Australian Fashion Week adopts new four-day format

Australian Fashion Week is undergoing significant changes this year with a condensed four-day schedule planned for May. After being taken over by the Australian Fashion Council, the event will feature fewer shows and venues compared to previous years. The number of runway spaces at Carriageworks has been reduced to just two. Events will be held there on May 13 and 14, while the following two days will focus on private venues. The Carla Zampatti Room is a new addition, named in honor of a noted Australian fashion pioneer. AFW chief executive Kellie Hush emphasized that the shorter schedule is an opportunity to focus on quality. Major brands such as Aje and Carla Zampatti will return, along with newcomers like Farage and Nagnata. Hush noted the need to rebuild the event from scratch, highlighting the importance of collaboration within the industry. While Aje plans to host its show at a new venue, other designers are adjusting their presentation strategies. Gabriella Pereira from Beare Park, for example, is launching a collection available for immediate purchase, rather than waiting for international buyers. In a shift from past practices, traditional single-brand shows will coexist with group shows to lower costs. Hush reported that 160 wholesale buyers are confirmed to attend, which signals a focus on business transactions. However, some traditional participants are missing from this year's lineup. Notably, TAFE NSW's graduate show, which has been an important platform for emerging designers, will not be part of the official events this year. Hush stated that while TAFE can still hold events independently, not everyone can be included in the official schedule this time. The goal is to revitalize Australian Fashion Week while navigating these new changes.