Australian Fashion Week has announced its return in 2025 with a series of new and retuning First Nations designers.
Taking place from 12-16 May, the event will showcase the works of both emerging and established Australian designers, celebrating world-class creativity and innovation.
Indigenous labels showcasing their designs on this year's runway include Liandra, Ngali, Miimi & Jiinda, Joseph & James and Buluuy Mirrii.
Joseph and James founder, Juanita Page, said she is thrilled to be showcasing the brand at Australian Fashion Week in addition to being offered the opportunity of a solo runway.
"We're really looking forward to presenting JOSEPH & JAMES at this year's Australian Fashion Week with our upcoming collection, Gathering," Page told Style Up.
"Although we originally applied to be part of a group show, we were incredibly honoured to be offered a solo runway—an opportunity that we didn't expect but have embraced wholeheartedly."
Page said the label is in preparation mode for next month's event.
"As with any major presentation, there's definitely a level of stress and anxiety, but ultimately, we're excited and grateful to be able to bring this next chapter of JOSEPH & JAMES to life," she said.
"Gathering is an ode to the moments that matter most—where connection is woven into every moment, and memories are made around every table.
"This new collection reflects the value of slowing down, spending time, and building relationships with loved ones over food."
Designer and founder of First Nations brand Buluuy Mirrii, Colleen Tighe Johnson, said she is looking forward to showcasing her brand's newest collection on the Australian Fashion Week runway.
"We are very excited to be part of AFW this year as it has been a real year of growth of me as a designer and also the business and the team I have built up over the last 12 months," she said.
Johnston said Buluuy Mirrii's collection will feature Australian fine wool as well as mixes, silk, and cotton.
"This year will be our Women's Business art and stories within the elegant and shapely forties styling," she said.
"I love being able to show the beauty of the stories on shapely and flowing designs giving full expression to the heritage of the what is very personal to me as these are the stories I grew up.
"To be able to present this collection on the same major runaway as other First Nations and Australian designers is a very proud moment for me and my brand."
Led by the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and presented by Shark Beauty, Australian Fashion Week is also celebrating a new chapter with the announcement of AFC leading events operations and also introducing The Studio, a new experience open to registered members of the public, offering a curated Fashion Week experience.
This event was born from industry-wide collaboration, bringing together fashion's leading voices to reimagine a globally recognised Fashion Week in Sydney.
Despite IMG exiting as the events sponsor last year, the AFC is set to execute the event is the same distinguished, high-fashion manner.
As an invitation-only event, this year delegates must apply for accreditation. This includes industry, media, manufacturing, buying and other industry professionals. Successful applicants will gain unparalleled access to exclusive runway shows, trade showrooms and networking opportunities with leading fashion professionals.
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