ADL Fashion Week (AFW) will launch for the first time across the city of Adelaide this October, headlined by R.M.Williams and other South Australian born designers and retailers.
Hosted by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) and held from October 6-9 2022, AFW will feature a curated program of fashion events that will support SA’s $218m fashion economy.
AEDA MD Ian Hill said the event comes following growth in retail stores, with JD Sports, Glue Store, and Rebel opening their first CBD flagships in Rundle Mall.
Japanese retailer UNIQLO, is also due to open its doors at the end of the year.
“2022 has been a huge year, with some of the biggest Australian and global brands investing heavily in Adelaide,” says Hill.
“Rundle Street has welcomed Australian designer favourites; Carla Zampatti, VIKTORIA & WOODS and Assembly Label, all of which contribute to the ever growing retail sector in the heart of Adelaide.”
Two headline events will mark the start of the festival on Thursday, October 6, starting with a ticketed lunch held at Fishbank and featuring key South Australian designers and a live showcase.
Then, to celebrate its 90 years of retailing, South Australian brand R.M.Williams will headline at Sôl Rooftop at SkyCity for dinner. The event will host an exclusive Q&A with R.M.Williams head of product development Scott Faulder.
“It’s great to see fashion being celebrated in the city once again,” Faulder said. “I’m thrilled to be involved in the inaugural ADL Fashion Week.
“R.M.Williams is a homegrown, internationally recognised brand, and I look forward to sharing industry insights over an intimate dinner at Sôl Rooftop.”
Held at 6:30pm, 90 Years of R.M.Williams: A Life's Journey will traverse the brand’s 90-year history and its future over a five-course dinner paired with Penfolds wines.
Following Rundle Street Up Late on Friday, the weekend will also share events, including a series of workshops held in North Adelaide called ‘Slow Lounge Saturday’.
Following this will be the inaugural SA designer showcase The Art of Fashion, celebrating local emerging, ready-to-wear and couture designers. This will take place at the Art Gallery of South Australia in the evening.
AFW will also collaborate with this year’s Adelaide Film Festival as they premiere Fashion Reimagined at Palace Nova Cinemas on Sunday.
The film follows designer Amy Powney's mission to create a sustainable collection from field to finished garment.
Following the screening will be a Q&A panel featuring Melanie Flintoft of Sunset Lover and Sophia McMahon of autark.
ADL Fashion Week has been developed in collaboration with industry experts spanning across the fashion sector, city operators and event partners.
According to organisers, the festival is anticipated to grow year-on-year, and will provide a platform for fashion retailers to share their offerings on a national scale.
Tickets for the two launch events on October 6 are now on sale, with more events to be announced shortly.