SYDNEY – Pandora is heading back Down Under.
After coming on board as Australian Fashion Week’s presenting partner for 2024, the Danish jeweller is extending the partnership into 2025 for the event’s 30th anniversary showcase, which is due to take place at Sydney’s Carriageworks from May 12-16, 2025.
Australian Fashion Week is the third international fashion event with which Pandora has partnered, following similar deals with The Fashion Awards in London in 2023 and now again in 2024, as well as Copenhagen Fashion Week in 2023, 2024 and also 2025.
“As a global leader in jewellery, our continued partnership with IMG for one of the most respected events on the Australian fashion calendar allows us to showcase our design innovation and reaffirm our dedication to sustainability and high-quality craftsmanship” said Pandora’s chief marketing officer Mary-Carmen Gasco-Buisson. “Pandora’s mission is to empower people to express their personal style, and we are delighted that we can be part of this platform that supports Australian designers and creatives with the opportunity to present their work globally.”
Founded in 1996 by Sydney marketer Simon Lock and acquired by IMG in 2005, Australian Fashion Week continues to provide a springboard for new Australian fashion talent. Today supported by the New South Wales Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, it has launched the careers of many names, from Zimmermann to Dion Lee, Camilla, Sass & Bide and Ksubi.
“Australian Fashion Week brings together the fashion industry to celebrate the leading voices in Australian fashion” said Natalie Xenita, vice president andmanaging director of IMG Fashion Events Asia Pacific. “IMG is very proud to continue its support of designers, both established and emerging, by creating opportunities for growth and recognition locally and internationally.”
Reflective of the difficult economic climate, this year’s numbers were slightly down on 2023, with a total of 36 shows over five days, down from 45 in 2023 and 28 designers presenting solo shows, compared to 40 in 2023. In June there was some local media speculation that the event may be on the block. IMG has declined to comment on the reports.
