Sydney To Host Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Until 2015
The New South Wales Government has announced it had secured the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) for two more years.
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner made this announcement via Destinations NSW, along with the dates for next year's MBFWA, which will take place April 6-10, 2014.
"I am delighted NSW will continue to host Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia for a further two years at Sydney's Carriageworks," Stoner said.
The fashion industry's contribution to the state's economy became a major factor in extending the hosting deal, with the sector employing over 70,000 people and generating $6.4 billion from retail sales in 2012-13.
Stoner also announced the continuation of the NSW Fashion Ambassadors initiative, which was launched last year. The program "has seen local fashion identities like Lara Bingle and Designer Kym Ellery paired with influential international fashion media and bloggers brought to Sydney for Fashion Week by Destination NSW, including Bryan Boy and Susie Bubble."
Two more features will be launched at next year's MBFWA, including the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weekend Edition, which will offer the general public a taste of the exclusive invitation-only trade event, and Shop the Runway, a capsule collection which will be made in collaboration with MBFWA designers and will be purchased via live stream or direct from the runway.
The event is an annual fashion industry event sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, and has been held in Sydney since 2012. This year, a mix of upcoming and established Australian fashion labels showcased their collection, such as Betty Train, Fadoul, Costarella and Camilla and Marc. Notably, the label Romance Was Born presented a glitter-laden collection in pastel colors and flowy silhouettes.
"It is exciting to see new initiatives being pioneered in Sydney that will assist in creating even more opportunities and sales for local designers," Stoner claimed.
"The new Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weekend Edition will generate consumer interest by leveraging the buzz and excitement that is generated from showing at Fashion Week."