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The Adelaide Fashion Festival presented by Mercedes-Benz Adelaide & Unley has officially launched for 2018, returning this October with a bold program of runways, lunches, masterclasses and retail activations.
In its 11th year, AFF will feature an expanded showcase of South Australian ready-to-wear designers, a bridal-focused couture runway, an ethical sustainable fashion presentation, and TAFE SA designs, as well as many returning favourites of the South Australian fashion industry.
While AFF is all about fashion at its core, there is also so much music, art, food, wine, and design to enjoy throughout the Festival. The AFF 2018 campaign location Lake Bumbunga has provided unique inspiration for many of these elements, with its dream-like beauty, colour, and light. The bubble-gum pink of the lake has formed the foundation of the AFF colour palette, and the rest of the principle palette’s strong brights reflect the ever-changing environment of the lake bed, surroundings, and sky.
AFF is also an important platform for championing local talent and South Australia, from the designers to the models, the musicians and the catering. The face of the AFF18 campaign Hollie Brown is an up and coming Adelaide model, while the musician featured in the AFF TVC – PNK 4ME – is a local Adelaide artist who will also perform throughout the Festival.
What can you look forward to at this year’s AFF? How much time do you have? The program kicks off with a Masterclass featuring The Daily Edited’s Alyce Tran, followed by an evening spectacular not to be missed. Internationally revered couture brand Paolo Sebastian will open AFF for the first time in an exquisite collaboration with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Showcasing his latest collection The Nutcracker, the ASO will perform the well-loved Tchaikovsky score live on runway.
Following this are 4 more days of fashion, food, and design. Last year’s sold-out and not-to-be-missed Vogue’s Kitchen with Edwina McCann will return to Sean’s Kitchen in 2018, the SA Designer Showcase presented by Spendless Shoes will have an exciting blend of ready-to-wear styles and aesthetics, and the Vogue Festival returns to Rundle Mall for two days of fun retail activity.
“AFF is always proud to introduce new designers and events to keep the festival fresh and representative of what’s happening in the industry right now,” said AFF creative director Chris Kontos.
“Many of our favourite brands will also return to the runway, and we’ve still got some surprises in store.”
One of this year’s most exciting additions, SLOW Saturday, gives you the opportunity to join Adelaide and Australia’s leading change-makers in the realm of sustainable and ethical fashion, featuring incredible sustainable fashion, vintage, and pre-loved looks. With food by Tasting Australia festival director Simon Bryant and wines by Wicks Estate, SLOW Saturday is an exciting and meaningful addition in the program.
There’s so much to see – and shop – during the Festival, so be sure to check out the Program now and start buying tickets before these events well and truly sell out.
The 2018 Adelaide Fashion Festival presented by Mercedes-Benz Adelaide & Unley starts on Wednesday October 17.
