Australian Fashion Week 2025: A Recap of Sydney’s Biggest Style Event

Australian Fashion Week (AFW) 2025, held in Sydney, featured collections from various designers and included notable models such as Taylor Hill, Shanina Shaik, Gemma Ward, Billie Jean, and Montana Cox. The event was organized by the Australian Fashion Council.

Best of the Runways

Best Show: Maticevski's runway return featured sculptural forms and couture finishes.

Best Collection: Esse Studios by designer Charlotte Hicks presented a collection described as quiet luxury.

"Quiet luxury" defined the season’s most celebrated collection.

The Moment That Went Viral

Gatecrasher: Sculptures by the Sea founder David Handley accidentally interrupted the Commas show by performing stretches. The incident generated international media attention.

A Controversy Sparks Outrage

Controversial Moment: Designer Jordan Gogos (label Iordanes Spyridon Gogos) staged a runway where a model dragged artist Kirsha Kaechele by the leg, drawing criticism for depicting violence against women.

Trends & Highlights

Color Trend: Swampy greens appeared across multiple collections, including Aje and Gary Bigeni.

Notable Model: First Nations model Billie Jean Hamlet opened and closed the L'Idée Woman show and walked for several other labels.

Casting Praise: Designer Mariam Seddiq cast models of diverse body sizes in her show.

Emerging Talent: Alix Higgins presented his fifth AFW show with front row appearances from Heartbreak High cast members.

Billie Jean Hamlet became the standout First Nations model of the week, opening and closing multiple shows.