Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) is back with a five-day itinerary loaded with unique industry panels, activations, and a variety of live runway presentations.

This year’s AAFW is set to be one of the most exciting fashion events on our fashion calendar! Thanks to a mix of next-generation innovators, creative changemakers, and seasoned professionals – this year is shaping up to be a mammoth event. It all kicks off with a Welcome to Country created by First Nations Fashion + Design and goes on to feature some of Australia’s biggest names. Here’s everything we know so far about Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022 – Keep visiting FIB to stay up to date!

Homegrown Talent

The 2022 schedule includes Bec & Bridge, who made their debut at AFW festival’s Next Gen programme eighteen years ago. This year, the homespun label is showcasing its resort 2022/23 collection. Bassike shows alongside the duo, with other presentations including Aje, Karla peti, Matteau, and Oroton, in addition to the return of Sass + Bide and Gary Bigeni. Bianca Spender is premiering her Summer and Resort collection at Gallery 1 – a space dedicated to the late Carla Zampatti.

Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Events & Properties, Asia Pacific, Natalie Xenita, says of the programme,

“The 2022 schedule of designer shows, programming and special events features some of the industry’s most noteworthy names, all gearing up to showcase their creativity and hard work against the vivid backdrop of Sydney, the resort wear capital of the Asia Pacific region… As the cornerstone for growth and recognition, AAFW celebrates the ingenuity of Australia’s top designers and creators, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and innovation across Australia and around the globe.”

New Ideas

The industry’s nascent members are well-represented this year. Amongst buzzy new brands, we’re keeping an eye on All Is A Gentle Spring (Dypnea), Injury, Nicol & Ford (Nicol & Ford) and Alix Higgins.

Lordanes Spyridon Gogos (2022 International Woolmark Prize competitor) is making his second appearance at the event; hosting a show at the Powerhouse Museum (an event first).

The ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ experience also allows attendees and remote spectators to purchase outfits immediately off the runway. Designers like Anna Quan, Oroton, and Manning Cartell will be showcasing their looks with a ‘Buy now, Pay Later’ option.

Cultural Impacts

IMG has announced that there will also be special events and activations at AAFW this year. Good news: these are open to anyone who wants to attend! A series of designer runway shows and special events start from 8 pm each night. Named “The Experience”, it is the most accessible programming that IMG and Afterpay have ever provided.

The importance of fashion’s cultural impact is being emphasised this year, addressing the topic of sustainability and digital fashion.

“We’re so thrilled to be presenting such an incredibly strong lineup of Australian designers for AAFW 2022 and bringing AAFW: The Experience to fashion-forward consumers like never before,”

says Nick Molnar, co-founder and co-CEO of Afterpay. “After the tremendous success of AAFW 2021, we look forward to raising the bar and supporting both emerging and established designers by showcasing them on a global scale.”

A Sustainable Future?

Bassike is making an important statement this year after staging a carbon-neutral show in 2021. As one of the first Australian brands to receive a carbon-neutral certification; the brand is adapting to the demands of a more demanding consumer. Deborah Sams, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Bassike, tells RUSSH,

“I suppose the milestone means to me that it’s been a continuous process from day dot of consciously trying to improve our process and head in the right direction towards sustainability… So I feel like this is really where we can put a stake in the ground and say that we’ve achieved some big milestones.”

First Nations Celebration

Something special to look forward to is another unique celebration of First Nations design. This concept continues after a successful start in 2021.

A nightly series of shows, “AAFW: The Experience” and discussion topics for ‘AAFW: The Talks,’ are both included in the programme.

Numerous designers are collaborating with Indigenous Fashion Projects this year. Some of these, include Ngali, Maara Collective, and Liandra Swim. A discussion on the beauty and significance of First Nations Design will also be part of the week’s events.

Afterpay Australian Fashion Week is running from 9 -13 May at Carriageworks, Sydney. Presentations are also appearing online via AAFW’s website. Afterpay Australian Fashion Week tickets are available online via their website. Check out the full schedule online at aafw.com.au.

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