UPDATE: Readers can now download the updated Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2012 schedule, following the withdrawal of Dion Lee and Josh Goot, HERE.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia organisers have responded to the departure of designers Josh Goot and Dion Lee from the official spring/summer 2012/13 schedule.
Goot and Lee withdrew from the event earlier this morning, citing internal business reasons.
In an interview with ragtrader.com.au, IMG Fashion global production director Jarrad Clark confirmed the schedule was still set to highlight the work of over 72 designers.
"The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) schedule for 2012 continues to represent a broad spectrum of established and emerging designers," he said.
"With more than 72 designers showcasing across the week, we are sure to delight the domestic and international guests attending the event.
"We are disappointed we will not be showcasing Josh Goot’s and Dion Lee’s collections for 2012, but we understand the business reasons as to why they have decided to withdraw, and we will continue to have an open door to them for future endeavors.
"As event organisers of Fashion Weeks all over the world, we understand that the business objectives of our designers are evolving and we work to create solutions for them that best leverages our global platform and suits the focus of their business at any given time.
"IMG Fashion will continue our discussions with the industry to best refine the MBFWA platform, and strategically create opportunities for showcasing designers."
In withdrawing from the event this morning, Goot said he did not wish to "rush into a new collection" after intending to debut resort at the April/May showcase.
Meanwhile Lee cited his intention to "focus on the core activities" of his business ahead of a second London Fashion Week show in September.
MBFWA will run from April 30 to May 4 at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal.