Sustainable fashion is at the centre stage this week as Sydney plays host to Afterpay Australian Fashion WeekSydney (AAFW).
This year’s fashion week, which runs from 31 May to 4 June, celebrates more than 70 established and emerging Australian designers, with runway shows at Carriageworks plus there will be an exciting line up of workshops, panel talks, and live podcasts.
What has us excited is First Nations designers have a new focus on sustainability.
Fashion industry’s top names and sustainability pioneers, including eco-conscious Maggie Marilyn designer Maggie Hewitt, Nobody Denim Co-Founder John Condilis, and Glam Corner’s Audrey Khaing-Jones will all make appearances.
Fashioning the Future’ will shine the spotlight on sustainability in fashion, exploring its role at the forefront of the global fashion dialogue and the bigger picture around social sustainability.
“We feel so excited and honoured to be presenting at AAFW this year,” said Maggie Hewitt. “Not only is it a chance for us to showcase Maggie Marilyn in Australia but being part of the panel for Fashioning the Future will allow us to connect with other brands who share our values.”
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “The past year of Covid restrictions has been particularly hard on our valuable creative industries, including fashion. AAFW represents a fantastic kickstart to the industry’s recovery, offering the city and our stable of talented designers a unique opportunity to be showcased globally.
“This year’s focus on eco-conscious and sustainable designers and fashion practices is in keeping with the City’s long-term commitment to the environment, to addressing the worsening climate crisis, and to delivering sustainable programs across the City and local government area.”
There is a sustainability strategy to reduce the environmental impact of the event and this is aimed at bringing awareness and thought leadership to the fashion industry regarding sustainability issues.
This includes reduction of single-use plastic, elimination of plastic straws, waste-paper reduction and energy efficiency strategies. Sustainable guidelines are also promoted to all participating designers, set designers, event producers, media, suppliers, delegates, staff and attendees.
“We can show the world that Sydney is a hub for fashion innovation and a leader in sustainably produced fashion and events.
For more information of AAFW and to buy tickets visit australianfashionweek.com