MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK AUSTRALIA 2016

SYDNEY (Wednesday March 23, 2016) – IMG
today unveiled the

preliminary schedule for the inaugural Mercedes-Benz
Fashion Week Australia Resort Collections. Over fifty five (55)
designers were announced at an event this evening at the iconic Sydney
Quay Restaurant and are set to show in Sydney, Australia, Sunday 15th
May through Friday 20th May, 2016.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia will
be the first centralised event focused exclusively on Resort
Collections, in line with the international retail calendar.

“May marks the beginning of the global
sales window for these lucrative retail collections,” said Emily Weight,
Head of Fashion, IMG Fashion Events & Properties, Asia Pacific.
“The new timing and Resort offering reflects our work with the industry
to maintain global relevance for the region’s leading fashion event. The
move presents an exciting opportunity for Australian designers and
global media and buyers alike.”

Dion Lee will return to the Schedule
presenting his Resort Collection in Sydney alongside Rebecca Vallance,
who will debut her first Resort Collection with Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week Australia. Additionally, leading brands alice mcCALL, Camilla and
Swarovski will host special events during the week as part of the
official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia schedule. Internationally
acclaimed Australian designer Toni Maticevski has the coveted position
of opening this year’s Mercedes-Benz Presents showcase, which commences
on Sunday 15th May.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2016
will showcase Resort Collections from: Aje, Akira, Anna Quan, Aqua Blu,
Bec & Bridge, Bianca Spender, Bondi Bather, By Johnny, Christopher
Esber, Cristahlea, Daniel Avakian, Dion Lee, Discount Universe, Duskii,
Emma Mulholland, Georgia Alice, Ginger & Smart, Holystone, House of
Cannon, Jason Hewitt, Jennifer Kate, Kaliver, Karla Špetić, Macgraw,
Manning Cartell, Maticevski, Misha Collection, Monster Alphabets, Palm
Swimwear, P.E Nation, P.Jamé, Rebecca Vallance, Steven Khalil, Third
Form, Ten Pieces, We Are Handsome, We Are Kindred, Yeojin Bae and
Zhivago.

Destination New South Wales,
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia’s Strategic Government Partner,
will welcome international guests, media and buyers to celebrate
Australia’s fashion capital at its welcome event, Monday 16th May, 9am.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major
Events Stuart Ayres said, “We’ve taken a strategic decision to showcase
Resort collections after speaking to industry about seizing a greater
opportunity on the international calendar. With the world’s most
influential buyers and media travelling to Sydney for Mercedes-Benz
Fashion Week Australia Sydney this will be a great moment for trade and
for visitation to NSW.

“As a global city of creativity and
innovation it’s appropriate the world’s fashion industry turn its
attention to Sydney this May as MBFWA showcases the NSW fashion industry
and our harbour city to audiences worldwide. We are delighted to
support this important event and look forward to welcoming visitors to
Sydney.”

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia will
showcase ready-to-wear Resort Collections on Monday 15th, Tuesday 16th,
and Wednesday 17th May, featuring established contemporary designers
such as Bec & Bridge, Bianca Spender, Aje, Manning Cartell, Discount
Universe and Steven Khalil.

Thursday 19th May will bring a spotlight
onto swim & activewear, two categories that have become an
increasingly important global niche market for Australian designers.
Sydney’s iconic harbour, the Opera House and Bondi Beach provide the
perfect inspiration for brands such as We Are Handsome, P.E. Nation and
Duskii.

Friday 20th May will display the best
emerging talent from both Australia and overseas. Designs from
Australia’s finest fashion graduates from Sydney TAFE in The Innovators:
Fashion Design Studio, the Raffles International Showcase and St.
George NextGen show, as well as and a number of solo presentations from
labels House of Cannon and Cristahlea will assist media and buyers to
discover the future of fashion.

A series of thought leadership industry
seminars will run daily, featuring keynote speakers and informative
content curated by industry leaders including Ragtrader Live, Cleancut
and Microsoft.

The complete MBFWA Official Schedule can be viewed at mbfashionweek.com/australia/schedule