Fashion weeks all over the world are infamously exclusive affairs. Technically an industry event, the shows are intended to unveil designers’ latest wares to those who work (or side-hustle) in fashion.
However, there are often a few designers who rally together to put on shows for the general public.
At this year’s Afterpay Australia Fashion Week (AAFW) there are currently 12 shows available to the public. Here’s everything you need to know.
Similar: How to get freebies at Australian Afterpay Fashion Week
Michael Lo Sordo
Michael Lo Sordo is celebrating ten years in the biz with a showing of his Resort ’24 collection, ‘Showgirls’.
The runway will showcase classic Lo Sordo luxury, and a handful of pieces will be available online immediately afterwards.
Michael Lo Sordo has an international reputation, having dressed stars like Demi Lovato, Dover Cameron and Stella Maxwell.
When: Monday, May 15 at 8:30pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Read more: What Public Events Are On At Australian Afterpay Fashion Week
Erik Yvon
Melbourne/Naarm-based designer Erik Yvon celebrates gender queering in fashion and brings bold expressions of colour, print, shape and texture to their designs.
When: Tuesday, May 16 at 2pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Gary Bigeni
These made-to-order designs are hand-painted by designer Gary Bigeni straight onto their (ethically sourced) fabric. The colourful pieces are intended to reflect the individuality of each wearer, and are custom made to suit their personality.
When: Tuesday, May 16 at 7pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Iordanes Spyridon Gogos
Iordanes Spyridon Gogos (ISG) is a wonderfully progressive, collaborative, gender-free expression, with a focus on fun and colourful textiles. The community-focused brand staged its first runway show at AAFW in 2021 to widespread acclaim.
When: Tuesday, May 16 at 8pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
The Innovators: Fashion Design Studio TAFE NSW
Karla Špetić
Karla Spetic will present an ethereal and romantic collection, showcasing the designer’s knack for tailoring and a mix of masculine and feminine silhouettes.
When: Wednesday, May 17 at 7pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway
This group show will celebrate Australia’s best First Nation’s fashion talent by launching the collections of seven new designers.
Brought to you by Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP), a program arising from the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, the showcasing designers have each participated in the IFP Pathways Program to develop their brands and collections. This is a rare opportunity to view the unique contributions of Australian fashion’s future.
When: Wednesday, May 17 at 8pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
IKUNTJI Artists
IKUNTJI Artists is a prominent Aboriginal art centre located in the remote community of Haasts Bluff in Central Australia. This will be the organisation’s first solo show at AAFW and will showcase the phenomenal craftsmanship and designs of the peoples of the Western Desert. Ikuntji has been home to some of Australia’s most prominent indigenous artists. The fashion designs of the collective have been worn by Jess Mauboy and Celeste Barber.
When: Thursday, May 18 at 3pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Cue
Fashion industry veteran, Cue, returns to fashion week to showcase their premium ready-to-wear styles.
Cue’s influence on the local fashion scene is undeniable, having launched its first store in Sydney’s famed Strand Arcade in 1968.
When: Thursday, May 18 at 8pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Wackie Ju
Wackie Ju, designed by creative powerhouse Jackie Wu, is launching his ‘Summer Fade’ collection at fashion week. This show is set to be an exciting display thanks to the designer’s background in tech. According to the AAFW website, Jackie “creatively communicates though various mediums such as clothing, film, performance installation, publication, and visual execution as its practise.”
When: Friday, May 19 at 11am
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Next Gen
This showcase runway will display the collections of the four winning designers of AAFW’s 2023 Next Gen program: Cameron Hill, Liandra Swim, Ruby Pedder and XI WU Studio.
This program to discover upcoming talent has launched the careers of Australian fashion powerhouses, including Anna Quan, BEC + BRIDGE, CAMILLA AND MARC and sass & bide.
When: Friday, May 19 at 2pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
#WeWearAustralian x Afterpay
This immersive group show will close the week by showcasing 50 iconic and emerging Australian designers. Among those on the list are Michael Lo Sordo, P.E. Nation, Bianca Spender, Viktoria & Woods, ESSE, Jac + Jack, Ngali, ALÉMAIS, Relax Remade, Alix Higgins, Nobody Denim, LEO LIN and more.
When: Friday, May 19 at 7pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Watch AAFW shows from home
If you’re dying to see your favourite designer, there’s also an option to watch the shows at home. AAFW will stream shows and offer some on demand via their website.
