Trendsetting ensembles from the front row

Front row fashion at Australian Fashion Week 2025 delivered a masterclass in personal style, with attendees embracing a mix of elevated basics, daring silhouettes, and nostalgic nods to early 2000s fashion. The front row was a runway in itself, where influencers, editors, and celebrities showcased their sartorial prowess with curated looks that balanced trend-forward pieces and timeless staples.

Tailored suiting made a strong appearance, reimagined in oversized proportions and unexpected fabrics like crushed velvet and lightweight linen blends. Neutral tones dominated, but were often punctuated with pops of colour—think chartreuse blazers layered over crisp white shirts or cobalt trousers paired with tonal knits. The layering game was strong, with trench coats worn open over slip dresses and structured vests styled atop sheer blouses.

Denim also had a moment, with front row regulars opting for wide-leg jeans and maxi skirts in vintage washes, often styled with minimalist tank tops or cropped jackets. The Y2K revival continued to influence styling choices, with low-rise trousers, asymmetric hems, and visible midriffs making frequent appearances. Coordinated sets in bold prints and textures—such as crochet, mesh, and metallics—added a playful edge to the otherwise polished ensembles.

Footwear choices ranged from chunky loafers and knee-high boots to strappy heels in unexpected hues. Many attendees leaned into comfort without sacrificing style, pairing statement sneakers with tailored pieces for a high-low mix that felt distinctly modern. The overall vibe was confident, curated, and distinctly Australian—effortlessly blending global trends with a laid-back, sun-soaked sensibility.

Bold accessories that stole the spotlight

Accessories took centre stage on the streets of Australian Fashion Week 2025, with showgoers using bold, unexpected pieces to elevate their looks and express individuality. Oversized sunglasses were a clear favourite, with angular frames and tinted lenses in hues like amber, rose, and electric blue adding a futuristic edge to otherwise classic outfits. Many attendees opted for vintage-inspired eyewear, nodding to both ’70s glam and early 2000s minimalism.

Statement bags were another standout, ranging from micro purses worn as jewellery to oversized totes in sculptural shapes. Textures played a key role—think glossy patent leather, woven raffia, and plush velvet—while colours spanned from earthy neutrals to high-impact neons. Crossbody styles with chunky hardware and logo-heavy designs made a strong return, often slung casually over one shoulder or worn across the chest for a utilitarian twist.

Jewellery was anything but subtle. Layered chains, oversized hoops, and ear cuffs adorned with pearls or crystals added drama to even the most pared-back ensembles. Many fashion week attendees embraced maximalism, stacking rings and bracelets in mixed metals and incorporating playful motifs like hearts, stars, and fruit charms. Brooches also made a surprising comeback, pinned to lapels, hats, and even handbags for a touch of vintage flair.

Hats and headwear were used to full effect, with wide-brimmed styles, bucket hats in luxe fabrics, and embellished headbands all making appearances. Hair accessories like claw clips, silk scarves, and beaded barrettes added a nostalgic yet polished finish to many looks. Footwear accessories weren’t left behind either—anklets, sock layering, and even shoe charms brought a sense of whimsy and personalisation to the streets.

Belts were used not just for function but as focal points, with wide corset-style belts cinching oversized blazers and delicate chain belts draped over low-rise trousers. The overall approach to accessorising was fearless and expressive, with each piece carefully chosen to make a statement. It was clear that in 2025, accessories weren’t just an afterthought—they were the main event.

Emerging designers making a street style impact

Among the most exciting developments on the streets of Australian Fashion Week 2025 was the undeniable presence of emerging designers, whose fresh perspectives and fearless creativity brought a new energy to the event. These rising talents didn’t just show their collections on the runway—they made their mark on the pavement, with attendees proudly wearing their pieces in bold, street-ready interpretations.

One standout was Melbourne-based label Studio Elara, known for its gender-fluid tailoring and commitment to sustainable fabrics. Their structured blazers in recycled denim and asymmetrical skirts in deadstock silk were spotted on several fashion insiders, styled with chunky boots and layered jewellery. The brand’s signature hand-painted motifs added a personal, artisanal touch that resonated with the crowd’s appetite for individuality.

Sydney’s Rae & Kin, a newcomer focused on elevated streetwear, also made waves with their oversized hoodies and cargo trousers in unexpected colourways like dusty lilac and burnt orange. Their pieces were often paired with vintage sneakers and statement sunglasses, creating a look that felt both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The brand’s logo-heavy designs and clever use of texture—think quilted nylon and brushed cotton—earned them plenty of attention from photographers and stylists alike.

Another name generating buzz was Isla Noire, a Brisbane-based designer blending romantic silhouettes with edgy detailing. Think sheer mesh tops with exaggerated sleeves, corset-inspired bodices, and flowing skirts with raw hems. These pieces were styled with combat boots and leather jackets, creating a juxtaposition that felt distinctly Gen Z. Isla Noire’s use of soft pastels and moody florals brought a dreamy yet grounded aesthetic to the streets.

Accessories from up-and-coming labels also played a key role in defining the street style narrative. Handcrafted bags from Woven Theory, a Perth-based brand specialising in natural fibres and traditional weaving techniques, were seen slung over shoulders and clutched under arms. Their earthy tones and organic shapes offered a refreshing contrast to the more structured, high-gloss accessories dominating the scene.

These emerging designers didn’t just follow trends—they redefined them, offering a glimpse into the future of Australian fashion. Their presence on the streets of Fashion Week signalled a shift toward more conscious, creative, and community-driven style. With each look, they proved that innovation and authenticity are the new markers of cool.

Best dressed attendees of the week

From the cobblestone laneways of Carriageworks to the sun-drenched forecourts of Sydney’s inner west, the best dressed attendees at Australian Fashion Week 2025 delivered a masterclass in personal style. This year’s standout guests didn’t just follow trends—they redefined them, blending local labels with global flair and a distinctly Antipodean edge.

• Sarah Ellen turned heads in a sculptural Dion Lee corset dress paired with knee-high leather boots by Christopher Esber. Her look was a nod to architectural minimalism with a sensual twist—quintessentially Sydney.
• Flex Mami brought bold colour blocking to the fore, layering a chartreuse Aje blazer over a cobalt silk slip. Her accessories—chunky resin bangles and a neon micro bag—added playful contrast to her power-dressing silhouette.
• Yan Yan Chan embraced quiet luxury in a tonal ensemble from Matteau, featuring a sand-hued linen co-ord and barely-there sandals. Her look was effortless, elevated, and perfectly in tune with the coastal-cool aesthetic dominating this season.
• Jessica Gomes made a case for monochrome with a sharply tailored black suit by Bianca Spender, cinched at the waist with a vintage belt. Her slicked-back bun and oversized sunglasses gave the look a polished, editorial finish.
• Violet Grace Atkinson stood out in a custom Romance Was Born gown, dripping in sequins and layered tulle. The look was maximalist, theatrical, and unapologetically Australian in its celebration of craft and colour.

These fashion week fixtures didn’t just dress for the cameras—they dressed for the culture. Their looks captured the spirit of Australian fashion now: confident, conscious, and creatively charged.

Trendsetting looks that stole the spotlight

Statement dressing took centre stage this year, with attendees embracing bold silhouettes, unexpected textures, and a fearless mix of high and low. The standout trend? A return to expressive individuality—where personal style trumped prescriptive fashion rules.

• Sheer layering emerged as a dominant motif, with organza trenches and mesh maxi skirts floating over structured tailoring. Designers like Anna Quan and Albus Lumen led the charge, offering transparency with purpose—revealing just enough while maintaining elegance.
• Metallics shimmered in the Sydney sun, from liquid silver trousers to gold lamé blazers. The futuristic finish was grounded by earthy accessories—think raffia totes and tan leather sandals—creating a uniquely Australian juxtaposition of glamour and groundedness.
• Denim-on-denim made a strong comeback, but with a twist. Think oversized patchwork jackets paired with deconstructed jeans, often styled with corsetry or silk camisoles. The look was raw, rebellious, and refreshingly real.
• Utility dressing was reimagined through a luxe lens. Cargo skirts in silk faille, boiler suits in crisp cotton poplin, and belted safari jackets in muted tones offered a refined take on function-meets-fashion. It was less outback, more urban explorer.
• Pop colour accents injected energy into otherwise neutral palettes. A flash of tangerine in a heel, a cobalt clutch, or a fuchsia liner added just the right amount of irreverence to minimalist ensembles.

Accessories played a pivotal role in defining the week’s most talked-about looks. Oversized eyewear, sculptural earrings, and artisan-crafted handbags were everywhere—each piece telling its own story. Footwear ranged from chunky-soled loafers to barely-there sandals, reflecting the duality of comfort and chic that defines the modern Australian wardrobe.

Ultimately, the street style at Australian Fashion Week 2025 wasn’t just about what people wore—it was about how they wore it. Confidence, creativity, and a deep connection to local design made every look feel intentional and inspiring.