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Australian Fashion Retailers David Jones And Myer Have Cancelled Their Coveted Autumn/Winter Runway Shows

It’s the first time both retailers have opted out of the annual event

Australia’s fashion set will have a bit more free time on their social calendar this month following news both Myer and David Jones have scratched their autumn/winter showcases.

Watch below: Miley Cyrus makes a surprise appearance at NYFW

The news may come as a relief to the social figures and celebrities who feared perhaps they simply hadn’t scored a coveted invite to one of the VIP parades, for which both stores have historically spared no expense.

While traditionally not as sexy as the spring collection shows, the autumn parades have delivered countless runway moments.

Who can forget the iconic photo of a Maticevski-clad Jennifer Hawkins closing Myer’s 2016 event in a rain shower? Or Karlie Kloss’ glamorous cameo alongside Jess Gomes, Jesinta Campbell and Jason Dundas on the DJs catwalk in 2017?

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Myer autumn/winter 2016

It’s the first time both retailers have opted out of the annual event to unveil their seasonal collections, with each citing different reasons for the move.

A representative for David Jones – which flew dozens of designers, models, influencers and fashion media to Tasmania’s MOMA for its 2019 autumn/winter event last year – said in lieu of a lavish event the store had donated a significant sum to the Red Cross and RSPCA to assist their efforts with the bushfire crisis.

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David Jones autumn/winter 2013

“We realise our seasonal launches are a great opportunity to generate content and we will work closely with you to secure stories and content opportunities and look forward to unveiling our new AW20 season in March at VAMFF,” a David Jones media statement explained.

Instead, the retailer will channel its efforts into its more consumer-focused Gala runway parade at next month’s Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Myer’s decision to skip its autumn event for the second-year running comes following an announcement last March it was forging ahead with a new customer-centric retail strategy, which focused on improving its online offering and store layouts.

And while we’ll miss seeing Gomes and Elyse Knowles storming their respective runways this season – and hearing the inevitable political furore over who scored a f-row seat and who didn’t – it’s understood both stores are still planning to hold their respective spring/summer launches later in the year. Phew.

This article originally appeared on InStyle.

Australia’s fashion set will have a bit more free time on their social calendar this month following news both Myer and David Jones have scratched their autumn/winter showcases.

Watch below: Miley Cyrus makes a surprise appearance at NYFW

Australia’s fashion set will have a bit more free time on their social calendar this month following news both Myer and David Jones have scratched their autumn/winter showcases.

Watch below: Miley Cyrus makes a surprise appearance at NYFW

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