Walk this way for Adelaide Fashion Week
Adelaide Fashion Week officially kicked off last night, but if you’ve left your planning to the last minute, don’t stress. CityMag has rounded up some of our favourite picks of the program.
Adelaide Fashion Week is back for 2025 from October 8 to October 12 with an expanded five-day program highlighting the breadth of stylish talent coming out of our state.
Some of the bigger events, like Friday night’s ACLER runway show of its Resort 26 collection, sold out quickly, with plenty of anticipation for the label’s latest silhouettes.
ACLER is just one of many proudly South Australian labels on show over the weekend, as Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) and partner South Australian Fashion Industry Association (SAFIA) make this year’s edition bigger and better than years past.
AEDA’s Marketing and Tourism Executive Manager, Michael Rossi said the agency has treated the festival as “a powerful platform for industry growth, creative expression and city vibrancy”.
Our picks of the program below capture the people and places in the city doing that in spades.
Feeding the City
Where: GALERI, 120 Grenfell Street
When: Thursday, October 9, 6:30–10:30pm
Cost: $20
Since opening last month, independent designers Leon Kasperski and Shamsher Singh have made sure community is at the heart of GALERI, their fashion hub that is the latest tenant in the Adelaide Arcade. The boutique carries Leon’s brand Archives of Zobo and Shamsher’s Tauhf with other local designers on show.
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On Thursday night, the boutique will celebrate all things SA, with a lavish charcuterie board of SA’s best, a signature sugarcane bevvie and live jazz. To engage guests, there will be fashion bingo, an interactive design competition and plenty of opportunities to mingle.
Bon Vivant Runway
When: Thursday, October 9, 6–8pm
Where: Bon Vivant, 100 Gilbert Street
Cost: $70–$120
Gilbert Street’s Bon Vivant’s runway promises a high-energy show with a lineup of 11 South Australian designers. Reacquaint yourself with the familiar, like Rundle Street institution Miss Gladys Sym Choon, or discover something new. Other labels on show include sustainable womenswear ELLEE THE LABEL, playful summer sets from JATEA and crafted headwear from Blakesby Hats.
The runway is set in the all-white surrounds of the Gilbert Street studio, with drinks available for purchase at the bar, or a glass of sparkling on arrival if you snag a VIP ticket.
The secret to smart diamond buying
When: Friday, October 10, 3–4pm
Where: Andrew Mazzone Design Jewellers Studio, 204 Grenfell Street
Cost: $20
Purchasing diamonds isn’t as straightforward as one may think; with it comes the stress of figuring out different cuts, the right ring shape and sizing. In this workshop, experts at Andrew Mazzone will take you through how prices are set, what the 4Cs are, and how to distinguish between lab-grown and mined diamonds.
This Masterclass is a great choice for jewellery lovers or perhaps your newly or soon-to-be-engaged mates. It’s a hands-on experience for you to try on diamond pieces and learn insider tips for savvy diamond buying. Bubbles and sweet treats will also be provided to sweeten the deal, along with a 20 per cent discount on diamond, golf and coloured stones in store on the day.
Exploring slow fashion
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Where: Adelaide Arcade
When: Friday October 10, 3–5pm and Saturday, October 11, 11am–1pm
Cost: $59
Adelaide Arcade is home to plenty of CityMag’s favourite boutique vintage stores, with prime pin-up era picks from Finding Nina Vintage, and the curated collection from Dulcie’s slow fashion empire. For the slow fashion savvy or the novices, this guided two-hour walking tour will reveal the city’s fashion history while taking you to three sustainable CBD shopping destinations.
Guided by Katina from Flamboyance Tours, expect to learn about the local businesses redefining slow fashion, and receive exclusive discounts and a surprise gift.
Future Collective Runway
When: Friday, October 10, 6pm –7pm
Where: The Loft at The Richmond
Cost: $45
Former C/MEO designer Nini Wang is launching her new label 23rd August at Hotel Richmond’s Future Collective on Friday night, joining the likes of cult fashion brands The Wolf Gang and VAN BRUSSEL on the runway. 23rd of August’s first drop features trending chocolate brown and soft greys, with off-shoulder silhouettes and structured suiting, to elevate your wardrobe.
Set in the 1920s style of Loft at The Richmond, light jackets, sequin mini dresses and low-top sneakers will all make an appearance in 23rd August’s debut. The Future Collective Runway is presented by the South Australian Fashion Industry Association, emphasising the talent coming out of SA, including mainstay Katya Komarova, hatter Blakesby and eventwear from Studio Lexi.
Katya Komarova: A Decade in the Making
When: Saturday, October 11 12–2pm
Where: Ozin Restaurant, 6 East Terrace
Cost: $95
SA handbag designer Katya Komarova celebrates 10 years in the fashion industry, with her innovative designs – which feature stitch-free construction and interchangeable straps – capturing attention beyond Adelaide in her tenure. Her early bags were shown on runways in Russia when she worked as a model, followed by studying in Florence and then selling her designs in Sydney’s Paddington Markets. But in Adelaide from 2014 onwards, the brand took form, officially launching in 2015 with collections of bags, clothing and footwear.
Katya will be in conversation with host Rebecca Morse, divulging behind-the-scenes stories of creating her brand. This lunch-time session is complete with gourmet finger food and wines from east end restaurant Ozin, which specialises in charcoal-infused dining and curated wines.
Fashion Illustration Workshop with Estelle Michaelides
When: Sunday, October 12, 2pm
Where: Sofitel Adelaide
Cost: $160
Estelle Michaelides is a fashion industry veteran, with 30 years’ experience across independent streetwear label Micky in the Van and her theatrical and bright collections for Saint Stella M.
She’ll be hosting an intimate workshop in the art of fashion illustration at Sofitel’s Symphony Room. With only 35 spots up for grabs, attendees will learn the craft of creating your own designs over high tea and a glass of sparkling on arrival.
