Is Australian Fashion Week officially dead? Runway event ‘put on the market for $1million’ amid fears it has been ruined by reality stars, wannabes and micro-influencers
Australian Fashion Week is for sale.
The annual event has been organized by American company IMG since 2005 and the company has quietly marketed it with a price tag of $1 million. The Daily Telegraph.
The New York-based global sports and culture company is expected to continue organizing the event until 2025.
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted AFW for comment.
No specific reason for the sale has been confirmed, but rumors are swirling that AFW has struggled to maintain its once-respected reputation as an ‘essential showcase of top designers Down Under’.
The publication reports that there may be friction between IMG and designers participating in AFW due to sponsorship.
Under IMG’s terms, brands and designers need approval from AFW when it comes to establishing their own partnerships and sponsors.
In recent years, AFW has evolved from one of the country’s most prestigious events to one overrun by reality stars, wannabes and micro-influencers.
Australian Fashion Week is for sale. The annual event has been organized by American company IMG since 2005 and the company has quietly launched it with a price tag of $1 million, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Industry insiders told Ny Breaking Australia that this year’s designers wanted nothing to do with “fame-hungry MAFS stars desperate to be seen at fashion week.”
This year, style lovers enjoyed catwalk shows from major brands such as Carla Zampatti, Romance Was Born and PE Nation.
Bec + Bridge, Mariam Seddiq, Michael Lo Sordo and Acler also achieved favorable returns.
Yet Nadia Bartel’s Henne brand was not present in this year’s show, despite being the most popular event on the schedule in 2023.
In recent years, AFW has evolved from one of the country’s most prestigious events to one overrun by reality stars, wannabes and micro-influencers. In the photo: reality star Suzan Mutesi