AFTERPAY AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK (AAFW) LEADING THE CHARGE EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
22 May 2023
The five-day fashion affair that captivated the Australian fashion elite has concluded with a bang. Fashion royalty such as Aje, Bianca Spender, Michael Lo Sordo, Bec & Bridge & Anna Quan graced our runways whilst rising stars such as Asiyam, Youkhana, Erik Yvon, Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, Wackie Ju and Nicol & Ford are disrupting the industry.
The crisp Autumn air wasn’t going to deter fashion enthusiasts from strutting the Carriageworks runway, immersing themselves into the AAFW’s street style scene or capturing an Instagram reel in front of the Porsche’s electrifying activation showcasing the first all-electric sports model.
Simply Seated’s partnership with Afterpay Australian Fashion Week has been an incredible opportunity for exploring the diversity of what design and style truly is. Whether you are developing a floorplan or adding embellishments to an outfit, the overall aesthetics are always the highest of priority.
Whilst all designers were presenting their upcoming Resort Collections, the key takeaways from the runways were the emerging values and perspectives shaping the future of the industry.
The Australian designers this year, were not just pioneers in the fashion world, they were leading the charge by adopting more conscious approaches to their runways in combating ecological issues such as global climate crisis and sustainability.
In previously years, sets designs, backdrops, signage, furniture, and props were presumed to be used discarded after a single use. Shows like Aje and Bianca Spender not only demonstrated a mix of ethereal silhouettes, but they also showcased sustainability and repurposing of set design elements.
Aje celebrated the label’s 15th anniversary at The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) with a vibrant show and a surprise collaboration with sustainable label Outland Denim. For the show, attendees were seated on a 195m custom bench that was made from accordion-pleated paper and will be used for repurposing for future events.
Bianca Spender who presented her 15th anniversary show at AAFW will be repurposing elements of her runway including a cream carpet and an enormous oval-shaped light installation.
Although most fashion week shows are staged at the Carriageworks, some designers such as Joslin Studio & Bec & Bridge showcased their collections at local beaches saving resources and energy using Sydney’s natural landscape and lighting.
IORDANES SPYRIDON GOGOS presented by Afterpay was a captivating show that not only showcased wearable art using electric prints and colours led the charge in sustainability.
With an average of 260,000 tonnes of clothing reaching Australian landfill each year, ISG used innovative approaches such as compressioning wall textiles to upcycle more than 1000Kg of material that was used for his striking garments and elements of his set.
A lack of diversity has been a point of critique in previous years and this year's Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) 2024 has been touted as the most diverse it's ever been. All shows were Influenced by confidence and individuality, the shows embraced inclusivity, diversity, and was a true reflection of Australian culture.
The week commenced with the traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony and Indigenous models like Samantha Harris, Nathan McGuire and Magnolia Maymuru made their way down the runway (just as various First Nations models featured in other shows throughout the week alongside models from other ethnic backgrounds).
Ngali Australia was a first for Australian Fashion Week being the first Indigenous designer to have a standalone show. Ngali translates to ‘we’ or ‘us’ in a number of Australian Aboriginal languages. And through Ngali, they created the ‘us’ we’d like to see in Australian culture: a harmonious, sustainable and equitable union of people with their country.
The final show of the week, #WeWearAustralia X Afterpay was a one in a lifetime experience that encapsulated Australian culture. The catwalk comprised people from different ethnic backgrounds, with different heights, body sizes and shapes and with members of our disabled and LGBTQ communities in a space that recognises and respects us all. The celebration amongst communities that have felt underrepresented for so long.
Luca Andolfo said, “At Simply Seated we pride ourselves on our diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, supported, and has the resources they need to grow and thrive regardless of identity, origin, or difference in circumstances. Being a part of such a revolutionary event that held showcased such creativity whilst creating a social impact has been a very special partnership for Simply Seated”.
We were honoured that we were able to partner with such a momentous event that tackled such significant social issues that are close to our hearts.
For more information, please contact Jocelyn – Jocelyn@simplyseated.com.au