14 Apr 2026

AUSTRALIAN FASHION COUNCIL ANNOUNCES FINAL DESIGNER SCHEDULE AND LINEUP OF CONSUMER EVENTS FOR AFC AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK PRESENTED BY SHARK BEAUTY

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) today announced the final designer schedule alongside a curated lineup of consumer events for Australian Fashion Week (AFW) 2026 presented by Shark Beauty, taking place 11–15 May at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) and locations across Sydney. The schedule is now live here.

AFW 2026 marks an expansive program with more designer shows, more consumer access and a significantly strengthened industry offering that reflects the AFC’s evolution of the event into a platform that is both globally competitive and locally relevant.

Shaped by the industry, for the industry, the 2026 program responds directly to the needs of designers, founders and fashion businesses across the sector. As AFW continues to grow in scale and impact, it is driving increased buyer attendance, media attention and consumer engagement, strengthening outcomes across the sector. AFW remains Australia’s premier international fashion event, showcasing an industry that contributes more than $28 billion to the economy, supports nearly 500,000 jobs and generates over $7 billion in exports annually.

First Nations design is embedded across the official schedule, marking the strongest representation in AFW’s history and reinforcing the AFC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the First Nations fashion sector. The event’s official opening is Welcome to Country followed by two dedicated runaways presented by Create NSW featuring Buluuy Mirrii and Van Ermel Scherer. Ngali will present a standalone runway, while New Generation, presented by DHL, includes EDITION x Sarrita King and KINGKING CREATIVE, embedding First Nations fashion within the core AFW framework. 

Consumer access in 2026 marks a step-change in scale and accessibility, with consumer runway shows expanding to six on the official schedule – including four standalone designer runways and two curated group showcases. This dedicated stream of ticketed events offers audiences the opportunity to experience Fashion Week firsthand, with access to runway shows, talks, masterclasses and more. Tickets are on sale from 12pm, Wednesday 22 April 2026 here.

Consumer Access designer runway shows include:

• Monday 11 May, 7pm: Carla Zampatti
• Tuesday 12 May, 7pm: Hansen & Gretel presented by Shark Beauty
• Wednesday 13 May, 8pm: MARIAM SEDDIQ
• Thursday 14 May, 12pm: Iordanes Spyridon Gogos
• Thursday 14 May, 6pm and 7pm: Two curated group showcases featuring see-now-buy-now collections from contemporary Australian brands, including Aje Studio, Bec + Bridge, Friends with Frank, Henne, Romy, Silk Laundry and more to be announced. 

Kellie Hush, AFW Fashion Director, said: “Australians have a genuine love of fashion and a desire to be part of it. What sets us apart globally is our ability to create design that feels optimistic, accessible and connected to real life – reflecting our lifestyle, energy and sense of joy. This year’s program brings together industry and consumer experiences, giving audiences the opportunity to engage with and experience the very best of Australian fashion design against Sydney’s incredible backdrop.” 

Fashion followers can also register for the free Fashion Pass, unlocking access to AFW’s Official 2026 Opening Welcome to Country, the Live Stream at the MCA, early access to tickets and exclusive invitations to AFW events, connecting them to the heart of the AFW community. Registration is open here. 

A highlight of the consumer program, the Shark Beauty Hair Masterclass on Thursday 14 May offers behind-the-scenes access to leading hair experts, showcasing the tools, techniques and trends shaping AFW 2026.

Hush continued: "Australian Fashion Week has never been more important to the industry it serves. There's a collective momentum building around this event, and when AFW is stronger, every Australian designer and brand benefits. More buyers in the room, more media attention on the week, more consumer engagement with the sector. The AFC's role is to build and grow this platform, and the industry gets to use it. We're proud to be presenting a week that firmly positions Sydney and Australian fashion on the world stage."

AFW is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

In addition to Destination NSW and Shark Beauty, AFW is made possible through the support of partners Create NSW, Afterpay, City of Sydney, DHL, eBay, Epson, Marque Lawyers, NIVEA, Simply Seated, ST. Ali and Uber Black.

Industry and fashion fans can stay up to date with behind-the-scenes content and AFW news by following @AFCAustralianFashionWeek on Instagram and TikTok.

Please see AFW event imagery here.

-ends-
 

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN FASHION COUNCIL:

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is a not-for-profit and the peak body for the Australian fashion and textile industry, representing the sector for over 70 years. AFC members are Australian founded or majority owned businesses involved in producing fabric, clothing, footwear or accessories, including individuals that contribute creatively and economically to the Australian fashion and textile industry. The AFC champion and advocate for a prosperous and creative Australian fashion and textiles industry, with the purpose of building a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem for our member community through education, collaboration and innovation.

ABOUT AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK: 

Australian Fashion Week (AFW) in Sydney is the country’s premier platform for showcasing Australian fashion to global audiences and, since 1996, has played a critical role in launching and sustaining some of Australia’s most recognisable fashion brands. The event presents leading Australian designers to domestic and international buyers, facilitating trade and export opportunities while fostering meaningful connections across designers, retailers, media and industry leaders. Focused on delivering tangible outcomes for the Australian fashion and textile ecosystem, AFW elevates local talent, drives dialogue on the future of fashion, and positions Australia as a global leader in fashion, creativity and innovation. Since 2025, AFW has been part of AFC Fashion Events, a subsidiary of the Australian Fashion Council.

For further information contact: 

Nikki Andrews 

NAC Media Group

nikki@nacmedia-group.com  +61 412 647 980

Mitchell Harcourt

NAC Media Group

mitchell@nacmedia-group.com +61 421 197 114

Alyssia Pino
NAC Media Group
alyssia@nacmedia-group.com +61 488 999 991