Code of Conduct
Introduction
The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is a not-for-profit and the peak body for the Australian fashion and textile industry, representing the sector for over 70 years. The AFC champion and advocate for a prosperous and creative Australian fashion and textiles industry, including through the operation of the AFC Australian Fashion Week (AFC AFW).
AFC AFW strives to create a safe, professional, and inclusive environment for all participants, ensuring respect, accountability, and the highest standards of practice. This Code of Ethics outlines the rules, policies, and expectations for everyone involved in AFC AFW, from models to sponsors. This Code of Ethics serves as the foundation for a safe, responsible, and innovative AFC AFW environment, and all participants are expected to uphold these standards. By adhering to these guidelines, AFC AFW continues to champion excellence, creativity, and integrity in the Australian fashion industry.
Code Of Ethics
1. Models and Talent
Models Under 18: The minimum age for models at AFC AFW is 16. Models who are aged 16 must be accompanied by a responsible guardian or chaperone who is at least 18 years old and present for the duration of the event. In the case of models who are 17-18 it is at the discretion of their parent or guardian as to whether a chaperone is required.
Restrictions on Clothing Choices: Models under the age of 21 should not wear clothing that is sheer, revealing, or explicitly suggestive in nature. For models 21+, any clothing of this nature must be clearly communicated during fittings with the model directly and/or with their guardian/chaperone. Designers should deliver only looks that are culturally respectful.
Respect for Model Comfort: Models will have the right to decline any garment or outfit that makes them feel uncomfortable or violates their personal boundaries, and AFC AFW supports that decision.
No Exploitation: AFC AFW prohibits coercion, unsafe working conditions, or abusive behaviour.
Body positivity: AFC AFW aims to promote body image positivity and body kindness and encourages this behaviour from all participants.
Diversity: AFC AFW aims to promote diverse ethnicity, gender, ability and body types that are representative of the diversity of Australia.
Model and Talent health: AFC AFW is committed to providing nutritious and culturally appropriate meals, snacks, and water backstage for models and will work with on- and offsite showing designers to ensure this commitment is implemented.
2. Smoking and Vaping Policy
No Smoking/Vaping Promotion: AFC AFW prohibits any active smoking or vaping in the vicinity of the runway and official event venues. This applies to both participants and all photography including social photography. Smoking and vaping are not to be portrayed as cool or glamorous, and we ask all photographers, media, and individuals to respect this policy.
Designated Areas: Designated areas for smoking/vaping may be provided outside the venue for those who wish to engage in these activities, away from the main event space.
3. Zero Tolerance for Drug Use
Prohibition of Drugs: AFC AFW has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs at all official venues. Any participant caught eliciting, using or under the influence of illegal substances will be immediately removed from the event, and further action may be taken as necessary.
4. First Nations Engagement Policy
Goal: AFC AFW are committed to ensuring meaningful First Nations representation across all aspects of the event. Recognising that First Nations professionals currently make up 1% of the Australian fashion sector, we will actively strive to exceed this benchmark in First Nations participation across the event. We encourage all participants—designers, brands, production teams, and partners — to prioritise engagement with First Nations people and teams in a way that is authentic, appropriate, and respectful. By fostering greater representation and inclusion, we aim to celebrate and elevate the rich cultural contributions of First Nations designers, creatives, and industry professionals.
Respectful Engagement: AFC AFW is committed to honouring and respecting First Nations communities and their cultural practices. First Nations artists, designers, and creators will engage with the appropriate consent, and mutual respect. When engaging with First Nations, the AFC AFW strongly recommends Cultural Competency courses be completed.
Cultural Sensitivity: AFC AFW will ensure that no designs, models, or displays appropriate or misappropriate First Nations culture, art, or symbolism. Any use of First Nations elements in design will be approached with sensitivity, respect, and collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Use of First Nations IP: AFC AFW recognise and implement the Protocols For Using First Nations Cultural And Intellectual Property In The Arts (ICIP) and is committed to omit any cultural appropriation, including First Nations culture.
5. Prohibition of Certain Commercial Partnerships
Tobacco and Related Products: AFC AFW does not accept partnerships, sponsorships, or collaborations with tobacco companies, vape brands, or any products that promote smoking. We believe that the association with such industries is harmful to the health of the community and contrary to the image of AFC AFW.
Other Banned Partnerships: AFC AFW will not accept commercial partnerships with certain industries including tobacco, weapons, petroleum and gambling.
6. Sponsorship Rights & Event Collaborations
Sponsorship Transparency: All event and individual sponsorship rights will be clearly defined in contracts. Sponsors must comply with AFC AFW’s Code of Ethics and adhere to the highest standards of conduct in their association with the event.
Exclusivity and Rights: AFC AFW reserves the right to exclude or revoke sponsorship agreements that do not align with the values and ethical guidelines of the event, including any sponsor associated with harmful or unethical practices, including but not limited to tobacco, petroleum, gas, weapons, gambling and mining
No Discrimination: AFC AFW is committed to engaging with brands and sponsors that respect diversity, equity and inclusivity in the Australian fashion industry.
7. Product & Supply Chain Standards
Social & Environmental Practices in the Supply Chain: AFC AFW is strongly committed to decent working and environmental conditions in the supply chain, and expects participating designers to have systems and processes in place to ensure decent working conditions and that minimal environmental harm results from their business operations and products. AFC AFW will factor information about designer performance in this area into the selection process for the runway schedule and is committed to the strengthening of these requirements in future years.
Wild animal (‘exotic’) materials: AFC AFW prohibits the use of all wild animal materials, sometimes referred to as exotics, including all fur, skins and feathers. AFC AFW instead encourages designers to opt for non-animal alternatives. Traditional Owners are exempt from this policy insofar as it permits for cultural use of hunted or gathered native species. Details on this prohibition can be found below:
- Fur: all fur from all species is prohibited, including fur felt.
- Wild animal skins: prohibited wild animal skins include those from both wild animals captured in their natural habitat and confined to factory-farms, including but not limited to all reptiles, aquatic species (rays, fish), kangaroos and other wild mammals. The only skins accepted are from traditionally domesticated species including cattle, goats, sheep and pigs.
- Wild bird feathers: wild bird feathers are prohibited under the same conditions as wild skins (regardless of from wild-caught or confined birds) and this policy includes ostrich, peacock and all bird feathers except for chicken, duck and goose feathers sourced as a co-product of meat production. These feathers should aim to be sourced exclusively through certified sources such as the Responsible Down Standard.
Animal welfare: AFC AFW is strongly committed to reducing animal suffering in supply chains for permitted animal-derived materials, and expects participating designers to develop an animal welfare policy and strategy to implement it. AFC AFW encourages the use of sustainable, animal-free materials as well as the certification of animal-derived materials in use by designers.
Australian manufacturing: AFC AFW strongly supports local manufacturing of textiles, clothing and footwear and encourages designers to integrate Australian materials and suppliers into their production wherever possible.8. General Conduct
8. General Conduct
Respectful Behaviour: All participants, including designers, models, photographers, event staff, and sponsors, are expected to conduct themselves professionally, treating each other with respect and dignity.
Equal Opportunity: AFC AFW is committed to diversity, ensuring that models and creators from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to showcase their talents and work in a fair and inclusive environment.
Harassment-Free Environment: AFC AFW has a strict anti-harassment policy. Any form of discrimination, harassment, bullying or abusive behavior will not be tolerated, and those found in violation will be removed from the event.
Activism-Free Environment: AFC AFW is not a platform for social or political activism in any form.
Media & Social Media Conduct: AFC AFW and all participants are required to have a respect for privacy, represent events accurately, and must avoid misinformation.
Fair Payment & Working Conditions: AFC AFW ensures all staff, models, designers, and backstage workers work under safe conditions and are paid in accordance with the relevant Fair Work Agreements and all other appropriate industrial regulations.
Feedback
AFC AFW is committed to continuous implementation of this Code of Ethics and welcomes feedback about it and its implementation from stakeholders. Concerns and feedback can be directed to info@ausfashioncouncil.com or confidentially by requesting a meeting with the AFC CEO via the same email address.
Reporting Violations
If you would like to report or have been witness to a violation of this Code of Ethics, please immediately notify the most appropriate contact:
- Events manager on site: bianca@new-moon.com
- An AFC AFW staff member, supervisor or manager
- For emergencies, contact 000
Email info@ausfashioncouncil.com (all matters are treated strictly confidential)