Australian Fashion Week is not just a showcase of the latest designs. It’s also a platform to witness the evolving influences shaping the industry. From sustainable fashion to exciting collaborations, here are five trends that caught our attention and captured the essence of Australian style and innovation.
A celebration of sustainable style
Sustainability took centre stage at Australian Fashion Week, reaffirming the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility. An exclusive launch breakfast at The Volte Styling Suite with Kellie Hush and Elliot Garnaut was a highlight. Emphasising the importance of circular fashion.
The partnership between Fashion Week and the designer dress hire company showcased how fashion can be both chic and eco-friendly. It’s a promising sign for the future of the industry. Where sustainability is not just a trend but a core value.
Beauty gets inclusive
While the spotlight generally shines on the runway, behind the scenes, a number of beauty brands did their bit backstage to make sure every single catwalk king and queen, reigned on the runway. Whatever they looked like.
As the official hair tool partner of Australian Fashion Week, Shark Beauty was leading the charge in inclusive beauty. And, alongside its existing range of innovative tools, the brand also debuted the Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb Straightener + Smoother. Using it to empower stylists to create stellar runway looks for fashion show strutters across a range of ages, ethnicities and all walks of life.
As well as tending to the locks of models who walked for some of Australia’s hottest fashion
designers (including Albus Lumen, Beare Park, Alix Higgins, Third Form and Mariam Seddiq) and offering onsite styling sessions for guests, Shark Beaty also partnered with celebrated curl specialist Rumbie Mutsiwa for a curly hair masterclass. To truly bring to life their vision of “celebrating the diverse, the eclectic, and the yet-to-be-celebrated hair,” and democratise hair styling for all.
Shark Beauty Image Credits: Toby Peet for Shark Beauty: Official hair tool partner of Australian Fashion Week
Clothes with a conscience
On a starry midweek Wednesday, the dynamic duo that was Ugg Express and Melbourne/Naarm-based fashion label Verner‘s did their bit to steal the spotlight. Merging two iconic Australian brands to create a bespoke collection. Unveiled during Verner’s Resort ’25 show (a brand committed to manufacturing its products under safe, fair, and human working conditions) the Ugg Express footwear and apparel collection further celebrated Australian style and culture. What made this collaboration even more special was its commitment to a cause. The collection will be auctioned off for Wear Your Uggs Day on June 1. Showcasing the power of fashion with a purpose.
Cool collaborations
On that foot, collaborations of all kinds truly took fashion to new heights at Australian Fashion Week. And, the partnership between The House of Creed and Michael Lo Sordo was a standout moment. Blending luxury fragrance with high fashion. The release of Creed’s latest fragrance, Queen of Silk, alongside Lo Sordo’s exclusive royal purple silk gown, exemplified sophistication and elegance. This collaboration not only showcased craftsmanship but also marked Creed’s debut as the official fragrance sponsor for the next three years. Promising exciting experiences for fashion and fragrance enthusiasts.
New things from old favourites
Finally, one of our favourite shows of the week came from a classic. With P.E Nation‘s reinvention showcasing the brand’s evolution and commitment to innovation. Under the creative direction of Pip Edwards, the brand unveiled its ‘Re/Creation’ collection, marking a new era of minimalistic sophistication. With a toned-down aesthetic and versatile silhouettes, P.E Nation embraced a refined look while staying true to its roots. This fresh approach signals a step-change for the brand. Offering consumers elevated designs with minimal branding and a tonal colour palette.
