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.

Details we can confirm so far:

- Location confirmed as Carriageworks, Eveleigh NSW.
- Dates confirmed as 12-16th May 2025.
- We are formalising ongoing industry consultation, with Australian Fashion Week (AFW) founder Simon Lock to play a critical role in Fashion Week 2025.

Details coming in January:

- Designer criteria and participation guidelines
- Venue options and event overview
- Clarity around group runway shows
- Sponsorship and partnership offering

How can I express my interest to show as a designer?
- You can express your interest using the EOI form here.
- Information on criteria and participation guidelines will be released in the new year.

Will there be criteria / minimum requirements to show at Fashion Week in 2025? When will we find out about sponsor exclusive categories and venue options?
- Yes. Designer guidelines, including criteria, venue information for on and off site, and outline of sponsorships for designers and will be ready in January.
- A selection committee will be formed to review applications and determine which brands will be invited to show.

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 working on what we can do for 2025 in order to realise our full industry-led objectives if we secure funding to deliver the event in subsequent years.

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

What are the opportunities for emerging designers? What will be the balance between emerging and established designers?
- We are developing the emerging designer participation criteria now which we will release as soon as we can in the new year.
- We will also consult the advisory committee to guide this process.

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.

How can I become a sponsor or partner for the event?
- We are currently developing a Sponsorship Framework to support 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 we are doing our best to minimise the impact and barriers for designers to obtain their own sponsorships.
- We are working on the sponsorship exclusivity framework and will have more to share in the new year.
- 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.

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.
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.
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 we are establishing a cross-industry Advisory Committee to support and guide the event. If you are interested in joining this Committee, please complete the EOI form here.

To stay up to date, please sign up to the AFC mailing list here.