The dust has barely settled on Australian Fashion Week.
The front-row photos have been posted, the trend reports have landed and fashion insiders are already debating which collections will shape the season ahead. But while the industry reflects on what we’ll be wearing next, a new Sydney event is asking a different question altogether: what if fashion’s next big statement wasn’t about hemlines or handbags, but impact?
Enter My Charity Runway, a new purpose-driven fashion platform set to debut in Sydney on 28 August 2026, bringing together 12 designers, 12 charities and one ambitious vision for what fashion can achieve beyond the catwalk.
At a time when consumers are increasingly expecting brands to stand for something more than aesthetics, My Charity Runway feels right on trend.
And while the evening will still deliver plenty of glamour, organisers are positioning it as a uniquely Australian take on the world’s most celebrated fashion events. Think less charity gala, more fashion spectacle with a conscience.
Hosted at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, with Sydney Harbour providing the kind of backdrop international fashion houses spend millions trying to recreate, founder Sarah Quinn’s vision is deliberately ambitious. Plans include bringing models from Milan, exploring collaborations with designers from New York and creating a world-class runway experience that feels equally at home alongside the global fashion capitals.
But what truly sets the concept apart is what happens behind the scenes.
Each of the 12 participating designers will partner with a charity that aligns with their values. As their collections walk the runway, they will direct a percentage of sales to their chosen charitable partners, turning creativity into tangible, lasting impact.
In other words, this isn’t fashion doing charity as an afterthought. It’s fashion and philanthropy designed to work together from the outset.
And perhaps that’s why the concept feels particularly timely.
For years, conversations around fashion’s future have centred on sustainability, ethical production and conscious consumption. Those discussions aren’t going away, but My Charity Runway introduces another layer to the conversation: how can fashion actively create social impact while still delivering the excitement, aspiration and creativity people love about the industry?
According to Quinn, that question was at the heart of the idea.
“Fashion has the power to inspire, connect and influence,” she says. “My Charity Runway provides a platform where designers can showcase their creativity while championing causes that matter to them. By bringing together fashion, philanthropy and community, we can create awareness, opportunities and lasting impact.”
The evening itself promises to blend both worlds seamlessly. Alongside professionally produced runway presentations, guests can expect charity storytelling, impact showcases, networking opportunities and partner activations designed to raise awareness and create meaningful connections.
Organisers are even describing the event as Australia’s answer to a mini-MET Gala, with the theme Fashion with Purpose encouraging guests to embrace style as a reflection of hope, innovation and positive change.
And unlike many one-night-only social events, the impact is intended to extend well beyond the afterparty.
Participating charities will gain exposure to new audiences, corporate introductions and opportunities to share their stories with influential supporters. Brands and partners, meanwhile, will have the chance to align themselves with an initiative that combines cultural relevance with measurable social outcomes.
For Quinn, the goal is simple.
“We want to create an experience that is both glamorous and meaningful,” she says. “Our vision is to bring the excitement of international fashion to Sydney while creating a platform that shines a spotlight on the incredible work being done by charities across Australia. Our message is simple: dressing for a future you want to see.”
It’s a compelling proposition. After all, fashion has never just been about clothes. It’s about identity, influence and the stories we choose to tell. And while Australian Fashion Week may have shown us what’s next for the runway, My Charity Runway is making a case for what’s next for fashion itself.
Designer, charity and partnership applications are now open.
