AFC Australian Fashion Week 2025 (AFW) was officially launched, with Carla Zampatti opening the runway event and streetwear brand Ksubi set to close.
The five-day event was officially announced at a designer breakfast at the Art Gallary of New South Wales.
Participating designers for 2025 include Aje, Alix Higgins, Bassike, Beare Park, Bianca Spender, Boteh, Buluuy Mirrii, Carla Zampatti, Farage, Gary Bigeni, Haluminous, Hansen & Gretel, Jordan Gogos, Joseph & James, Karla Spetic, Ksubi, Lee Mathews, Liandra, Macgraw, Mariam Seddiq, Miimi + Jiinda, Nagnata, Ngali, Nicol + Ford, Permanent Vacation, Romance Was Born and SIR. the label, 1800 Psycho.
The presenting partner of AFC Australian Fashion Week 2025 is Shark Beauty and the event will take place in Sydney from May 12 to 16 at Carriageworks, alongside other Sydney locations.
The new iteration of fashion week follows the surprise exit of IMG late last year. The Australian Fashion Council has since taken over the event.
According to the AFC, the newly revised event is designed to support the growth and evolution of Australian fashion, adding that it is now being led by industry for industry for the first time, under a not-for-profit model.
Also on schedule for the first time in 2025 is the new The Frontier Group Show including designers Amy Lawrance, Courtney Zheng, Common Hours, ESSE, MATIN, Paris Georgia and Wynn Hamlyn.
“We are thrilled to come together to celebrate the designers participating in AFC Australian Fashion Week 2025,” AFC Australian Fashion Week CEO Kellie Hush said. “The schedule has been carefully curated to showcase the very best that Australian fashion has to offer.
“Our exceptional talent is in high demand both locally and abroad, highlighting the criticality of this dedicated global platform for them to shine.”
AFC Australian Fashion Week has also confirmed additional sponsors and partners, including eBay, DHL, Afterpay, Marque Lawyers, Carriageworks and Simply Seated.
Alongside the runway series, AFW will also host Atelier powered by Splash, being the official partner with AFC to help drive wholesale opportunities for local designers.
SharkBeauty managing director of ANZ Aby Shukla said he and the team are keen to support the upcoming event.
“Our commitment to empowering individuals to be the best version of themselves aligns perfectly with the transformative energy of fashion,” Shukla said. “We are excited to support this platform that showcases bold visions and exceptional talent from across the country, and we look forward to being a part of this exciting chapter in the Australian fashion industry.”
AFC Australian Fashion Week is also supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper said AFW not only adds a stylish touch to Sydney’s cultural scene, but also sews new opportunities for the country’s creative and retail industries.
“I’m delighted to see Australian Fashion Week continue in Sydney, the fashion capital of Australia, highlighting the vital role of retail tourism in the NSW visitor economy and showcasing the enduring influence of Australian fashion talent on the global stage,” he said.