The new wave of fashion designers will springboard onto the global stage this coming May, with two new runway shows celebrating First Nations designers, alongside a group runway spotlighting fashion's cult favourites and rising creative forces.
The Minns Labor Government is supporting three new shows at Australian Fashion Week, specifically added to the program to showcase First Nations and the next wave of creative talent shaping the future of the industry. This will champion distinct creative voices and ensure that NSW's talented designers have the opportunity to be seen, heard and celebrated on one of the industry's biggest stages.
This initiative supports First Nations and rising independent designers to realise their full creative vision and offers pathways to commercial sustainability. The initiative will support designers with cultural consultation, production support, and business development, including the opportunity to develop industry mentors and professional networks, as well as meet key domestic and international buyers and media.
First Nations designers Buluuy Mirrii and Van Ermel Scherer have both been selected to present their own standalone runway shows.
Additionally, designers Haluminous, madre natura, Paris Jade Burrows, Suzaan Stander and Ouse, will present as part of a group runway, The Frontier, showcasing a cohort of designers at a pivotal stage of growth in their careers.
Designers will be supported through the process of preparing to present on the runway, and all elements of event production - including venue, staging, models and show delivery - removing financial and planning barriers.
The initiative is backed by dedicated NSW Government funding of $300,000 to support a new wave of talent ready to redefine what Australian fashion looks like, and fulfils a commitment in the country's first of its kind NSW Fashion Sector Strategy.
Australian Fashion Week will take place in Sydney from 11-15 May 2026.
Minister for the Arts John Graham said:
"Australian Fashion Week is one of the biggest stages in the country, and this year it will showcase the full diversity, creativity and ambition of our state.
"This initiative is about more than fashion, it's about visibility and providing a platform to support and develop local First Nations and next wave of Australian talent, and showcasing their creativity at the largest and most influential fashion event in the Southern Hemisphere.
"We're breaking down barriers, opening doors and ensuring designers at a critical stage of their careers have the platform they deserve to showcase their collections and attract domestic and international buyers.
"By investing in this initiative to showcase NSW First Nations and emerging designers, we're investing in the future of Australian fashion - one that is bold, inclusive and globally recognised."
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
"The NSW Government is proud to further its support for Australian Fashion Week. Sydney is the nation's fashion capital, and our stunning city provides the perfect backdrop for our world-class designers to showcase their works.
"Not only does Australian Fashion Week provide an invaluable pathway to new markets for our established and emerging designers, but it also highlights the importance of fashion to our creative and visitor economy.
"The fashion industry is a complex ecosystem of design, textile, manufacturing, retail, and education and training - generating 174,000 jobs in NSW. It also helps position Sydney as a city of vibrant creativity, style, sophistication and natural beauty, which all comes together during Australian Fashion Week."
Australian Fashion Council Executive Chair, Marianne Perkovic said:
"Australian Fashion Week is Australia's most powerful export platform, and this year we're ensuring more designers can access it in partnership with the NSW government. By removing the financial and logistical barriers that have historically locked out First Nations and independent talent, we're connecting our exceptional Australian fashion creatives with the global buyers and media who will take it to the world.
Verity van Ermel Scherer, of van Ermel Scherer and proud Larrakia woman said:
"To present my own runway at Australian Fashion Week is deeply meaningful for me, for my community, and for the designers who will come after me. Visibility like this changes what feels possible."
