The Australian fashion sector is embarking on its most ambitious international trade effort to date, with the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) announcing a dedicated showroom at Paris Fashion Week Womenswear SS27. Running from September 28 to October 6, 2026, the initiative aims to transcend intermittent market forays by establishing a permanent, government-backed export infrastructure. By providing a curated platform for 15 selected designers - including emerging, established, and First Nations talent - the AFC is addressing a historical deficit in coordinated international market access. This development is part of the broader $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI), supported by Austrade and the NSW Government, designed to integrate Australian labels into the high-value European retail landscape.
Institutionalizing long-term export resilience
For the Australian apparel industry, which currently generates $7.2 billion in annual exports, this Paris activation serves as a ‘structural step-change.’ Rather than relying on individual promotional efforts, the program offers a comprehensive export readiness framework, including pre-departure training and direct engagement with international buyers at the Australian Ambassador’s Residence. Marianne Perkovic, Executive Chairman, AFC, emphasized, the goal is to foster sustained commercial relationships rather than fleeting appearances. By aligning with the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy 2025–2028, the council is ensuring that participants receive the necessary logistical and financial support to navigate complex global trade environments. This move not only enhances the international footprint of domestic brands but also secures the industry's role as a vital economic engine, supporting approximately 489,000 jobs across the nation.
Peak national body for fashion and textile industry
The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) serves as the peak national body for the fashion and textile industry, representing a $27.2 billion sector. Its core mandate involves policy advocacy, trade diversification, and workforce development. Historically fragmented, the industry is now undergoing a digital and export-led modernization to drive long-term international competitiveness.
