Australian Fashion Week 2025 Features First Nations Heritage, Upcycled Elegance & Pacific Glamour

As I sit on the plane for the long journey back to Paris, the thoughts of the Australian Fashion Week held on May 12-16th flood my mind. Images of all the collections (35 designers), the people, the scenery, and the unique culture that Australia breathes and lives in this huge country. Despite IMG leaving the fashion industry organization last winter, the Australian Fashion Council got together to host AFW in May. Having some administrative issues with this fast turnaround for the events for the spring, AFW overcame the work for the shows.

Left to Right: Beare Park, Carla Zampatti, Haluminous at AFW 2025, courtesy of Michael Foust.

AFW is known for its absolutely breathtaking fashion. Why? Talking with models and celebrity guests before the shows, they all stated the common theme of fashion in Australia: a mismatch of styles from all over, upcycled, 1st Nations Peoples traditions. They put them together in a coherent fashion style unique to Australia.

Nothing can be further from the truth as Australia Fashion Week not only delivers elegant work and cuts, but styles and prints that are brilliant. Starting off with its first ever trade show; SPALSH Sydney made its debut at the start of fashion week. In a majestic setting, the trade show highlighted Australian brands.

Porter at SPLASH Sydney during AFW 2025, courtesy of Michael Foust.

Bond-Eye at SPLASH Sydney during AFW 2025, courtesy of Michael Foust.

The first-ever trade show was showcased throughout the week, attracting visitors, buyers, and investors alike to the hub of Pacific fashion. Fashion brands like Porter, Bayse, Ci Ci, Bond-Eye, were a highlight for the show, with each bringing a significant piece to the show. Porter, with many stores throughout Australia, speaks of timeless luxury and a nice Cartier influence for style. Bond-Eye with some classic and elegant swimwear for this season's hottest looks. Overall, being the first trade show in conjunction with AFW, it was a great success. Many brands, established and up-and-coming, were present at the show. Gaining a strong footprint for fashion within Australia for the AFW events.

AFW also has a unique experience during the week with one of their sponsors, Shark Beauty, within the location of Carriageworks for the main scheduled shows. Hairstylists from all over Australia participated in giving guests a unique experience, making their hair, and providing beauty advice in a professional setting throughout AFW.

Jamie Kondilid with Shark Beauty, courtesy of Michael Foust.

The space was an actual salon with all the staff, materials, and tools needed to make the guests look their best for the runway shows and street style. Five full days of appointments are made in advance from the morning until talented stylists like Ms. Jamie Kondilid provide the evening. I visited with Jamie and talked about her experience with AFW. Her expertise comes from styling F1 guests for the races in Australia as well as professional appointments for AFW. She loves the experience as she gets to experience fashion week and the styles from all over the world.

Shark Beauty Salon at AFW, courtesy of Micahel Foust.

The salon in the AFW Carriageworks venue is unique as it provides not only the styling for the fashion shows but also the guests, making for a memorable experience.

If that was not enough, AFW organized over the obstacles from this year with some of the best collections I have ever seen. The quality is very similar to a mix of Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. The brands have clean, crisp cuts with an overall airy and light feel to them.

The highlight, though, is the care and focus of valuing the 1st Nations Peoples of Australia. Themes of the stunning scenery of Australia, hand in hand with traditional history and stories of the 1st Nations people, is something that is so unique and beautiful. It defines the feel and energy of AFW, as each tribe is proud to support fashion in the expression of the native people of Australia. An interview with one such designer, Juanita Page of Joseph & James.

Joseph & James, courtesy of the brand.

She is a proud Gooreng Gooreng and South Sea Islander woman, and her family roots are in every piece of her collection.

"This collection is a celebration of togetherness—of what it means to gather, to connect, to be present," said Page.

"Every piece is designed with that spirit in mind, drawing on moments around the table with a belly full and heart happy—places where stories are shared and memories are made."

Joseph & James, courtesy of the brand.

Being her first solo collection debut, the energy was exciting to share with her. Her warm, inviting smile as we chatted about what her favorite food was, as mealtime is an important part of her inspiration for the work. So many wonderful looks with a casual, warm, cozy, yet modern look to the pieces. My favorite was her butterfly embroidery, which she talked about as being the birth of flight and the emergence from the cocoon to something elegant and powerful.

Another highlight of the week was with Karla Špetić. Her collection, Aeris, was stunning. "The women of AERIS embody a confident, effortless beauty, each one the best version of herself, radiant, grounded, and moving forward like a shooting star across the night sky," said Karla Špetić.

Karla Špetić at AFW, courtesy of the brand.

Her work reminds me of fine Italian fashion in Milan, but with the powerful elements of Australian emotions, colours, and energy—strong and feminine at the same time—balanced perfectly with light fabrics and cuts that are hard to describe but took your breath away as the models moved down the runway.

Romance is Born at AFW, courtesy of the Michael Foust.

Another highlight was Romance is Born. Closing out the runway with two shows of their latest work. Being a major brand, their style is electric, theatrical, glamorous, and colourful.

Starting their show was a performance within a space decorated from Australian nature that inspired the runway. Emotional music, lighting, and dance created a mood that was like viewing a classic opera, with every step being in sync and orchestrated for a dreamy visual of their collection. It reminded me of the days and nights experienced in Australia with sunsets, sunrises, and everything in between. This, combined with their looks, made the models grace the path of the runway with confidence and beauty.

Mariam Seddiq at AFW 2025, courtesy of Micael Foust.

As I reflect on the previous week, and the fashion of AFW, all I can think of is: What beauty, elegance, and an uplifting energy to the international fashion industry. A hidden gem of the Pacific that boasts a powerful collection of brands that are unique, memorable, and waiting to be discovered and worn.

Thank you AFW for another great season of designers and work that reflects the Gem of the Pacific.

Notable Trends from AFW:

1. Coral-like prints on the fabrics.

Left to Right: Buluuy Mirrii, Miimi & Jiinda at AFW 2025, courtesy of Michael Foust.

2. 1st Nations Peoples' history, art, and stories in the fabric prints.

Top (L-R): Liandra, Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, courtesy of Michael Foust.

Bottom (L-R): Gary Bigeni, Ngali at AFW, courtesy of Michael Foust.

3. Sheer fabrics that are light and airy but elegant and crisp.

Left to Right: Beare Park, Carla Zampatti, Mariam Seddiq at AFW 2025, courtesy of Michael Foust.

4. Colours that are uniquely Australian and breathe the colours and moods of Australia perfectly.

Left to Right: Nagnata, Hansen & Gretel, Alix Higgens at AFW 2025, courtesy of Michael Foust.

5. Hats: the Aussies have some great hats that are of the outback!

Iordanes Spyridon Gogos at AFW 2025, courtesy of Michael Foust.

6. Combining Masculine and Feminine elements in a way that works together as a powerful, loving couple should.

Left to Right: Carla Zampatti, Gary Bigeni, Permanent Vacation at AFW 2025, courtesy of Michael Foust.