The AFC Member Lounge
An exclusive space for connection, conversation, and collaboration.
Located at Carriageworks, the home of Australian Fashion Week, the AFC Member Lounge is a dedicated retreat for Australian Fashion Council members – offering a place to meet, recharge, and engage with industry peers, partners, and special guests.
Whether you’re between shows or diving deep into industry insights, the AFC Member Lounge is your space to reconnect and reflect on what’s next for Australian fashion.
The AFC Member Lounge is located behind the main AFW Registration Desk.
The Talks | Presented by the Australian Fashion Council
Big ideas. Bold voices. The future of fashion, in conversation.
Step inside the AFC Member Lounge at Australian Fashion Week and join the conversation shaping the future of fashion in Australia.
The Talks is a curated three-part series bringing together pioneers, disruptors, and decision-makers to explore the forces defining our industry – from the future of Australian manufacturing and the rise of next-generation production, to the impact of ultra-fast fashion and driving growth in an increasingly unpredictable global market.
Expect insightful conversations, practical perspectives, and bold ideas,with opportunities for the audience to engage directly through live Q&As and roundtable discussions.
We also invite attendees of The Talks to join us for drinks and networking after each session, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow industry leaders and continue the conversation in an informal setting.
Made in Australia:
Powering the Future of Australian Manufacturing
Australia’s fashion and textile manufacturing sector is at a critical turning point. With global uncertainty and supply chain pressures escalating, the need to rebuild local capability has never been more urgent – or more promising. In a landmark collaboration, the Australian Fashion Council and R.M.Williams have joined forces to co-deliver the country’s first National Manufacturing Strategy for fashion and textiles. This bold initiative aims to drive regional growth, foster innovation, and build a globally competitive industry powered by advanced technology and next-generation skills. Join industry leaders as they outline a bold vision for a future-ready Australian manufacturing sector.
TIME Wednesday, 14th May, 3.00PM
Smarter, Faster, Greener:
The Rise of Australia’s Future Factories.
What does the next generation of fashion manufacturing look like, and how do we build it here? From digital sampling and AI-powered production lines to just-in-time manufacturing models, this panel will examine how future-focused factories can empower Australian designers to bring their ideas to life onshore – faster, greener, and with greater resilience.
Join us as we examine the technological and cultural shifts that could shape Australia’s future as a leader in advanced manufacturing, explore leading smart factories worldwide, and hear a special announcement about how the AFC will drive innovation for the next wave of Australian manufacturing.
TIME Thursday, 15th May, 12.00PM
Fast Threat:
Protecting Australian Fashion in an Ultra-Fast World
Ultra-fast fashion is reshaping global markets and challenging Australia’s fashion industry. In partnership with the City of Sydney, this roundtable invites guests to share insights, challenges and strategies to protect local business. Your input will support the AFC’s call for a government inquiry into ultra-fast fashion’s impact on our economy, environment and community.
TIME Friday, 16th May, 12.00PM