Three of Sydney's premier fashion events will combine this year for the first time, to deliver three weeks of style and a financial boost for fashion retail.
Sydney is Fashion, coordinated by the City of Sydney, will bring together Sydney Fashion Festival, a fashion-focused History Week NSW, and Vogue Fashion’s Night Out.
Lord mayor Clover Moore said plans for the new three-week festival will go before the council on May 14 and, if approved, will see the event celebrate fashion as a vital part of Sydney’s creative and cultural life.
“Sydney’s buzzing with new fashion designers – but economic conditions have been tough for retailers, so we’re taking a creative approach to celebrating our global city’s fashion culture,” Moore said.
“Fashion-lovers flocking to the city will drive retail sales and benefit our local businesses. Fashion design, manufacturing and retail businesses strengthen our economy and provide thousands of jobs – that’s why the City of Sydney is committed to supporting them through difficult times.”
In total, the City of Sydney plans to invest $80,000 in Sydney is Fashion, with $90,000 worth of sponsorship, to create a program of activities and shopping events linking the three fashion-themed festivals, and attract more visitors.
The City of Sydney has sponsored Sydney Fashion Festival and Vogue Fashion’s Night Out for the past two years. If approved by the council, further sponsorship for the two events, to the value of $280,000, will continue until 2014.
Sydney Fashion Festival will run from August 21 to 25, with Vogue Fashion’s Night Out to take place on September 6; and History Week NSW planned for September 8 to 16. History Week NSW will showcase the history of fashion and the rag trade in Sydney, under the theme “Threads”.