SYDNEY: Up to 60 young designers will showcase their wares to industry and the public at a new fashion event with a conscience.
Fashion Forward Festival has been organised by not-for-profit organisation Fashion Foundation of Australia (FFA) and will open in Sydney at the close of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW). FFA co-founder Aaron Kay said the debut initiative has been created as a stepping stone for young designers, offering them an exhibition platform more accessible than established industry events such as RAFW or L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.
The event is also a major fundraiser for the AIDS Trust of Australia, with Kay revealing a percentage of both designer exhibition fees and sponsorship monies will be donated to the organisation.
Fashion Forward Festival will run over three days and will incorporate both a runway show and designer exhibition spaces. Women's and menswear designers will be joined by denim, swimwear, underwear and accessory labels, with those scheduled to exhibit including ATAT, Beau & Arrow, I Am, Kisu and Wonders Cease.
In addition to being able to showcase their wares to buyers, agents and fashion media, designers will also sell their goods direct to the public plus go in the running to win a $5000 cash grant.
Fashion Forward Festival will be held at Paddington Town Hall in Sydney from May 7 to 9 and will also make its way to Melbourne in August and Perth in November. Entry to the festival is free for all visitors.