Australian fashion week has wrapped up in Sydney, and now the industry is turning its attention internationally.
This September, 15 Australian designers will travel to Paris Fashion Week as part of a new initiative by the Australian Fashion Council, designed to introduce local brands to the world's most influential fashion market.
Backed by the NSW Government and Austrade, the program will establish a dedicated Australian showroom during Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2027, giving participating labels direct access to international buyers, media and wholesale opportunities.
The showroom is timed to coincide with one of the busiest weeks on the fashion calendar, and will work to strengthen the presence of Australian designers on a global stage. Brands like Zimmermann, Christopher Esber, ESSE and Camilla and Marc have already built devoted global followings and secured space in some of the world's leading luxury retailers. The Australian Fashion Council hopes the initiative will help a new generation of local brands establish similar relationships by introducing emerging, established and First Nations designers to international buyers.
Alongside the showroom itself, participating brands will complete a pre-departure export readiness program before travelling to Paris, with networking events including an engagement at the Australian Ambassador's Residence and a cocktail reception attended by international buyers and fashion media.
Applications are open through several pathways, including designers who showed at Australian Fashion Week in 2025 or 2026, a national application process for Australian Fashion Council members and a dedicated First Nations pathway. Emerging and First Nations designers will be able to participate at no cost in the program's first year, while established brands will contribute towards participation costs.
The final group of designers selected to represent Australia in Paris is expected to be announced ahead of the Spring Summer 2027 shows, which begin on September 28, 2026.
