It was that time of the year for some of Australia’s best fashion talent to strut their stuff on the runways at Carriageworks, and venues across Sydney, showcasing the latest looks from our established and emerging designers.
This year’s Resort 2025 collections was all about community and expression – what you can see and expect from the experience, and the impact it is likely to have on publishers, fashion consumers and international buyers.
The inspiration, colour, outfits, accessories and style – all adds to the energy and excitement of this annual industry event, now in its 28th year. Fashion Week is also an effective platform to launch the successful career of many an ambitious designer.
There was a wide range on show at Australian Fashion Week, some parading recycled lines pushing sustainability while others displaying different modes of dressing with metallic designs and high shine fabrics making their mark.
During AFW, the organisers of this event held panel discussions and curated conversations with new and notable names in fashion and culture. Ending the week, International journalists, buyers and industry professionals delved into some of the key trends on show, including a glimpse of what’s to come next in Australian fashion. What will people be wearing in 2025?
Fashion label P E Nation made a solo comeback featuring oversized sweat pants, bomber jackets and hoodies, while Bec and Bridge hit the right chord with a denim packed show at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
Carla Zampetti returned to the runway named after the late designer at Carriageworks after a three-year hiatus. Zampetti’s son, Alex Schuman, continued his mother’s legacy brand, producing a sensual and elegant show with revealing outfits.
Romance Was Born designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales brought to life the artwork of musician Zaachariaha Fielding (Electric fields) in an intergalactic fashion spectacle with three moons suspended in the middle of the runway and models cascading through a magical futuristic dreamscape. A most colourful and theatrical set design by the duo,19 years down the track!
The culture and creative talents of First Nations designers came to focus at the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects runway. A previous participant, designer Liandra Gaykamangu, showcased her latest collections at the Liandra show – the only First Nations brand to have its own solo runway.
The 90’s sheer (see-through) trend was back in vogue once more with designers Beare Park, Anna Quan and Albus Lumen using layering and many a creative mix to push it home. Although it looked appealing on the runway, balancing transparency and coverage in every day wear would pose a challenge!
Street style looks became a popular daily feature outside Carriagework with eclectic individuals dressing up to draw the attention of photographers, and show-off some of their quirky, but interesting Street Style creations.
A new generation of fashion consumers, media and influencers have emerged, taking on board what’s on show both in and out of the catwalk, extending to new frontiers in fashion creativity worldwide.
The search is on for bold and edgy styles to hit the runways of the world and put fashion high on the scales.
Australian Fashion Week 2024 took place between May 13 and May 17 at Carriageworks.
Text and photos by Denver Mottau