ADL Fashion Week returns for its fifth year this October, bringing more than 30 events and five headline runway shows to venues across the city and North Adelaide from 7 to 11 October. Public tickets go on sale from 10am ACST today.
This year’s program, united by the campaign theme The Threads Between Us, brings together leading designers, retailers and creatives through runways, workshops, conversations, circular fashion events and fashion-led dining experiences.
“ADL Fashion Week showcases the creativity, ambition and talent that define South Australia’s fashion industry,” says Adelaide Economic Development Agency Executive Manager Marketing and Tourism, Michael Rossi. “From local designers and emerging labels to nationally recognised brands, this year’s program highlights the connections that strengthen our fashion community while inviting visitors and locals alike to experience Adelaide as a vibrant destination for fashion, culture, dining and events.”
Headline runways
The festival opens on Thursday 8 October at Adelaide Town Hall with The South Australian Showcase: The Threads Between Us at 6pm, featuring established and emerging labels including VAN BRUSSEL, Significant Other, Iris & Wool, Yaneth, Serafina and Frock Me Out.
At 9pm, BY JOHNNY marks 15 years of the Australian fashion label with a cinematic showcase unveiling its latest collection alongside one-off pieces created exclusively for ADL Fashion Week. It marks the brand’s return to the runway for the first time in 10 years.
“Adelaide has quickly become one of our strongest growth markets, so being part of ADL Fashion Week felt like a natural next step,” says Johnny Schembri, Founder and Creative Director.
Friday 9 October brings THE COUTURE BALL runway at 8pm, featuring designers including Alexis George and Cristina Tridente’s couture+love+madness, alongside new bridal house Priv’elle presenting Steven Khalil. Tridente will also mark her label’s 15th anniversary with a separate program event.
Saturday 10 October presents two solo runways: VIKTORIA & WOODS x CHRISTIAN KIMBER at 11am, a dual runway created exclusively for the festival, and THE WOLF GANG — 10 YEARS CELEBRATION RUNWAY at 3pm, celebrating a decade of the Adelaide label founded by Vanessa Pearce.
Beyond the runway
The festival kicks off with the SAFIA Industry Breakfast at Patina Place, where industry perspectives explore balancing creativity and commerce.
Rundle Mall hosts a three-day Shopping Weekend with in-store offers and experiences. Highlights include The Archive: Live in Rundle Mall at 12:30pm on Saturday 10 October, with podcast hosts Rozalia Russian and Lana Wilkinson recording a special live episode. The Fashion Market in the Mall by Gathered takes over Charles Street on the same day.
Other program highlights include the Pip Edwards x Yakisan Nightcha Party in North Adelaide, David Jones’ Style Safari styling experience with Mirella Romano, jewellery events at Gerard McCabe Jewellers and RŌ Archives, and Shirley Wu’s silver ring-making workshop.
Circular and slow fashion features throughout, with the Creative Circular Fashion Workshop, Denim Revamp Workshop, and the return of Exploring Slow Fashion’s popular guided walking tour following its Adelaide Fringe Weekly Award win.
The Australian premiere of documentary Handmade Future will feature a Q&A with director Kirsten Dickinson, while Fashion Unlocks: Six Ways into Fashion Futures discusses careers in slow fashion.
Fashion meets food at The FAB Extravaganza at Adelaide Central Market and Colours of Korea, pairing the launch of Seoul Skin Australia with Korean cuisine. The festival closes with the SA Style Wrap Party at Hotel Alba.
ADL Fashion Week is presented by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency in partnership with the South Australian Fashion Industry Association.
The full program and tickets are available at adlfashionweek.com.au
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