Vogue Australia will make a statement at this year’s Australian Fashion Week with the debut of Vogue Vanguard, a new signature runway experience designed to spotlight the country’s next wave of fashion creatives.
The show, slated as the final runway of the 2025 schedule, marks a strategic evolution for Australia’s foremost fashion media brand as it further cements its influence across fashion, culture, and commerce.
Backed by a powerhouse group of partners including presenting sponsor American Express and supporting partners Range Rover, Shark Beauty, Tequila Don Julio, Pandora, and fashion partner Ksubi, the Vogue Vanguard show will be held on Friday, 16 May.
The event will culminate in the official Australian Fashion Week afterparty, hosted by Ksubi in collaboration with Vogue Australia and American Express.
Strategic step
The magazine said the Vanguard initiative is more than a runway, it’s a platform with purpose.
Launched in 2023 by Editor-in-Chief Christine Centenera, Vogue Vanguard aims to elevate bold new voices across fashion, arts, beauty, sport, and music. The move aligns with Vogue’s strategy to cultivate the next generation of talent while maintaining its editorial authority and cultural relevance.
“Uncovering and supporting the next generation of talent is part of the joy of working at Vogue,” Centenera said.
“Harnessing Vogue’s reach to uplift these creatives has been part of my mission since the beginning. It is crucial to support a thriving creative environment and exciting to be a part of it. We know the next household names are among this inspiring, driven and innovative group.”
Vogue Editor-in-Chief Christine Centenera
Vogue Australia Editorial Director and Publisher Edwina McCann reinforced the brand’s long-standing investment in emerging designers, particularly significant this year as Australian Fashion Week enters a new chapter under the Australian Fashion Council’s stewardship.
“Vogue has a long history of supporting up-and-coming Australian design talent,” McCann said. “With Australian Fashion Week now under the stewardship of the Australian Fashion Council, it is crucial to support this vital pathway for our talent.”
Amex, Ksubi & more lean into the moment
For presenting partner American Express, the event is a high-impact brand alignment, mixing fashion credibility with member exclusivity.
“We’re thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Vogue Australia to present Vogue Vanguard as part of Australian Fashion Week in 2025,” said Naysla Edwards, Vice President of Brand, Marketing, and Member Experience at American Express.
“This event and partnership are a true testament and celebration of the phenomenal Australian fashion industry while also providing a platform for the next generation of homegrown talent.”
Amex Platinum and Centurion Card Members will gain exclusive access to both the runway and afterparty, positioning the partnership as a value-add for its high-end clientele.
“The live runway and official afterparty will combine the best in fashion and entertainment, delivering an unforgettable and immersive experience for guests,” Edwards added.
Meanwhile, Ksubi, one of Australian fashion’s most globally recognised brands, returns to the AFW spotlight with a homegrown edge. Its involvement adds serious fashion credibility while underlining its commitment to new voices in the creative scene.
Ksubi Creative Director Pip Edwards
“Since inception, Ksubi has been fuelled by art and creativity, challenging convention and doing things our way,” said Ksubi Creative Director Pip Edwards.
“We’ve now grown up to be one of Australian fashion’s biggest global success stories, and our commitment to cultivating and empowering the next-gen of creatives meant joining Vogue Vanguard as the fashion partner was a natural homecoming to Australian Fashion Week.
“We’ll be closing the week with a party in true Ksubi style, it’s time to come together, revel in human connection and celebrate our thriving industry.”