging designer?
Emerging designers can participate through the new New Generation program, which will evolve from its previous iteration - The Next Gen Program. The details, criteria and application process for the evolved new program will be available soon.

What is happening with The Next Gen program and applications that have already been submitted?
The Next Gen program will continue, but will likely evolve from its previous iterations.
As we do not have a list of applicants, any The Next Gen applicants are asked to complete the Industry Fashion Week EOI form here.
The details and application process for the evolved program will be available soon.

Will made-to-order emerging labels fit anywhere within the show?
The details, criteria and application process for the evolved New Generation Program will be available soon.

SPONSORSHIP

Would exclusive sponsors of the event be providing further funding for brands to cover costs of the event?
We'll be announcing sponsors later in the year, however you can see the exclusive sponsorship categories in the Designer Prospectus.

How can I become a sponsor or partner for the event?
Companies interested in partnering with Fashion Week should complete the EOI form here

How can the AFC support designers to secure financial support in a shorter time frame?
We are also working hard to secure partnerships for the event, and are doing our best to minimise the impact and barriers for designers to obtain their own sponsorships. If you need help in this area, please let us know once we have released the designer criteria, and we can try to support you as much as possible.

SHOWROOMS

Will showroom space be available for designers who aren't showing on the runway. Yes, there will be a showroom space available and this is open to both runway designers and non-runway designers. Please see details in the Designer Prospectus and more information including costs will be coming soon.

Would the application be the same for Accessory brands if not applying to do our own runway?
Accessories brands can be involved in a number of ways including partnering with a clothing designer or participating in the on-site activation space or showrooms.

Will the showroom space run for the entirety of the week which is ideal - previously designers were only given a day
The details for the showrooms will be released very shortly!

In terms of the physical showroom aspect, do you see this being available for all brands participating at no cost? Will brands be able to bring any guests through to view the collection and will it be available all week for the brand or for a specific allocation throughout the week?
There will be additional cost for the Atelier showroom. We are working on the details to share soon.

DELEGATES

Will ‘delegates’ such as international buyers and talent be available for everyone to invite once attendance is secured by AFC?
Yes a delegate list will be available for all participants.

What is your strategy around international buyers?
International buyers are a key deliverable for us in 2025. We are working on developing an event international delegates want to attend and leveraging industry networks to attract them.

COMMITTEES

Can we nominate for a position on the committee if we want to enter as a designer?
Designers can nominate for the Advisory Committee and International marketing sub-committee, however cannot be on the Designer Selection sub-committee due to conflict of interest.

Are the positions voluntary?
Yes, these positions are voluntary. Applications close Friday 17th January here.

Who is on the various selection committees?
Committee members will be shared in the next two weeks.

GENERAL

Will consumers be invited to Fashion Week 2025?
Fashion Week 2025 will be an trade-first event, dedicated to delivering value back to the industry and focussing on commercial objectives for designers.
Designers & Sponsors will have the flexibility to invite their customers to their activity, but this will be a decision made by the Designer / Sponsor.
A consumer element will be introduced with more planning if we secure funding to lead the event in subsequent years.

What is the level of funding being sought for delivering FW for 2025?
Unfortunately due to confidentiality, we cannot share the investment amounts. However, Government funding is only one part of the equation and private sponsorships and partnerships must take form in order for us to deliver the event. This is a key focus for our teams at the moment.

Are you working with Splash Sydney?
We are in talks with Splash Sydney to ensure that the industry can work together to deliver a successful Fashion Week.

How are you collecting industry feedback?
In November, AFC conducted an industry wide survey to understand the needs, priorities, and vision for an industry-led event, which included AFC members and non-members. We receive over 260 responses from all different sectors of the industry. While the survey is now closed, you can still send any feedback or ideas through to info@ausfashioncouncil.com

In addition, a cross-industry Advisory Committee to support and guide the event.

Will you address diversity, inclusivity and accessibility issues?
We are developing the designer guidelines now which we will release as soon as we can in the new year, along with the event format.
In the meantime, we have noted the need for: Broader national participation and consideration of barriers related to distance; Costs for designers being prohibitive, particularly around sponsorship barriers and exclusivity; Inclusivity of young designers, diverse models, accessibility; and Consideration of how smaller independent brands can engage.
Not all of these will be able to be addressed and resolved in the short time frame we have for 2025, but we will do our best!

Will sustainability be highlighted?
A framework is needed to highlight and encourage sustainability and circularity across the industry. However, this is no small task! We are requesting information from Designers as a part of the application process and this will be a factor in the selection process.

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