AFW gets set to woo the Asian dollar
SYDNEY: Organisers of Australian Trans-seasonal Fashion Week have hit back at criticism its event will clash with the international buying calendar.
Speaking in the wake of concerns the three-day showcase - staged from October 9 to 11 - would inconvenience buyers attending Paris Fashion Week - staged from September 29 to October 8 - organiser IMG Asia Pacific said the number of international delegate registrations should help silence critics.
The group's regional marketing and communication manager, Graeme Lewsey, said buyers from Russia, Indonesia and the wider Asian continent had already confirmed their intention to attend the event.
Lewsey said interest in the Trans-seasonal installment had boomed among Asian buyers in recent times, with Australian autumn/winter garments proving to be well-suited to their sweltering climate.
He added a host of new initiatives meant fashion week delegates - both national and international - would get the most out of attending the trans-seasonal collections. These included a fully catered-for networking event staged nightly at the Overseas Passenger Terminal (from 6 and 7pm) and a revamp of exhibition space, The Source.
The revamp, launched in collaboration with Australian Fashion Week partner Domayne, meant designers showcasing at The Source would create stalls in consultation with interior design experts. Lewsey said the initiative was devised in order to maximise brand exposure for participants, after previous exhibitors failed to fully capitalise on the area.
Lewsey said 25 designers were expected to take part in the initiative this year with categories ranging across apparel, accessories and jewellery.
While a full list of designers and exhibitors for the annual event had yet to be released at the time of press, it is understood high-profile labels sass & bide and Alex Perry have been confirmed for the ready-to-wear component along with Yekaterina Peker, Gina Kim, Bam Bam, Leonard Street, Tallulah, Nicolangela and Injury. New Generation participants will include Donna Sgro, Rufus Green, Jane & Eleni, Cable and Honey Hartley.
Rosemount Australian Trans-seasonal Fashion Week will kick off on October 9 with all events centrally staged inside Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal.
By Assia Benmedjdoub