$1.25 million in Government support for Mercedes Australian Fashion Week Spring Summer Collections in Sydney
April 20, 2006 - The NSW Government has announced a $1.25 million 5-year partnership with IMG FASHION Asia Pacific at an official reception held at Government House with the who’s who of the Australian fashion industry.
Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, Sandra Nori said the partnership would benefit the Australian fashion industry and boost the State’s economy.
“Sydney is the hub of Australia’s fashion design and manufacturing industry – and the fashion capital of the Asia Pacific,” Ms Nori said.
“The partnership totals $1.25 million over 5 years, and the Government will receive a range of benefits and branding opportunities to reinforce Mercedes Australian Fashion Week as the most important fashion business event in Australia and the Asia Pacific.
“After a solid ten years attracting Australia’s best designers and the world’s best buyers we want to see the legacy continue to show the world why there’s no place in the world like Sydney for fashion.
“Sydney’s identity internationally is influenced by its contemporary fashion – and this partnership will reinforce that positioning.
Simon Lock, Managing Director of IMG FASHION Asia Pacific said that the NSW Government had been instrumental in establishing our industry on the international fashion week circuit. “
“Through the Government’s support and initial seed funding back in 1996, we’ve been able to establish a world class event that receives international acclaim and this partnership is further evidence of industry successfully working together with Government and achieving great outcomes for business and the State,” he said.
Ms Nori further added that over the next 5 years the MAFW event is estimated to be worth a cumulative $112 million to the NSW economy.
“Sydney is an inspiration for many designers and cultivates creative talent, so it’s important we recognise the excellence in the Australian fashion industry that comes out of this city.
“From next year the NSW Government will present the inaugural Australian Fashion Laureate for outstanding achievement, development and promotion of the Australian fashion industry,” Ms Nori said.
The annual Laureate will be overseen by the Mercedes Australian Fashion Week’s industry elected Advisory Board and National Selection Panel.
Ms Nori said that the NSW Major Events Board negotiated the sponsorship arrangement with IMG Fashion Asia Pacific.
NSW accounts for 35 per cent of Australia’s clothing industry, boasting about 2000 manufacturing enterprises and a combined turnover exceeding $2.6 billion a year.
Mercedes Australian Fashion Week Spring Summer 2006/07 Collections will take place at Circular Quay, the Rocks from April 26-30. The five day event is expected to showcase in excess of 100 designers as part of an official schedule and boutique exhibition. |
Mercedes Australian Fashion Week (MAFW)