Introduction
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) 2023 was a dynamic showcase of diversity, sustainability, and creative expression.
Held in Sydney 15-19th of May at Carriageworks, the event brought together designers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts from around the globe. This year’s fashion week celebrated the fluidity of gender, defying traditional fashion boundaries. It also emphasized the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices, making it a truly unique and inspiring event.
Fashion’s Fluid Revolution
Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023:
AAFW 2023 challenged conventional notions of gender in fashion, embracing a more inclusive and non-binary approach. Designers courageously blurred the lines between “womenswear” and “menswear,” creating collections that defied traditional categorizations.
Christian Wilkins turned heads at Romance was Born, exuding confidence while strutting down the runway in a striking lace wedding dress. Outfaced, an emerging brand, captivated audiences with their gender-neutral loungewear, while Albus Lumen presented unisex styles such as crochet shirts and soft blazers.
Nicol & Ford’s collection The collection, divided into three parts, blended 19th-century feminine silhouettes with gender-fluid elements, followed by celestial-themed attire, and concluding with pieces symbolizing the mystic allure of a comet.
The event was inspired by The Great Comet of 1811 and Tolstoy’s War and Peace, aiming to highlight the triviality of societal obsession with wealth and class against the grandeur of natural phenomena.
This celebration of gender fluidity extended beyond the runway, with attendees sporting androgynous looks and oversized tailoring in their street style.
Sustainable Collaborations: Porsche Drives Innovation
Porsche Cars Australia played a pivotal role in AAFW 2023, collaborating with various designers and hosting exclusive events. Their partnership with ALÉMAIS, prominently featured in the opening show, showcased the shared values of creativity, innovation, and empowerment of women.
Porsche’s commitment to sustainability was highlighted by the presence of their all-electric Taycan sports car on the runway, emphasizing their dedication to eco-friendly practices and technological advancement.
Inspiring Conversations: Women with Drive:
AAFW’s Panels & Conversations series featured a thought-provoking discussion titled “Women with Drive: Lesleigh Jermanus.” Moderated by Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Jillian Davison, the conversation delved into the realms of design, craftsmanship, empowerment, and sustainability. This engaging dialogue shed light on Lesleigh’s journey and her commitment to creating eco-friendly and sustainable fashion. The partnership between Porsche and ALÉMAIS served as a testament to the convergence of fashion and innovation.
Alix Higgins’ Delectable Earth Shudder: A Fusion of Imperfection and Sustainability:
Alix Higgins closed AAFW with an awe-inspiring display of creativity in his collection titled “Delectable Earth Shudder.” Celebrating imperfections and embracing sustainability, Higgins showcased pieces crafted from up-cycled materials, transforming waste into unique and meaningful creations. The collection resonated deeply with the Sydney fashion scene, as attendees proudly wore Higgins’ designs throughout the week.
All About Social at AAFW
All About Social representatives at Australian Fashion Week 2023 this year were Raluca-Sandra Moore (influencer/social media specialist & content creator) and Rob Nolan (photographer)
Between Vox pops and photographing the shows, prominent figures and street style heroes, they were taken aback by the incredibly dynamic, diverse and futuristic fashion they found themselves enveloped in.
In a serendipitous happening, Rob Nolan photographed the well-known and much loved Courtney Act and as it so happened she absolutely loved his shots and reposted them onto her Instagram –
All About Social felt the love, and cannot wait to be back next year.
Conclusion
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023 was a true celebration of diversity, sustainability, and creative expression. The event boldly embraced gender fluidity, defying conventional fashion norms. Collaborations with Porsche Cars Australia brought innovation and elegance to the forefront. AAFW’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and sustainability left an indelible mark on attendees and the fashion world at large, igniting inspiration and paving the way for a more inclusive future in fashion.
