From the runway to Rundle Mall - Annual Fashion Event Announced

Showcasing the talents of emerging and established designers is at the heart of a new fashion event planned for the city.

The Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) will host a four-day festival, between 6 – 9 October, which includes Adelaide’s biggest shopping weekend in Rundle Mall and other precincts across the city.

The decision to host the event follows the recommendations of the KPMG Performance Review that identified an opportunity to host an event that celebrates all aspects of the industry.

AEDA is exploring collaborations with industry partners such as TAFE, the South Australian Fashion Industry Association (SAFIA) and Department for Innovation and Skills to grow the program.

SAFIA Chairperson and couture+love+madness Director Cristina Tridente looks forward to the impacts of the citywide festival on designers, retailers and general public.

“We know from a 2021 Deloitte study that the fashion sector contributed $218m to the South Australian economy in 2017-18, and represents 16% of creative industries employment,” Ms Tridente said.

“We are already working with state government through Department of Innovation and Skills, so it’s great to now see support at a city level through the AEDA, to shine a light on our industry’s valuable contribution to the economy.”

Adelaide Central Plaza Centre Manager Kylie Neal said retailers had experienced big wins in past fashion activations.

“Many of our retailers have seen great results from fashion themed events and activations in the mall, which we’re looking forward to continuing,” Ms Neal said.

“But it’s great to work with AEDA to assess how we can be involved in more opportunities throughout the calendar in other sectors, by taking advantage of city-wide activity and developing hubs in the mall.”

AEDA would like to thank VOGUE Australia for its partnership over the past three years.