Vogue Australia has announced it will host Vogue Forces of Fashion in Sydney for the first time in February 2026, presented in partnership with the Sydney Opera House.
The global conversation series, founded by Anna Wintour in 2017, brings together leading figures in fashion and culture to explore the ideas shaping the industry. The half-day summit will take place on Friday 13 February at the Opera House’s Concert Hall, followed by the inaugural Vogue Summer Ball on the harbour foreshore.
Hosted by Vogue Australia editorial director and publisher Edwina McCann and editor-in-chief Christine Centenera, the event will feature a high-profile line-up including model and entrepreneur Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, designer Catherine Martin, musician and actor Rita Ora, filmmaker Taika Waititi, actor Phoebe Tonkin, and designer Nicky Zimmermann. More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Major partner Paspaley will support the Sydney edition, joined by Mastercard and Dyson as event partners.
“At Vogue we have always thought of Forces of Fashion as an event which celebrates innovation and creativity wherever they are in the world,” Wintour said. “so I am delighted that Vogue Australia will honor so many globally renowned homegrown talents… and in the most marvellous and memorable setting!”
McCann described the event as “a pivotal moment for Australian fashion on the world stage,” adding that it will “showcase Sydney as a hub for key talent in arts, fashion and design.”
Centenera said the Sydney debut “fulfils a long-held desire to bring this global initiative to Australia. Our designers, artists, actors and musicians are among the best in the world and Forces of Fashion sees them all come together with the most influential names worldwide in fashion, film, music, beauty and the arts.”
Huntington-Whiteley said platforms like Forces of Fashion were vital to the industry’s future. “Fashion doesn’t exist in isolation; it reflects culture, identity and the times we live in.” she said. “For young creatives, hearing directly from those shaping the industry their challenges, pivots and lessons learned can be incredibly grounding and motivating.”
The program will include panels and in-conversation sessions covering trends, challenges and innovations shaping the fashion landscape. Chip Rolley, Sydney Opera House head of talks and ideas, said the partnership reflected the venue’s commitment to creativity and cultural dialogue. “Our precinct will buzz with creative energy focused on the world of fashion, ever a source and beneficiary of major ideas shaping our world.” he said.
Tickets will go on sale from 9am AEDT Thursday 6 November via sydneyoperahouse.com.
Following the day’s summit, the Vogue Summer Ball will celebrate the launch of Vogue Australia’s February issue, curated by Centenera and Martin. The black-tie event will showcase Australian creativity across fashion, music, art and design.