Australian Fashion Week 2025 dazzled with fresh energy, cultural richness, and creative reinvention – and Shark Beauty, the official Presenting Partner, played a pivotal role in shaping the runway’s beauty narratives. Here are seven standout moments from the week that had everyone talking.
1. Carla Zampatti Where Strength Meets Femininity
Kicking off the week with elegance was the legendary Carla Zampatti show at Circular Quay West. Shark Beauty’s Hair Director Madison Voloshin crafted hairstyles that echoed the brand’s DNA – strong yet feminine. Drawing inspiration from Carla herself, the models sported soft, structured waves with a defined side part. Using Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and SpeedStyle RapidGloss tools, Madison achieved volume and architectural precision, ensuring the look held up even in Sydney’s harbour breeze – elevated simplicity with bold structure in perfect harmony.
Madison explains, “Carla Zampatti had beautiful hair with a lot of strength. I wanted to echo that by creating a look that felt both strong and feminine – using a clean, defined side part and soft, structured waves to give the hair a sculptural yet natural flow.” The result was a refined, confident style that perfectly complemented the elegant designs on the runway.
Central to achieving this signature look was Shark Beauty’s cutting-edge styling technology. The Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, featuring an auto wrap curler attachment, was used to create a precise brick pattern of curls that ensured every section was polished, voluminous, and resilient against the outdoor Sydney harbour breeze. “The goal was to make the hair float and move as the models walked, but with enough hold and structure that it maintained its integrity even outside,” Madison adds.
After the curling process, each section was pinned to set, allowing for a long-lasting finish. Once the clips were removed, a dressing brush was used to softly shape the waves, blending texture with smoothness. For hair that required additional refinement, the Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer came into play, expertly smoothing roots and enhancing volume with a classic rolling technique. The cool shot setting sealed the style, adding shine and hold.
2. Lee Mathews Celebrated 25 Years of Design
Lee Mathews’ milestone show was a heartfelt reflection on her 25-year journey, blending archival influences with modern reinterpretations. The collection was a dialogue between past and present, revealing the timeless quality of her understated Australian aesthetic – a quiet yet powerful reminder of heritage and evolution.
3. Sportmax’s Statement Necklace
Ok, this wasn’t exactly part of the week, but I wore it almost daily, and it’s a firm favourite. Sportmax’s monogram necklace is a chunky gold choker crafted from interwoven S-shaped links, embodying modern sophistication. Perfect to elevate any look, it’s a must-have accessory and you’ll get compliments overload.
4. Hansen & Gretel’s AURA
A sensory spectacle, Hansen & Gretel’s “AURA” collection was a celebration of energy, movement, and femininity. Inspired by ocean rhythms and personal auras, the show featured sheer silks and hand-embroidered details in calming blues and healing greens. The fluidity of the garments mirrored the natural world, an emotive reminder of fashion’s power to connect us to unseen forces.
5. Thread Together’s Ethical Impact
Australian Fashion Week also spotlighted sustainability with Thread Together’s activation. Thread Together collects new fashion excess from major brands like David Jones and Oroton, redistributing it to those in need. This initiative underscores the industry’s growing commitment to responsible fashion – offering hope and dignity through clothing.
6. Albus Lumen’s Decade of Feminine Energy
Marina Afonina’s Albus Lumen returned with “AMOR,” a poetic tribute to love, friendship, and creative evolution. The intimate basement show at Mass Practise featured 33 striking pieces blending black, white, and crystal accents – symbolising growth and confidence. The collection, inspired by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and Capote’s lyricism, balanced artistic expression with wearable elegance.
7. Indigenous Storytelling Meets Sustainability
Liandra Gaykamangu, a proud Yolngu designer, made a powerful statement with her “Coral of Life” collection at Carriageworks. Honouring Indigenous culture, nature, and ancestry, the show blended vibrant hand-drawn prints with sustainable fabrics like bamboo satin and ACETEX swimwear textiles. Accompanied by First Nations artist Rona Ngamperle’s evocative soundtrack, the runway became a multisensory celebration of community, joy, and cultural resilience. Hair and makeup, overseen by Schwarzkopf Professional and MAKE UP FOR EVER, enhanced the models’ natural beauty with effortless, glowing looks.
