IMG has announced a partnership with First Nations Fashion and Design (FNFD), as part of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW).
The deal will see IMG support Indigenous Australian designers and talent at AAFW – which will take place at Carriageworks, Sydney from May 31 to June 4 – through dedicated events and programming.
Runway shows, trade showrooms, virtual content and programming will help to bring conversations of representation and inclusion to the forefront of AAFW.
Speaking on the partnership, IMG executive director of APAC fashion events group Natalie Xenita said the organisation was proud to partner with FNFD.
"IMG is thrilled to announce our partnership with First Nations Fashion and Design.
"We are committed to playing an active role in the advancement of Indigenous Australian designers and leveraging our resources to amplify their voices in the Australian fashion industry and around the globe," she said.
Highlights in the program include; opening AAFW with a Welcome to Country curated and presented by FNFD; an FNFD runway which will showcase the collections of eight Indigenous fashion designers; FNFD panel discussion which will explore the continued growth and industry support of Indigenous Australian models and designers; and, FNFD suites, which will give the featured designers space to meet media and buyers.
Featured designers on the runway include Amber Days by Corina Muir, Aarli by Teagan Cowlishaw, Clair Helen, Grace Lillian Lee, Ngarru Miimi by Lillardia Allirra Briggs-Houston, Keema Co. by Nickeema Williams, Nungala Creative by Jessica Johnson and Sown in Time by Lynelle Flinders.
FNFD Indigenous Corporation founder and director Grace Lillian Lee welcomed the partnership with AAFW.
"Our country has inspired the Australian fashion and design industry for over 200 years.
"Our practices and native landscapes have served as a great source of inspiration.
"Our people and our land continue to contribute to the growth and development of this nation.
"We aim to rewrite history by reclaiming our narrative of connection to country through fashion and design.
"Indigenous fashion is the future of the Australian fashion industry, and what an honour to be featured as the first Indigenous runway show at AAFW’s 25th Anniversary, amplifying Indigenous voices for the next generation and chapter in AAFW history," she said.
The AAFW will take place at Carriageworks from May 31 and virtually on the Australian Fashion Week website.