The new format will unfold over five days from Monday 11 May 2020 to Friday 15 May and brings consumers and industry closer together than ever before.
MBFWA celebrates 25 years in 2020, and is supported by strategic sponsor Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the new MBFWA schedule provided fashion lovers with an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the latest Resort styles.
“Sydney is undoubtedly the fashion capital of Australia, with strong track record in globally celebrated design and a $9.42 billion retail industry,” Minister Ayres said.
“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is an event the world’s fashion industry looks to as a leader – we have so many great Australian designers who either started or developed their careers through Fashion Week in Sydney. This new direction is exciting because consumers will be an even bigger part of the event and industry picture.”
The move follows a similar model set by London Fashion Week in 2019 where the public could purchase tickets to key designer runway shows at the September event.
For MBFWA 2020 the public may purchase tickets to select designer shows on the official 5-day schedule, attend seminars and special events, and access VIP packages via MBFWA: The Experience.
“The opportunity for Sydney is to host visitors, be they industry or consumers, for a weekend of style and hospitality in the Harbour City before or after their MBFWA shows,” Minister Ayres said.
Executive Director of IMG Fashion Asia Pacific Natalie Xenita said MBFWA had provided Australian designers with a platform to connect with a buyers, press and consumers since 1996.
“In its 25th year, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia will continue to promote Sydney as an internationally recognised destination for fashion and culture, while celebrating the talented individuals who have built an enduring and vibrant Australian fashion industry,” Ms Xenita said.
In 2019, about 1600 industry professionals from 20 countries attended MBFWA at Carriageworks and various Sydney locations including Campbell’s Stores at The Rocks and Bondi Icebergs.
The 2020 schedule will include runway shows, presentations, trade showrooms, seminars, industry events and more.
