The Company’s Departure from AFW Leaves the Future of Australia’s Premiere Fashion Event Unclear
IMG Fashion Events & Properties has announced its decision to end its Australian fashion events division, which is responsible for organizing events like the Australian Fashion Week and the Australian Fashion Laureate awards. The American company’s departure from AFW, which takes place annually in Sydney, leaves the future of the country’s premier fashion event in a state of uncertainty. The 2024 Australian Fashion Laureate, scheduled for November 21, will be IMG’s final event in Australia, while IMG’s talent management and modeling agency in Sydney will remain unaffected.
Natalie Xenita, vice president and managing director of IMG Fashion Events Asia Pacific, reflected on the organization’s legacy with pride. “We are incredibly proud of IMG’s many accomplishments leading Australian Fashion Week for the last 20 years,” she said in a statement. “The event has played a key role in ushering the industry forward.” Under IMG’s stewardship, AFW became a vital platform for both established and emerging designers, showcasing names like Zimmermann, Christopher Esber, and Akira Isogawa. Initiatives by IMG included a strategic shift toward resort collections, integrated consumer participation, and, more recently, a spotlight on First Nations designers.
Founded in 1996 by PR consultant Simon Lock, AFW has served as an international launchpad for Australian designers, with high-profile brands like Zimmermann and Dion Lee leveraging the event to gain global recognition. However, the industry has faced challenges recently, from the departure of key sponsors like Afterpay in 2023 to a reduction in runway shows at this year’s AFW. Earlier in 2024, Australian designer Dion Lee shuttered his business after a failed attempt to secure a buyer, fueling concerns about the sector’s stability.
The Australian Fashion Council, a not-for-profit organization representing the fashion and textiles industry, is now emerging as a potential steward for the event. AFC Chair Marianne Perkovic and CEO Jaana Quaintance-James released a joint statement, noting, “This moment signals an opportunity for the industry to reimagine and reshape how Australian fashion is represented.” They emphasized the AFC’s commitment to work with designers, government, and other stakeholders to explore new ways to showcase local talent on both national and international stages.
Industry insiders view IMG’s withdrawal as both a loss and a chance for reinvention. “Fashion constantly breaks down and builds itself up,” said designer Jordan Gogos, who has presented at AFW for the past four years. Sydney-based talent agency Icon Management’s CEO, Chelsea Bonner, shared similar sentiments, expressing that “it’s vital that Australian Fashion Week is owned and run by Australian businesses.” As the industry awaits further updates, the AFC’s annual general meeting in December may offer additional insights into the future of Australian Fashion Week.