The Australian Fashion Awards have launched as a celebration of the visionary ideas, leaders and companies driving the industry forward.
From groundbreaking marketing campaigns and sustainable practices to innovative applications of design and technology, the Australian Fashion Awards are tailored to apparel, footwear and accessories businesses.
Entries can be lodged here by May 30, 2025.
Ragtrader publisher Assia Benmedjdoub said the initiative is aimed at spotlighting industry trailblazers — offering a moment to recognise ingenuity, resilience and progress in a shifting retail landscape.
“This is a uniquely fashion-focused celebration of creative excellence and commercial impact," Benmedjdoub said. "We developed the awards to recognise the distinct strengths of our industry — and our industry alone. Fashion stands apart as a sector where creativity fuels commerce, drives innovation and powers economic growth.”
The awards are supported by gold partners Afterpay and DHL, alongside silver sponsors Apparel 21, Athos Commerce, Ethical Clothing Australia and bronze sponsors RCYCL and Zilch.
The award ceremony will be staged at The Terrace, Melbourne, on August 27. The key categories are below:
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Celebrates a fashion marketing campaign that delivered on clear objectives through creative execution, effective rollout and measurable results.
Sustainability Excellence Award
Honours initiatives, strategies or projects that have advanced sustainable business practices within the fashion industry.
Team of the Year
Recognises a high-performing department or team that has made a measurable impact on business goals through collaboration and consistency.
Design Excellence Award
Acknowledges a fashion range or collection that combines creative innovation with commercial success.
The Game-changer Award
Rewards a standout idea, strategy or project that has redefined how business challenges are approached and solved.
Best Use of Technology
Highlights how innovative technology has been harnessed to meet business objectives and drive progress.
Best Store Design
Celebrates a retail space that brings brand identity to life through original, effective and inspiring store design.
Best Place to Work
Shines a light on a business culture that values its people, fosters wellbeing and creates an outstanding work environment.