Australian Fashion Week is officially returning in 2026, and it’s set to be one of the biggest years in the event’s history.
Marking its 30th anniversary, Australian Fashion Week 2026 will bring together the country’s leading designers, emerging creatives, international buyers, media and fashion lovers for a week-long celebration of Australian style from May 11–15.
Presented by Shark Beauty and organised by the Australian Fashion Council, the 2026 event promises a stronger industry focus, increased consumer access and a renewed spotlight on Australian fashion’s place on the global stage.
“Australian Fashion Week is a cultural force, showcasing the creativity and global ambition of our designers. This year marks a sharper, more dynamic evolution of the event, where culture, creativity and commerce converge to position Australian fashion firmly in the global spotlight,” AFW Fashion Director Kellie Hush said.
Where is Australian Fashion Week 2026 happening?
In 2026, Australian Fashion Week is getting a new home. It’s moving from Carriageworks in Redfern to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Sydney’s Circular Quay.
The MCA will serve as the central hub for runway shows, presentations, industry talks, cultural programming and brand activations, while additional events and showcases will take place across Sydney.
“Bringing Australian Fashion Week to the Museum of Contemporary Art marks an exciting new chapter for the event and for Australian fashion more broadly. The MCA provides an iconic Sydney backdrop that reflects the creativity, cultural relevance and global outlook of our designers, while enabling a more open, connected and internationally compelling format,” AFC Executive Chair Marianne Perkovic said.
When is Australian Fashion Week 2026?
Australian Fashion Week 2026 will run from May 11–15, 2026.
Which designers are showing at Australian Fashion Week 2026?
The 2026 lineup includes some of Australia’s most recognisable fashion brands alongside emerging labels and First Nations designers.
Designers showing at AFW 2026 include:
- Aje
- Alix Higgins
- Bianca Spender
- Carla Zampatti
- Christian Kimber
- COMMAS
- Common Hours
- Courtney Zheng
- Farage
- Gary Bigeni
- Hansen & Gretel
- Iordanes Spyridon Gogos
- L’IDÉE
- Mariam Seddiq
- Nagnata
- Ngali
- Nicol & Ford
- Toni Maticevski
You can find the entire list of showing designers on the AFW website.
Which emerging designers are part of AFW 2026?
AFW’s New Gen showcase, presented by DHL, will spotlight emerging Australian talent, including:
- Alberta Bucciarelli
- EDITION Alice Van Meurs x Sarrita King
- Gloria Chol
- KINGKING CREATIVE
The Frontier group runway, presented in partnership with Create NSW, will feature:
- Haluminous
- madre natura
- Ouse
- Paris Jade Burrows
- Suzaan Stander
How is First Nations fashion being represented at AFW 2026?
First Nations design will play a major role in the 2026 schedule, marking what organisers describe as the strongest representation in the event’s history.
The official opening will feature a Welcome to Country, alongside dedicated runway shows from:
- Buluuy Mirrii
- Van Ermel Scherer
- Ngali
First Nations creatives will also be featured throughout the broader program, including within the New Generation showcase.
Can the public attend Australian Fashion Week 2026?
Yes, and 2026 will feature more consumer access than previous years.
For the first time, AFW will include six public runway events on the official schedule, giving fashion fans the chance to attend runway shows, talks, masterclasses and special events.
Public runway shows include:
- Monday May 11: Carla Zampatti
- Tuesday May 12: Hansen & Gretel presented by Shark Beauty
- Wednesday May 13: MARIAM SEDDIQ
- Thursday, May 14: Iordanes Spyridon Gogos
- Thursday May 14: Group showcases featuring labels including Aje Studio, Bec + Bridge, Friends with Frank, Henne, Romy and Silk Laundry.
Tickets went on sale on April 22, 2026. Secure your tickets here.
Fashion fans can also register for the free Fashion Pass via the official AFW website for access to live streams, ticket pre-sales and exclusive event invitations.
Why is Australian Fashion Week important?
Australian Fashion Week remains Australia’s premier international fashion event and a critical commercial platform for the local industry.
According to organisers, Australia’s fashion industry contributes more than $28 billion to the economy, supports nearly 500,000 jobs and generates more than $7 billion in exports annually.
“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,” Kellie Hush said.
