In celebration of the Australian fashion and textiles industry abroad, the AFC and The Woolmark Company co-hosted an exclusive event on September 12th with Bluestone Lane in New York.
As part of the AFC Designers Abroad program at New York Fashion Week, the networking event was focused on creating invaluable commercial and media connections for Australian designers showing at NYFW, while helping to raise the profile of Australian fashion on a global scale.
The Bluestone Lane Bowery Café in Nolita, uniquely designed by New York-based Australian designer Tali Roth, hosted a crowd of international media and industry guests attending the fashion week. Shining a spotlight on the best Australian ingredients, guests dined on an Australian-inspired canapé menu by Bluestone Lane, with a complementary wine selection by Handpicked Wines from Australia’s best regions including their signature Yarra Valley Rosé and Clare Valley Riesling. Four Pillars Gin were also on hand, pouring their signature Rare Dry Gin.
The Woolmark Company, a long-time major partner of AFC Designers Abroad, was present on the night to represent Australia’s Merino wool industry. On display was a stunning installation crafted by renowned Australian textile artist Jacqui Fink. The piece of art took 10 days to construct and was created with 300 pounds of Australian Merino wool and silk fibres. The Woolmark Company’s General Manager for the Eastern Hemisphere, John Roberts, shared with guests his thoughts on the success of the sustainable and innovative natural fibre, and its strong relationship to the global fashion industry.
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“Merino wool is Australia’s biggest fashion export. It’s part of a multifaceted industry that reaches right across the globe. Tonight, as we celebrate homegrown talent, it’s important to remember the tens of thousands of Australian woolgrowers who lovingly produce this natural fibre. Without their hard work, dedication and commitment we wouldn’t have a luxury fibre so versatile it can be used in technical sportswear, premium fashion and even homewares as we can see by Jacqui’s amazing installation. The Woolmark Company is pleased to continue its partnership with the AFC Designers Abroad program, nurturing emerging design talent and fostering their education regarding natural fibres such as Merino wool.”
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“There are more Australian fashion labels at New York Fashion Week than ever this year. They represent Australia’s exciting and diverse culture and expression and it is no wonder that they are having so much success in the North American market. We’re incredibly proud to continue to promote and support these businesses and look forward to new connections and opportunities for all through our various activities.”
The AFC Designers Abroad is a program built to support Australia’s fashion labels on a global scale, by assisting them to grow their export capability and their global networks.
Earlier in the week, the AFC hosted a business breakfast session in collaboration with business development agency jac + bean and with support from the Australian Consulate-General in NYC. Featuring a diverse line up of speakers, the workshop delved into all facets of growing a fashion label in the US market, including government support, US market trends, media, retail and brand strategy.
Caroline Jones, Arts & Cultural Advisor, Australian Consulate NYC
Emily Gerstell, Senior Engagement Manager, McKinsey & Company
Andrew Zumbo, Stylist, ANDREW ZUMBO
Naomi Elizee, Associate Market Editor, Vogue US
Lauren Eggertsen, Fashion Editor, + Natalie Cantell, Fashion Director, Who What Wear
Erica Russo, Fashion Director Accessories & Beauty, Bloomingdale's
Georgia Tyndale, Founder, jac + bean
Martie Kuzzy, Performance Marketing Manager, Andie Swim
Max Bonbrest, Co-Founder, Ayr
James Bartle, Founder, Outland Denim
Araks Yeryamyan, ARAKS
The AFC has also been a key supporter of the Bluestone Lane ‘Beach Collective’ retail activation, currently featuring MATTEAU, THE UPSIDE, Pared Eyewear, State of Escape, Hansen & Gretel, P Johnson, Mara & Mine, Desmond & Dempsey and Dr Roebuck’s. The activation ran throughout the US 2019 summer season at Bluestone Lane in Montauk, NY.
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