The Best of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week
While the schedule for Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) is jampacked full of must-see events, when it’s impossible to attend everyone of them, it’s good to get a handle on your favourite areas! With such a high level quality event, you can’t go wrong, but for those of you interested in sustainability, diversity and the very latest in fashion, here are out tips for the runways, panel discussions and conversations NOT to miss!
Opening Night Powerhouse of Sustainable Fashion
Monday 15 May First appearing as part of the NEXT Gen Runway, Michael Lo Sordo has presented at every Australian Fashion Week for the last 10years and this years opening night showcase will mark his 14th appearance at AAFW. Expect to see resort wear of draping silks, cut-outs, and surprising details that capture a ’90s minimalist vibe. Both a retrospective of his work and a peek into his next collections, opening night runways have never been more sustainable. The label uses regenerative practices in their silk and the wool is Responsible Wool Standards Certified.
Gender Diversity, Trans Inclusiveness & Gender Neutral Fashion
Tuesday 16 May The fashion industry has begun to change over the years, with increasing consumer demand for inclusive body and gender representation. The Identity and Agency: Gender Diversity and the Fashion Industry panel discussion about working with trans and gender diverse talent. Designers and models come together to advocate for the changes that need to happen.
Continue on the journey for industry inclusiveness with Iordanes Spyridon Gogos’ runway. Experience mind-bending colours and prints in gravity-defying styles. These experimental and non-gendered designs are sure to open up your mind to a whole other world of style.
If you can’t get enough of bright and bold colours, then your next stop is sustainable, gender neutral designer, Gary Bigeni. Expect to see a limited edition collection of original designs in eye-popping colours that are carefully hand-painted on each eco-cotton garment.
Sustainable & Indigenous
Wednesday 17th May Take your lunch early because the Sustainability and Industry 4.0 talk is a favourite. Join hard-hitting industry icons as they discuss embracing sustainability in the fashion industry
Finish your day with the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway and see innovative collections from leading and emerging First Nations designers.
New Voices Talking on Cue
Thursday 18th May Social media has become one of the best ways to share our ideas on fashion. Take part in discussions with those who have built their own success on social media at the New Voice in Fashion Criticism talk.
End your day with the iconic Australian brand, Cue. Celebrate their signature silhouettes, beautiful fabrics and dedication to creating long-lasting garments. Cue prides itself on having a wide range of locally made garments that are accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia.
NextGen & We Wear Australian
Friday 19th May It may be the last day of AAFW, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops! One runway that is essential is the Next Gen runway. Meet the winning designers of AAFW’s 2023 Next Gen program who are shaping up Australian fashion.
#WeWearAustralian x Afterpay is one immersive runway not to be missed! Join in the celebrations as over 50 legendary Australian designers come together to celebrate our iconic culture through style and fashion.
FEATURED IMAGE: Michael Lo Sordo
About the Author
Jenna Flood, known as the Ironic Minimalist
is a slow fashion stylist and specialist in
sustainable dressing and living.
