We're heading back to Carriageworks! Yes, it's official. Australian Fashion Week dates have been announced, taking place between 12–16 May 2025.
In 2025, Australian Fashion Week will once again be presented by Pandora, with Destination NSW stepping on board as a partner, and American Express signing up as the Official Payment Partner of the international trade event. However, IMG, who had purchased the fashion festival back in 2005, have confirmed they are withdrawing their backing beginning 2025.
Here at RUSSH we're bringing you everything you need to know about Australia's biggest week in fashion. Find all the details below.
See all the highlights from AFW 2024
From unmissable looks, to major beauty moments and more.
From beauty essentials to muesli bars.
At the Albus Lumen Resort 25 show, it was all about fresh faces.
From Renassaince curls at Rory William Docherty to tucked hair at Carla Zampatti.
The full schedule for Australian Fashion Week 2025 has yet to be announced, but boy are we in for a great season of shows if it's anything like the 2024 schedule. Designer runway shows and presentations included Acler, Albus Lumen, Alix Higgins, all is a gentle spring, ANNA QUAN, ASIYAM, Beare Park, Blanca, Carla Zampatti, David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway, EM on Holiday, FDS: The Innovators, INJURY, Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, Karla Špetić, Liandra, madre natura, MASTANI, Michael Lo Sordo, Nicol & Ford, P.E Nation, Romance Was Born, Rory William Docherty, Speed, Third Form, Verner, Viktoria & Woods and Wackie Ju. Next Gen presented by DHL, Australian Fashion Week’s leading emerging designer showcase, will feature designers Amy Lawrence, Emily Watson, House of Campbell and Potirakis.
“The 2024 schedule features designer runway shows, curated conversations, consumer activations and special events taking place at Carriageworks in Sydney and online at australianfashionweek.com, the digital destination for Australian Fashion Week,” said Natalie Xenita, Vice President-Managing Director of IMG Fashion Events and Properties, Asia-Pacific. “We’re proud to celebrate designers and fashion industry leaders during the most anticipated fashion event in the Asia-Pacific.”
Australian Fashion Week schedule
The Australian Fashion Week schedule for 2025 has yet to be released.
You'll find the full schedule on the Australian Fashion Week website when it drops early next year.
When is Australian Fashion Week and where is it held?
Sydney's Carriageworks will remain the home of fashion week in Australia and, as mentioned, AFW will occur across five days from 12–16 May in 2025. Each year there are designers who choose to stage their collections in select off-site locations, but most runways will take place at Carriageworks.
How is Australian Fashion Week different?
Australian Fashion Week will mirror past events – previously known as Afterpay Australian Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, in line with the event's former headline sponsors.
Though, there will be some key changes around inclusion and accessibility. By bringing on major partners, the event has previously afforded the opportunity to waive designer fees, which are often a financial barrier for smaller brands getting involved.
There will be no fees applied to designers, instead designers will be invited to present. Having Destination NSW and Pandora onboard will also shape the kind of workshops and panels on offer throughout the week.
Meanwhile, DHL will present Australian Fashion Week's Next Gen program, which has a reputation for being a consistent highlight of the week, likened to London Fashion Week's Fashion East showcase. A prize of up to $100,000 will be given to four up-and-coming designers presenting in the program.
Who can attend Australian Fashion Week?
Similarly, Australian Fashion Week was previously only accessible to delegates: fashion professionals, media, organisers, buyers and models and other industry professionals. But now, select parts of the event will be open to the public, and tickets can be found at the Australian Fashion Week website.
History of Australian fashion week
Australian fashion week began in 1996. It was founded by PR professional Simon Lock. Mercedes Benz was the first headline sponsor until it passed over to Rosemount Estate wineries in 2006. But in 2011, the sponsorship was passed back to Mercedes Benz and the event was named Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia. From October 2020, the event was subsequently named Afterpay Australian Fashion week in line with newest headline sponsor, Afterpay.
Australian fashion week was held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay for many years before moving to Carriageworks in Eveleigh in 2013.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia 2020 was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. It was set to be the 25th anniversary edition of the historic event.
Some of Australia and the world's biggest designers have showcased at Australian fashion week in the past. Names include Oscar de la Renta, Aje, Christopher Esber and Ellery.
Due to its global placement and event timing, Australian fashion week had drawn some criticism for being out of sync with global fashion. In 2015, the event moved to become a showcase for Resort shows and was moved to May.
