In an Australian Fashion Week special, ragtrader.com.au asks key buyers about trade, trends and what's on their agenda. Wrapping the week up is David Jones womenswear buyer Natasha Halkett, who reveals her top highlights at the 2025 event.
Which Australian designer brands do you stock?
At David Jones, we’re proud to champion over 200 Australian and international brands, with a strong focus on supporting homegrown talent. As the exclusive department store partner for Australian labels such as Zimmermann, Aje, Carla Zampatti, Bianca Spender, Camilla and Marc, and Alemais, we’re committed to curating a premium and diverse fashion offering. This summer, we’re thrilled to welcome Romance Was Born back into the David Jones family, with the brand launching in three of our stores from July.
Which designers are you most looking forward to seeing at Australian Fashion Week this year?
Our team is especially excited for the Aje Resort ‘26 Impression runway at the new Pier Pavilion in Barangaroo. With Sydney Harbour as the backdrop, it’s the perfect setting for Aje’s signature blend of elevated ready-to-wear and effortless outfitting. We’re also looking forward to seeing the brand’s continued evolution in accessories – particularly footwear and handbags, which are fast becoming standout accessories for Aje.
A highlight so far has been the Nagnata runway, which beautifully captured a sense of Australian coastal cool with relaxed silhouettes, luxury fabrications, and washed-back denim. We were equally impressed by The Frontier, a new addition to the AFW schedule that showcases emerging talent from across Australia and New Zealand. It's always a privilege to support alumni from the National Designer Award, including brands like ESSE and this year’s standout winner, Amy Lawrence.
What fashion trends are you seeing right now across Australia and New Zealand?
With 41 stores nationally and our Newmarket store in New Zealand, David Jones has a unique vantage point on trans-seasonal trends across both markets. Denim dressing remains a strong trend this winter, with wide-leg and barrel-leg jeans leading the way across all age groups and customer segments. The barrel-leg silhouette is resonating for its flattering fit across different body shapes.
The season’s standout colour is chocolate – a rich, versatile hue that’s appearing across all categories, especially in outwear and knitwear. We're also seeing strong interest in textured fabrics like suede, faux fur, fringing, and faux leather – perfect for our fashion-forward customer.
The bold reds of last season have evolved into deeper, more refined tones of burgundy and wine, which are proving just as popular and will continue into the warmer months. For customers heading into a Northern Hemisphere summer, relaxed dress silhouettes and playful conversational prints from brands like Alemais and Aje are key suitcase essentials.
Have your buying strategies changed in recent months amid global economic challenges?
While we’re mindful of global economic shifts, our commitment to supporting Australian designers remains unwavering. Australian Fashion Week has exceeded expectations this year, with strong creative direction and highly commercial collections across the board. Our local designers continue to encapsulate the Australian summer spirit in a way that feels both aspirational and wearable. As always, our buying strategy is grounded in long-term support for this talent, and we will continue to champion the innovation and quality that defines Australian fashion.
What is the next big fashion trend?
Knee-length shorts have emerged as a standout trend this week. From structured, tailored versions in silk and satin to relaxed denim styles, they’ve been a consistent feature across showrooms and the runway alike. It's a versatile piece that’s making a big statement this season, and one we expect to resonate strongly with our customers in the coming months.