Australian Fashion Week (AFW) will go ahead next year in Sydney, thanks to the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) which on Sunday said it has secured funding from the NSW Government to deliver the nation’s principal fashion event.

The AFC said AFW will take place from May 12-16 May, at Carriageworks, with funding coming in from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. 

In a strategic mover, AFW founder Simon Lock has been recruited form part of the team who will deliver the 2025 event. 

The funding comes one month after former operator IMG announced that it will no longer back AFW, putting Australia’s major fashion week in jeopardy.
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“Thank you to the NSW Government and the entire fashion industry for their commitment and collaboration. The AFC looks forward to delivering a world-class experience in 2025 and evolving the event in the future,” said AFC chair, Marianne Perkovic.

“Fashion Week 2025 will mark a crucial milestone in the journey towards a truly industry-led event for Australian fashion. Our consultation has reinforced that the AFC is best positioned to lead this transformation, much like its successful international counterparts. A further announcement will be made on other appointments soon.” 

The AFC said it is working with Lock, who sold AFW to IMG in 2005, to assemble a team with extensive fashion week experience to guide the event’s organisation, adding further announcements will be made on more appointments soon. 

“Fashion Week is not just an event; it’s a catalyst for growth, collaboration and the innovation of Australian fashion,” added AFC CEO Jaana Quaintance-James.

“This NSW Government support is a testament to the trust placed in the AFC and our vision for an industry-led future. Joining with Destination NSW and drawing on the expertise of our industry partners, we can take meaningful steps towards making Fashion Week more impactful for designers, and the broader creative economy.” 

It’s been a tough year for Australian fashion, with several mainstay brands and retailers announcing their closure. In September, Australian fashion darling Dion Lee announced its closure after the luxury brand failed to attract a buyer, three months after entering voluntary administration, with major investor Cue withdrawing its stake in the business.

More recently, Australian luxury multi-brand retailer Harrolds in October slipped into liquidation, owing over AUD$16 million in liabilities.