The Australian Fashion Chamber (AFC) has been unveiled.
The organisation, led by the head of Vogue Australia Edwina McCann, has been established to help encourage further growth the fashion industry.
Fellow AFC founding members, alongside chairman McCann, include:
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Calvin Klein executive vice president communications Malcolm Carfrae
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MyTheresa.com communications director Anthony Kendal
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Woolmark fashion communications manager Melissa Grace
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OrotonGroup, Gap and Brooks Brothers marketing coordinator Kara Hurry
Introducing the new order, McCann said its establishment heralds a new era for the fashion industry, which has been supported by stakeholders both locally and internationally.
“The AFC is a welcome addition to Australia’s fashion landscape that will help foster young talent and create sustainable, unique and inspiring businesses of which we will all be proud,” she said.
“To establish and ensure the success of the AFC partnerships internationally and locally have been integral – AMP Capital Shopping Centres, The Woolmark Company and BT Financial Group have immediately stepped forward to contribute to the Chamber, IMG and Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival have offered their support, alongside the Textile Fashion Institute of Australia.
“Internationally Steven Kolb, president of the Council of Fashion Designers America has provided integral support and guidance, “We are happy to provide advice and guidance from America to assist in the growth of the AFC which will be a very important asset to the Australian fashion industry.”
Going forward, McCann said the AFC will take part and spearhead several industry-related initiatives, including training conferences, mentoring programs, support of multiple design awards, and the introduction of the AFC Awards presented by AMP Capital.
“The future for the Australian fashion industry is bright – both the established and emerging talents are creative, intelligent and global. We need to come together as an industry to support our existing, emerging and established talents. We need to pool our talents to support theirs,” McCann said.
“With consistent mentoring, training and support we can build the Australian fashion industry to a greater scale than ever before.”
The AFC has also secured a slot on the Mercedes-Benz Australia Fashion Week schedule – Thursday, April 10 – to officially introduce the AFC board of executive and non-executive directors.
AFC said the event will also provide further insight into planned activities and provide a forum for the industry to feedback on how the AFC can best support designers in achieving their business objectives.