Australian Fashion Week: The Future of Fashion and Potential of First Nation Artists

Caption SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: A model walks the runway during the INJURY show during Australian Fashion Week Presented By Pandora 2024 at Carriageworks on May 17, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images for AFW)
Robyn Foyster Robyn Foyster has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

Editor

May 17, 2024

The future of Australian fashion and potential of First Nation Artists was high on the agenda this week, particularly with Australian Fashion Week’s Changemakers‘ panel which included First Nations model Elaine George, Outland Denim founder James Bartle, and Internet personality and stylist Kim Russell.

Here are the key points insights:

First Nations Artists’ Potential: First Nations artists were acknowledged as talented and culturally active individuals. However concern was expressed that the limited access to platforms and resources hampers their ability to contribute fully to the artistic landscape. The panel highlighted that inclusion and representation in the industry, big and small, contribute to bringing these voices to the forefront, passing on valuable learnings within the community and encouraging the younger generations to venture further and follow their passions. 

Role of Social Media in Fashion: The panel highlighted the significant role of social media in fashion, emphasizing its power to reach broader audiences and influence personal style. A double-edged-sword that creates unique communities from which you can pull influence and expertise if you know how to properly navigate the good and bad that the internet brings.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: A model walks the runway during the INJURY show during Australian Fashion Week Presented By Pandora 2024 at Carriageworks on May 17, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images for AFW)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 17: A model walks the runway during the INJURY show during Australian Fashion Week Presented By Pandora 2024 at Carriageworks on May 17, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images for AFW)

Sustainability – Challenges and Benefits: The challenges of maintaining a sustainable business, financial constraints, and fear of failure were all acknowledged. However, James emphasized the importance of authenticity and transparency, recognizing the commercial benefits of public attitudes toward sustainability, including the influence of celebrity endorsements.

Mentorship and Next Generation Engagement: Mentorship was discussed heavily as a crucial element in fostering the next generation of fashion changemakers. Elaine and Kim emphasize the importance of authenticity, constructive use of one’s voice, and resilience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By Robyn Foyster Robyn Foyster has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

Editor

A multi award-winning journalist and editor and experienced executive, Robyn Foyster has successfully led multiple companies including her own media and tech businesses. She is the editor and owner of Women Love Tech, The Carousel and Game Changers. A passionate advocate for diversity, with a strong track record of supporting and mentoring young women, Robyn is a 2023 Women Leading Tech Champion of Change finalist, 2024 finalist for the Samsung Lizzies IT Awards and 2024 Small Business Awards finalist. A regular speaker on TV, radio and podcasts, Robyn spoke on two panels for SXSW Sydney in 2023 and Intel's 2024 Sales Conference in Vietnam and AI Summit in Australia. She has been a judge for the Telstra Business Awards for 8 years. Voted one of B&T's 30 Most Powerful Women In Media, Robyn was Publisher and Editor of Australia's three biggest flagship magazines - The Weekly, Woman's Day and New Idea and a Seven Network Executive. Her career has taken her from Sydney where she began as a copy girl at Sydney's News Ltd whilst completing a BA in Arts and Government at Sydney University, to London, LA and Auckland. After 16 years abroad, Robyn returned to Sydney as a media executive and was Editor-in-Chief of the country's biggest selling magazine, The Australian Women's Weekly.

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