5 Aus Fashion Week Events That Go Beyond the Runway and Inspire the Mind

The most stylish week of the Australian calendar is coming up. Australian Fashion Week will take over Sydney from Monday, May 13 to Friday, May 17. Runway shows will be held at Carriageworks in Redfern, the hub for AFW, and at various locations around the city.

AFW is mostly known for its runway shows, which see some of Australia’s best-known designers and newbie creators share their resort collections. But it also puts on talks and masterclasses. While a few of these events, including the Sustainability Symposium: The Future of Fashion, are sold out, you can still buy tickets to others in the line-up.

Ahead, we round up some of our favourites.

Go West: The Rise of Western Sydney Culture

Western Sydney has long been home to some of the most culturally diverse communities in the country. In recent years, it’s also become known for its powerful fashion and arts movement. On Tuesday, May 14 at 5pm, Go West: The Rise of Western Sydney Culture will feature a panel of designers and creatives, each with a unique view of Western Sydney’s culture. Each $59 ticket includes a complimentary Glenfiddich drink redeemable at The Glenfiddich Valley of the Deer Disco.

Now and Next: New Directions in Australian Fashion

The last talk of the week is Now and Next: New Directions in Australian Fashion, on Friday, May 17 at 5pm. Join a roundtable of international journalists, buyers and fashion industry professionals — including POPSUGAR Australia’s publisher Amanda Bardas — as they delve into key trends and what’s to come. Tickets are $59.

Woman With Drive: Liandra Gaykamangu

Woman With Drive is a talk series at AFW presented by Porsche, and one of the series’ highlights will be Liandra Gaykamangu‘s talk. Gaykamangu is the founder of Australian swimwear brand Liandra, which is known for its reversible, timeless pieces and hand-drawn prints. It’s on Thursday, May 16 at 12pm at Carriageworks with tickets starting at $59.

Fragrance Masterclass

The Fragrance Masterclass Presented by Creed will be held on Friday, May 17 at 12pm at Carriageworks. Your $99 ticket will see you learning the fascinating history of The House of Creed while getting to smell some of its standout fragrances, new and classic. You’ll also get to walk away with a Creed gift bag.

Hair Masterclass

Finally, AFW’s Hair Masterclass Presented by Shark Beauty will be held Monday, May 13 at 12pm at Carriageworks. The event will be led by Rumbie Mutsiwa, founder of Sydney salon Rumbie & Co. In the session, Mutsiwa will share her secrets to working with different hair textures. Attendees also get a Shark Beauty gift bag. Tickets are available from $59.

Related: Win the Ultimate Australian Fashion Week Gift Pack, Worth Nearly $3k

Related: 13 Street Style Looks From Past AFWs We’d Still Wear Today