Australian Fashion Week opened on Monday evening with a powerful tribute to local legacy—Carla Zampatti. Staged at the Sydney Opera House, the sunset show marked the label’s 60th anniversary and the start of a new chapter under industry-led direction.
In one of the most hyped shows on the scheduele, The Frontier brought together designers Amy Lawrance, Courtney Zheng, Common Hours, Esse Studios, Matin, Paris Georgia, and Wynn Hamlyn.
Lee Mathews marked 25 years with a collection that felt both intimate and elevated. Sheer layers, soft structure, and a quiet nod to the artistry behind the seams. A refined balance of nostalgia and modern femininity.
Joseph & James made a powerful AFW debut with refined menswear rooted in cultural storytelling, showcasing premium tailoring and a thoughtful redefinition of modern masculinity.
Nagnata’s AFW 2025 debut featured movement-led knitwear and naturally dyed denim in earthy tones, with plant-based pigments and a focus on mindful design woven through every piece.
Beare Park’s Resort 2025 collection balanced languid glamour with pragmatic elegance, reinforcing the label’s signature blend of timeless sophistication and contemporary polish.
Farage’s AFW 2025 debut showcased masterful tailoring and sleek minimalism, reflecting the brand's commitment to contemporary aesthetics rooted in fine tailoring heritage.
Aje returned to the runway with sculptural silhouettes, raw textures, and a coastal ease that has come to define the brand. A bold play of proportion and polish, grounded in a distinctly Australian sensibility.
Alix Higgins brought a sense of fantastical rebellion to Australian Fashion Week. Models moved like nomadic figures from a digital fairytale, adorned in hand-painted fabrics, layered knits, and garments emblazoned with poetic text.
Ngali’s 2025 show unfolded as a quiet and powerful meditation on Country, culture, and connection. Denni Francisco wove First Nations art into flowing silks, with earthy pinks and blues inspired by land, sky, and river.
Bianca Spender offered a quiet exploration of form and feeling, with fluid draping, sheer silks, and a restrained palette creating a sense of clarity and ease. The collection marked a shift toward introspective design, grounded in emotion and precision.
Karla Špetić’s Resort 2026 show opened with a guided breathwork session, setting a meditative tone for a collection rooted in healing and self-reflection. Gauzy layers, tie-dyed suiting, and celestial motifs brought a quiet sensuality to her signature feminine codes.
Unfolded in their candlelit Paddington atelier, vintage potion bottles and red roses set a gothic, cinematic mood. The collection played with puff sleeves, lace, and polka dots. Whimsical, theatrical, and unmistakably Macgraw.
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Hansen & Gretel’s Resort 2026 collection unfolded like a sun-drenched reverie - batik prints, lace textures, and layered pendants evoked a modern bohemia. A palette of technicolour 70s tones brought warmth and wanderlust to the runway.
Iordanes Spyridon Gogos returned with a riot of colour, texture, and joyful chaos, where art, upcycling, and performance collided. The show didn’t just challenge fashion norms, it rewrote them entirely.
Gary Bigeni’s 2025 show, Dance Bigeni, Dance, was a joyful ode to self-expression. Models moved with energy and freedom in shimmering sequins, bold prints, and silhouettes that celebrated every body.
Mariam Seddiq’s Resort 2026 collection was a sculptural symphony of bold silhouettes and intricate detailing, reflecting her Afghan heritage and commitment to artistic maximalism. Each piece embodied a fusion of tradition and contemporary elegance, showcasing her signature Prêt-à-Couture aesthetic.
Nicol & Ford’s Resort 2026 show was a theatrical ode to self-expression, blending historical references with radical glamour. Lush fabrics, corsetry, and dramatic silhouettes came together in a bold celebration of queer identity and craft.
Images via @vasilipapathanasopoulos, @julianallesphotography @davzzzon, @ngowyn, @garybigeni, Vogue Runway, @_alessiaferraro_, @franzdiary, @lifewithoutandy, Refinery29, Elle, Fashion Journal, Liz Sunshine, Harpers Bazaar, Australian Fashion Council.