IMG, in partnership with strategic sponsor Destination NSW, today announced Pandora and Business of Fashion as partners for Australian Fashion Week 2025, taking place 12 – 16 May 2025 at Carriageworks in Sydney.
With the support of the NSW Government and Destination NSW, IMG will waive designer participation fees for the 2025 event.
Australian Fashion Week is Australia’s leading global fashion platform and the largest most influential fashion event in the Asia Pacific. Held annually in Sydney each May, the event features the industry’s most celebrated names alongside the next generation of Australian designers defining the future of Australian fashion.
Vice President-Managing Director of IMG Fashion Events Asia Pacific, Natalie Xenita said: “Australian Fashion Week brings together the fashion industry to celebrate the leading voices in Australian fashion. IMG is very proud to continue its support of designers, both established and emerging, by creating opportunities for growth and recognition locally and internationally. For 30 years, Australian Fashion Week has been pivotal in cementing the reputation and reach of Australian fashion and continues to provide a platform that amplifies the voices of Australia’s most talented creatives to a global audience.”
Global jewellery powerhouse Pandora will return as presenting partner following their inaugural partnership in 2024.
Mary-Carmen Gasco-Buisson, Chief Marketing Officer at Pandora said: “Pandora is thrilled to be returning as presenting partner of Australian Fashion Week 2025. As a global leader in jewellery, our continued partnership with IMG for one of the most respected events on the Australian fashion calendar allows us to showcase our design innovation and reaffirm our dedication to sustainability and high-quality craftmanship. Pandora’s mission is to empower people to express their personal style, and we are delighted that we can be part of this platform that supports Australian designers and creatives with the opportunity to present their work globally.”
IMG also announced an exclusive partnership with global fashion authority The Business of Fashion (BoF). For the first time, BoF will host a series of events on the official schedule, including panel discussions, intimate designer conversations, and presentations. The talks will be open to industry attendees, the public, and livestreamed at australianfashionweek.com. IMG and BoF will celebrate their partnership by hosting an exclusive industry lunch on the final day of Australian Fashion Week.
Nick Blunden, President of The Business of Fashion said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Australian Fashion Week 2025. The Australian fashion market is incredibly dynamic and exciting, showcasing an impressive mix of creative talent from both well-established fashion businesses and a new generation of independent brands. It is no surprise that Australian fashion is reclaiming its rightful place on the global stage. We are looking forward to putting together a series of events that will engage the Australian fashion community and highlight the extraordinary talent featured at such an important part of the global fashion calendar.”
Now open are applications for DHL Next Gen, Australian Fashion Week’s emerging designer program established in 1996. The prize is valued at over $100,000 and includes runway show production, a content package including runway photography and livestream, and international shipping credits provided by DHL. Applications will close on 31 October 2024 and winners will be announced in February 2025.
