At Melbourne Fashion Week, the AFC hosted three conversation panels that spoke to the Australian Fashion and Textile industry’s most topical subjects; the unique attributes of the Australian Fashion™, the future of local manufacturing and the link between clothing circularity and citizen behaviour.
 

Following the media moment and launch of the Australian Fashion™ campaign ‘Down Under in Front’, industry players and consumers headed into the Swinburne Studio at the ACMI Melbourne to sit and listen to an array of experts discuss the issues that matter along with insights into the inner workings of the current and future state of the Australian Fashion industry. A special thank you to Melbourne Fashion Week and Creative Victoria.
 

WATCH THE PANELS:

DRIVING DEMAND – THE AUSTRALIAN FASHION CAMPAIGN
Presented by Creative Victoria

Watch this discussion on the research behind the Australian Fashion™ presented by Vicinity Centres, the attributes identified and the importance of transparency over perfection for brands. Hear from representatives from Australian brands on what the trademark means to them and how we can come together as a unified industry.

Featuring Alix Higgins (Founder, Alix Higgins), Corrine Barchanowicz (Head of Brand Marketing and Experience, Vicinity Centres), Denni Francisco (Founder, Ngali), Leila Naja Hibri (CEO, Australian Fashion Council) and Mary Lou Ryan (Co-founder, bassike)
 
 

ROADMAP TO A CIRCULAR FASHION ECONOMY
Presented by Creative Victoria

Watch this talk which reveals how Australia can progress towards clothing circularity. This important discussion unpacks how The National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme is working towards ways of reducing the nation’s textile waste by 2030. The scheme relies on action from the entire clothing ecosystem including everyone from disruptors, brands and manufacturers to charities, academics, waste management companies and consumers.

Featuring Belinda Paul (Founder, RCYCL), Danielle Kent (Project Director, Australian Fashion Council), Dewi Cooke (CEO, The Social Studio), Julie Boulton (Project Manager, Monash Sustainable Development Institute) and Paula Rogers (GM of Sustainability, Decjuba).
 
 

MAKE IT MELBOURNE
Presented by Creative Victoria

Watch this panel for a thought-provoking discussion between brands and manufacturers on the three-part documentary series, ‘Make It Melbourne’, where the panel shared the passionate stories of four makers and brands committed to supporting local manufacturing.

Featuring Ashlynne McGhee (Reporter, ABC), Margie Woods (Creative Director and Founder, Viktoria & Woods), Julia Van Der Sommen (Director, Sample Room), Vicki Nicola (Lead Educator of Fashion and Millinery, Kangan Institute) and Kate Dillon (Creative Director and Founder, She Lion).
 
 

Presented by:

With special thanks to: