IMG pulls out of Australian Fashion Week, leaving the event in limbo

Media and events company IMG announced on Wednesday that it will no longer support Australian Fashion Week, an annual event held in Sydney each May, jeopardizing Australia's premier fashion week.

IMG Fashion Events & Properties also announced it will no longer oversee the Australian Fashion Laureate, the country's premier awards event honoring the best of Australian fashion. The Australian Fashion Laureate 2024 will take place on November 21 and marks the latest fashion event facilitated by IMG in Australia.

However, it is yet to be confirmed whether the previously announced Australian Fashion Week will take place in 2025. The same goes for whether a new owner will be announced to take over the reins of the fashion event.

“We are incredibly proud of IMG’s many achievements in leading Australian Fashion Week over the past 20 years,” IMG Fashion Events Asia Pacific vice president and general manager Natalie Xenita said in a press release. “The event has played a key role in moving the industry forward.”

IMG has been hosting Australian Fashion Week since 2005. The international event, which attracts both buyers and media, serves as a vital platform for Australian designers to showcase their talent and innovation, positioning Australia as a player key in the global fashion scene.

“Looking ahead, we know we need a platform to profile and celebrate Australian fashion. This moment signals an opportunity for the industry to reimagine and reshape how Australian fashion is represented, and gives us all the opportunity to explore new ways in which to showcase emerging and established Australian talent,” said ​Australian Fashion Council President Marianne Perkovic and CEO Jaana Quaintance-James responding to the IMG news.

“The AFC, as the peak body for fashion and textiles in Australia, will lead this conversation. We will work with members, government and other stakeholders to consider the future platform needed to position and elevate Australian fashion internationally.”

The news adds salt to the wounds of an already struggling Australian fashion industry. Earlier this year, Australian fashion favorite Dion Lee announced its closure after the Australian luxury brand failed to attract a buyer, three months after entering voluntary administration, and major investor Cue withdrew its stake. in business.

Last month, Australian luxury multi-brand retailer Harrolds went into liquidation owing more than A$16 million in liabilities.