Afterpay Australian Fashion Week - The Future of Fashion is here

As the pinnacle event on the Australian fashion calendar for the last 25 years and one of the world’s most innovative fashion showcases, Australian Fashion Week provides Australian designers with an important platform on the world stage. We are beyond excited to reveal that Afterpay has become the new title sponsor for AFW as we move forward into this exciting new era of fashion.

Afterpay's new partnership with IMG will champion Australian fashion and honour its important contribution to our lives. From the very beginning, Afterpay has held a deep relationship with the Australian fashion community. As the new title sponsor of AFW, Afterpay will ensure Australian fashion continues to have its unique voice heard.

We know that fashion is entering a new chapter, one that smashes all the rules and reflects every individual in our society. That’s why this partnership will focus on the core pillars of accessibility, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability.

In 2021, AAFW will also become a dynamic experience with both live and digital environments, leveraging new technologies and fresh show formats. For the first time ever, consumers will be able to purchase tickets to select shows on the official schedule and access VIP packages via Afterpay Australian Fashion Week: The Experience, meaning everyone can be a part of the

On a warm and cloudy spring day, we headed down to iconic Bondi restaurant Iceberg’s to attend a photoshoot and chat with Afterpay Co-Founder and CEO of America, Nick Molnar, and Executive Director of IMG’s Fashion Events Group, Asia-Pacific Region, Natalie Xenita, about the new partnership and the exciting plans for AAFW 2021

”It is a privilege for us to invest in the deep relationship Afterpay has with Australian fashion. We’re on board to help further evolve fashion week to support emerging and established fashion designers and give them a platform to prosper.”

- Nick Molnar, Afterpay Co-Founder

What does this partnership mean for Australian fashion?

Nick: It is a privilege for us to invest in the deep relationship Afterpay has with Australian fashion. We’re on board to help further evolve fashion week to support emerging and established fashion designers and give them a platform to prosper. Australian fashion brands supported us in the early days and in such a challenging time, this is just one way we can ensure the sustainability and success of an industry we have grown up in.

Natalie: The brilliant thing about Afterpay is they can offer real support to Australian designers as they look to grow their businesses both here in Australia and abroad. We are pleased to partner with Afterpay in shaping this beloved event’s next chapter. By investing in Australian designers to ensure their continued economic success and celebrating the cultural power of Australian creative talent, we are demonstrating our confidence in a bright future ahead for AFW and the Australian fashion industry as a whole.

What does the future of fashion look like?

Natalie: The future of fashion is definitely sustainable. So many of our designers are already blazing a trail in this way and encouraging other designers to follow suit.

Nick: Fashion reflects the vibe and energy of culture. It’s about self-expression. We know we’re seeing a new moment in fashion that breaks all the rules. We’re excited to see an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability in AAFW 2021 and into the future. These pillars are at the forefront of our conversations and will be key themes at AAFW.

What exciting changes can we expect to see at AAFW 2021?

Natalie: Australian Fashion Week has traditionally been a trade event, and this year we’ll be opening the doors to consumers - part of this is the consumers actually getting to experience the event alongside the industry. We’re excited to make this dynamic event accessible to everyone.

Nick: The uncertainty this year has thrown at us means we all need to adapt and play both in the physical world and in the digital world. You can expect some cool new event formats which leverage technology to bring them to life.

Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021 will be held at the historic Carriageworks and other select venues throughout Sydney, where designers will showcase their latest Resort ’22 collections.

Head to Australian Fashion Week for more.