Australian Fashion Week, a major event on the country’s cultural calendar, is facing an uncertain future after its long-time organizer, IMG, announced it is withdrawing its support. For nearly 20 years, IMG has been the driving force behind the event, turning it into an internationally respected platform for Australian designers. Now, the fashion industry is left to figure out what comes next for this iconic week of style.
A Legacy of Nurturing Australian Talent
Since taking ownership in 2005, IMG has transformed Australian Fashion Week into a vital bridge between local designers and global markets. The event became a launchpad for many successful careers, helping names like Christopher Esber and Romance Was Born gain international recognition. Each year, the runways in Sydney showcased the unique identity of Australian fashion, from high-end clothing to edgy streetwear.
Natalie Xenita, a key figure at IMG, spoke about the company’s pride in its role. “The event has played a key role in ushering the industry forward,” she stated. IMG’s contribution involved curating the entire platform, from coordinating with designers to attracting international media and buyers. This support was crucial in putting Australian fashion on the world map.
The Industry Responds to the News
The announcement sent ripples through Australia’s fashion community, sparking a mix of disappointment and determination. Leaders from the Australian Fashion Council, Marianne Perkovic and Jaana Quaintance-James, suggested this could be a turning point. In a joint statement, they said, “This moment signals an opportunity for the industry to reimagine and reshape how Australian fashion is represented.”
However, some designers feel the issue is bigger than just one company. Jordan Gogos, whose label has been part of the event for four years, pointed towards a need for greater institutional backing. “It’s the government’s role to support an industry that’s struggling,” he remarked, highlighting a common belief that fashion needs more support as a creative and economic force.
Jackie Galleghan of Madre Natura, who recently debuted her sustainable label at the event, also shared her thoughts. She acknowledged the milestone of participating in Fashion Week and noted that the news “will be felt deeply across the industry.”
Reimagining the Future of Fashion Week
With IMG stepping away, the door is open for a complete rethink of what Australian Fashion Week could be. The modern fashion industry is already shifting, with a growing emphasis on digital shows and sustainability. A new version of the event could embrace these changes more fully.
However, organizing such a large-scale event requires significant money and expertise. Many in the industry believe the survival of Fashion Week depends on securing new support. This could come from:
- New corporate sponsors willing to invest in the arts.
- Public funding from government agencies.
- A collaborative model run by an industry body.
Getting government support, similar to how other countries fund their fashion weeks, is seen as a possible and sustainable path forward. This would empower designers to grow their businesses while focusing on important values like inclusivity and environmental responsibility.
IMG’s Final Curtain Call
IMG’s final official act will be hosting the Australian Fashion Laureate on November 21 in Sydney. This awards ceremony will celebrate the country’s top fashion talent, including Designer of the Year and Emerging Designer of the Year. It will serve as a celebratory but emotional farewell to IMG’s nearly two-decade-long commitment.
Long-time media partner Fashion Journal summed up the feelings of many, reflecting on the “creativity, talent, and community the event is known for championing.” While the loss of IMG is a major challenge, there is a strong sense of hope that the community will rally to create a new and exciting future for Australian fashion on the big stage.
