Celebrating the fabric of fashion in the city
ADL Fashion Week (AFW) returns to the city from Friday 20 October to Sunday 22 October, with tickets on sale now. Showcasing the best of fashion, AFW presents a program of events and in-store experiences, exciting pop-ups and shopping offers.
AFW celebrates the fabric of fashion in Adelaide, featuring emerging home-grown designers to some of the world’s best known brands.
Presented by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), supported by the City of Adelaide, this year’s program will build on the success of the inaugural festival in 2022. Highlights include: a newly curated Associated Events Program; selected fashion-based experiences; for those spending over $150 a ‘Gift with Purchase’ offer, including a complimentary Riot Spritz to enjoy at 2KW Bar & Restaurant, is available to collect in Rundle Mall; and more to be announced in the coming weeks.
AEDA Chair Nikki Govan says the three-day event will bring local, national, and international fashion to the city, reinforcing its position within the fashion industry, and reaffirming the city’s premier shopping destinations.
“AFW 2023 builds on the success of 2022’s inaugural festival, creating new opportunities to showcase Adelaide’s flourishing fashion industry,” says Ms Govan.
“The festival celebrates an industry that, according to EY’s ‘From High Fashion to High Vis’ report, contributes more than $1.6B annually in South Australia.”
During last year’s festival there was an 18 per cent increase in city spend, a 6 per cent increase in visitation to Rundle Mall, a 100 percent increase in visitation to Rundle Street and more than 50 designers showcased throughout the festival.
A new initiative for 2023, the AFW Associated Events Program, allows businesses, designers and creatives to collaborate and host an event within the festival’s program.
In addition to activity in key retail areas Rundle Mall and Rundle Street, Adelaide Arcade is hosting multiple Associated Events. General Manager Andrew Jonats says those who aren’t fashion-focused will still have plenty of reasons to not only shop but immerse themselves in these exciting experiences.
“Adelaide Arcade is going to be a real hotspot for ADL Fashion Week events. Shoppers will appreciate the variety of activations they can take part in, with both new and established businesses participating.”
Adelaide Arcade’s bespoke shoemaker, Kennedy Parker, will host a night of fashion, flair, and festivities, crafted for those with an appreciation for men’s style. From classic formal to inventive panache, the team will present a range of curated looks, collaborating with runway partners including Mr Choon, Oscar Hunt, Terry Gasson Tailor and more.
Rundle Street Up Late returns after a successful event in 2022, encouraging shoppers to enjoy the precinct’s boutique offerings and visit the East End, taking advantage of Friday night's late trading hours.
On Sunday, fashion afficionados can catch a red carpet screening of Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field featuring the acclaimed Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada designer at Palace Nova Eastend, in partnership with the Adelaide Film Festival.
Other East End experiences across the weekend include personalised styling sessions with stylist Lauren Dilena, as well as varying sip and shop experiences at Daisy Says, Naomi Murrell, Witchery, Leonard St., and Veronika Maine.
To continue the excitement, an exclusive runway show at 2KW Bar & Restaurant will feature brands from Australian Fashion Group and their online store BNKR, such as C/MEO Collective, Keepsake the Label, Finders Keepers, and The Fifth Label.
2KW Bar & Restaurant General Manager, Simon Adami says the soon to be refurbished rooftop venue is well suited to host this vibrant event.
“2KW has always been a perfect setting for special gatherings, and showcasing fashion elevates the space to a new level.” says Mr Adami.
Another exclusive is the unveiling of the Spring/Summer ‘23 collection from House of Campbell, partnered with a long lunch at popular restaurant Golden Boy. The collaboration between the two distinct brands demonstrates the way AFW can bring businesses together.
Creative Director Abby Potter says that House of Campbell’s involvement in AFW was essential.
"We're beyond thrilled to present our latest collection to our cherished local clientele in this intimate setting,” says Abby.
“Numerous pieces have been meticulously crafted here in Adelaide, a testament to the extraordinary talent of our local artisans and the craftsmanship synonymous with our city.”
Other events include a sustainable fashion experience at French Laundry paired appropriately with French martinis and French fries, a showcase of First Nations creatives and their casual and evening wear collections, and an underground runway show.
For more details and to book tickets, visit ADLFASHIONWEEK.COM.
