Public diplomacy activities
DFAT's Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program supported the Australian Fashion Chamber to take five established and one emerging designer to Paris for a four-day working showroom in the sidelines of Paris Fashion Week in October.
The showroom took place at the centrally-located Place des Vosges during Paris Fashion Week, an event regarded as one of the most prestigious stages for ready-to-wear collections. For many designers, the opportunity to showcase their designs in Paris during this key period in the fashion calendar expands the reach of their business to a level that moves beyond the opportunities available in the local market.
Designers who took part in the showroom included Bassike, Romance Was Born, Camilla and Marc, Strateas.Carlucci, Michael Lo Sordo, Ginger & Smart and Christopher Esber. This diverse lineup consists of both established and emerging Australian designers, and demonstrates a broad range of aesthetics.
The designers were chosen based on their industry skill, strength of their current seasonal collection and potential success in the international market.
The $55,000 grant increased international recognition of Australian designers and improved market access in Europe and worldwide.
