SYDNEY: One of the world's most influential fashion events has officially kicked off in Sydney.
Industry delegates from around the globe assembled at Government House last night to launch the three-day Fashion Group International (FGI) Global Conference.
Up to 200 delegates are expected to attend the landmark event which, for the first time in the organisation's 79 year history, is being staged in the Southern Hemisphere.
Speaking at the launch, NSW Minister for Women Verity Firth said this was a coup considering FGI was a non-profit, professional organisation with over 5000 international members.
"[It]] is being billed as the only international event focusing on the business of fashion to be held in Australia this year," she said. "It will showcase the best of fashion design and lifestyle while providing an international forum focusing on the latest innovations, ideas and creative directions."
Highlights from this year's conference, which is themed around 'The Cutting Edge', will include a showcase of Australian swimwear at Balmoral Beach, a business function at the Queen Victoria Building focusing on 21st century retailing, a business breakfast how leading Australian brands broached the international market and a formal dinner hosted by the Council of Textiles and Fashion Industries of Australia.
For more: http://conferences.fgi.org/
PIC: WENDELL TEODORO