Eco Fashion Week Australia has been internationally recognised with the prestigious International CSR Excellence Award 2026, celebrating its leadership in sustainability, ethical business practices, and positive global impact. The award highlights EFWA’s commitment to creating lasting benefits for communities, the environment, and the future of responsible fashion.
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The Face of EFWA22, Talisha Lee-Karuthiru (Photo: Zuhal Kuvan-Mills /Gallery Naturalist on location at Swan Valley Bells Rapids )
Western Australia to Host World’s Longest and Largest Sustainable Fashion Art Show and Exhibition
Eco Fashion Week Australia ( EFWA) will present its third international edition with runway shows and fashion art exhibitions in Geraldton, Fremantle, Bunbury and the Swan Valley region of Western Australia starting in late 2022.
Titled, ‘Closet of the Anthropocene’ and inspired by the impact of climate change, the upcoming chain of events will start Nov. 18, 2022 with fashion runway shows and will continue with exhibitions at the various galleries completing on Feb. 5, 2023.
“Anthropocene” describes a new geological epoch or planetary era in which human activity impacts the ecological balance of the planet and is the main driver of change, on a global scale. Geologists have proposed humans to be the most dominant influence on the earth.
EFWA ‘Closet of the Anthropocene will explore this geological era and its implications on design, textiles, art and fashion disciplines.
The festival will feature fashion art of over 50 international and Australian fashion artists using sustainable materials and textiles to address broader themes of Anthropocene. Fashion artists will examine the relationships between fashion and geology; and the future of fashion in the Anthropocene.
”I hope that visitors who view our shows and exhibitions will think deeply about the beauty of our world and how important it is for us to protect it,” said Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, Visual Artist, Curator and Founder of EFWA (Eco Fashion Week Australia) which is based in Western Australia. “We have a responsibility as fashion artists and consumers, to do our part in protecting our planet.”
EFWA ‘Closet of the Anthropocene will address waste, pollution, consumption and environmental destruction. The artists will also make a call for optimism with new ways of imagining a vibrant future.
Schedule of Events
Nov. 18 – 20, 2022 Runway Shows & Nov.21 2022- 5 Feb2023 Fashion Art Exhibitions
Swan Valley Region/WANov. 25- Dec. 11, 2022
Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery , City of Fremantle ( Managed by the City of Fremantle )/WADec. 2, 2022 – Jan. 29, 2023
Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, City of Geraldton /WADec. 24, 2022 – Feb. 5, 2023
Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, City of Bunbury /WA
The exhibition brings together fashion and textile artists from across the world, demonstrating a shared international perspective on climate change.
“By organising exhibitions in Western Australia we hope to shed light on and continue critical conversations already happening across the planet.”
During its Western Australian premiere, installations will be unique for each gallery, allowing visitors who wish to travel to Geraldton, Perth, and Bunbury to see participating artists' series as well as at fashion runway shows.
The Face of EFWA Closet of the Anthropocene is Perth model, Talisha Lee-Karuthiru. Talisha has been a feature model in the first two edition of Eco-Fashion Week Australia.
EFWA ‘Closet of the Anthropocene’ will collaborate with local schools to feature textile art projects in the exhibitions. Expect artist talks, workshops, and seminars through the involvement of community groups, conservation groups, universities, and TAFEs.
Call for Artists
Interested artists should contact the event organizers as soon as possible by visiting website www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com
Event partners: City Fremantle – Moores Contemporary Art Gallery, City Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, City of Bunbury Regional Art Gallery,
Event Sponsors: Green Embassy, Gallery Naturalist, Swan Valley Local Businesses, Claire Organic Hair, Natulique, and Dene Selby Modelling Agency.
Supporting partners: Curtin University, ECU, Eluxe Magazine, The Bahamas Weekly, Style Drama, Olio by Marilyn, and Jane Milburn – Textile Beat.
That’s a wrap! Just some of the expansive crew at the end of the EFWA 2018 closing night in Fremantle, Western Australia, after 56 runways shows in two states. (Photo: David Woolley)
Eco Fashion Week Australia Proves the Power of Community to Make Change
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEC. 5, 2018 — Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) 2018 rocked the eco world in November with 21 runway shows in Port Douglas, Queensland, and 35 runway shows in Fremantle, Western Australia.
The event expanded to two states this year to highlight the plight of the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland.
With the help of supporters, volunteers, and community groups the second edition of the event has certainly placed the Land Down Under on the international eco fashion map. The efforts of the many that came together shows how the power of a united community (local and international) can indeed effect change!
This innovative, forward-thinking event featured impeccably executed runway shows exhibiting the best in organic, handmade, local, re/up-cycled, fair-trade, ethically produced, traditional, fashions and textiles.
55 ethical designers presented during week-long events running from Nov. 4 – 10 in Port Douglas, Queensland; and from Nov. 15 – 20 in Perth, Western Australia.
Green Embassy, Curtin Springs, and Betty Spoke during EFWA2018 (Photo 1 credit: Port Douglas Photographer; Photo 2, 3 credit: David Woolley)
Presenting were Australian indigenous, local and interstate designers, along with designers from Canada, England, India, Uruguay, Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Vietnam, and the Czech Republic.
EFWA holds community, sustainability, and education at its core while also promoting locally, ethically produced fashion, conservation, and sustainability education. In addition to full shows by established designers, EFWA featured collections by the fashion design students of Curtin University and ECU University and presented the Merino Wool Design Awards sponsored by Peter Scanlan Wools, the Anita Moon Awards, and the Australian Made® Best New Designer Award.
With a focus on reduce, reuse, recycle, 13 Australian and international fashion designers showcased in a collaborative show - the EFWA Upcycling Challenge by Marilyn Wilson – each created one runway look from upcycled men’s dress shirts. Each night of runway shows featured the Style It Green op shop makeover by eco stylist Dalija Vlahov where 5 members of the audience volunteered to be outfitted with a little black dress and accessories, completed by a walk down the EFWA runway.
13 designers took part in re-purposing men’s shirts in the second annual EFWA Upcycling Challenge by Marilyn Wilson (Photo: Port Douglas Photographer)
“The success of our second year clearly shows the strong growing demand for sustainable, locally made, slow and ethical fashion. We need to keep working together to support events that promote sustainability in all states across the country, and globally ” said Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, EFWA CEO and designer of Green Embassy.
Highlighting the reasons for eco fashion was the eco seminar ‘Disposable Planet 2’ which featured speakers Sass Brown, Dean of Dubai Institute of Design and author of “Eco Fashion” and “Refashioned;” Clare Press, Vogue Sustainability Editor; Jeff Hanson and Bridgette Gower of Sea Shepherd Australia; Stewart Christie, Reef Restoration Foundation; Jane Milburn, Textile Beat and author of “Slow Clothing;” Nicki Colls, Fibre Shed Melbourne; Councillor Rachel Pemberton, City of Fremantle; Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi, Eluxe Magazine; Natalie Shehata, Tommie Magazine; Marina Chahbourne, Beyond Fashion Sustainability Consultant; Julia Leu, Major of Douglas Shire; Peta Slack- Smith Australian Wool Innovation; Robbin Whachell, Hoy-Scott Watershed Society; and Barcelona designer, Sylvia Calvo.
Community events also included mending workshops, pop-up op shops, and designer showrooms offering work from Australian designers.
"Fashion has always belonged to the privileged, and a handful of fashionistas, not the ordinary people. We aim to change that," said founder Zuhal Kuvan-Mills. "When a community comes together to run an event like this, they are able to take a good look at who is making clothing, to be curious as to how they are manufactured, and to embrace eco designers working in their region,” said Zuhal-Mills. “Our goal is to ignite and inspire our attendees to change their perspective on fashion."
BirdTribe designer, Nina Blackcockatoo of Queensland walks with one of the models during her finale in Port Douglas. (Photo: Port Douglas Photographer)
For more photos please review our Facebook albums HERE.
About Eco Fashion Week Australia:
Eco-Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) began in 2017 in Perth, Western Australia and was founded by Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, artist, designer and earth ambassador for Green Embassy, Australia’s first internationally recognised organic fashion label. The event draws like-minded fashion designers and speakers from around the world. In 2018 EFWA expanded to two Australian states. www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com
With appreciation:
Eco Fashion Week Australia 2018 was proudly supported by Douglas Shire Council; Explore Tropical North Queensland; Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef; Eluxe Magazine; The Bahamas Weekly; luxiders; Be Global Fashion Network; tommie magazine; Olio by Marilyn; Textile Beat; Circular Style Magazine; Style Drama; Dowerin GWN Machinery Field Days; LOIG’S MUSIC LAB; Dene Selby: Model School, Agency & Image Maker; Xpression Models; Claire Hair Boutique; make-up directed by Alex Dimov Creative; Notre Dame University; The Beauty Room; QT Port Douglas; Ethically Kate; Slow Down Style; Natulique; A Small Wardrobe; Zuii Organic; Australian Made; Edith Cowan University; Curtin University; Eco Fashion Talk; Rainforest Rescue; Sea Shepherd; Reef Restoration Foundation, Indigo, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef; and Curtin Springs Paper.
Presenting designers:
Green Embassy, Connally McDougall, Curtin Springs Paper, Gemini Kite, Francesca Phipps, Sylvia Calvo, MOLA Collaborative, Jude Taylor, Melaleuca Rise, CLAWDI, Pattern by Design, Nickelby Designs, Zuzana Hrubos, Classic Couture Vintage & Bridal, Junk Weavers Inc., Satisha, Skylark the Label, Barbwire Noose, Birdtribe, Ren, Fabric of Nature, Livie Rose Designs, Studio Membrane, Beads ‘n Pods Jewelry, Sustainable Couture, Murii Quu Couture, EFWA Upcycling Challenge by Marilyn Wilson & Dhalija Valhjov, Betty Spoke, Marita Moreno, NoRuYeLo, Robert Naorem, Ku’;arlu Mangga, Leah Kelly by Design, Ngali, Things of Substance.
Upcycling challenge designers:
Marcia Hobbs of Barbwire Noose, Gigi Forget of Sal-vij by gigi, Tracy Kim of Trixed Up, Kathryn Davis of The Possibility Project, Aroha Langley, Anne Ruggieri, Denise Anglesey of Denise H and Founder of NZ Eco Fashion Week, Janine McAughren of Ghren, Regina Bochat, Carmel Ryan, and Papa Drew & ATHAN JON a.k.a Jonathan Pampling (collaboration).
Green Embassy (Photo Credit: Aidan Green — Model: Lauren Di Meglio —Makeup: Jessica Vlog)
Western Australian Merino wool growers join Eco Fashion Week Australia’s runway
Scanlan Sponsors Merino Wool Design Award
Wool is one of the most sustainable fibres on the planet. Western Australia produces 71 million kg wool per year, with over 95% of Merino wool destined for the high end fashion market. It is a perfect choice for sustainable clothing and a prominent component of Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA).
The second annual event, EFWA2018 will present the Merino Wool Design Award to a deserving designer who uses Merino wool. The award is proudly sponsored by Fremantle-based wool merchant, Scanlan Wools Pty Ltd and their partnering company Sunshine Textile Group from China. Western Australian student fashion designers and established eco designers each took up the challenge to create one special garment having been given 3 metres of Merino fabric.
“Showcasing the product of WA Merino wool growers, while featuring the creativity of WA designers to our world eco media traveling to Australia for the week-long EFWA event in Perth is very uplifting to our team,” said Zuhal Kuvan-Mills CEO of Eco Fashion Week Australia. “We are proud to be promoting Australian Merino wool.”
This fabric, created with superfine 18.5 micron fibres from Scanlan’s Merino wool growers, was sent to China to be woven at Sunshine’s wool mill and then returned to Perth where it was distributed to the chosen designers. These creations will be shown on the EFWA runway on Nov. 15 in Fremantle during the event gala night.
A total of 10 student designers from educational institutions of Western Australia are vying for the award:
Molly Ryan, Sarina Roose, Dana Checksfield from Curtin University,
Maisey Gedded, Philippa Canavan, Winston Felices Addon from Edith Cowan University,
Caitlin Gerken, Pamela Prince, Anika Engelbrecht, Rebekah Grimlinger, from South Metropolitan TAFE Bentley Campus
6 eco designers of Western Australia will also be competing:
Scanlan Collective,
Skylark The Label,
Clawdi,
Gemini Kite,
Fabric By Nature, and
Green Embassy
“We at Scanlan Wool are proud to be involved with Eco Fashion Week Australia,” said Peter Scanlan. “We’re pleased to provide this talented group of fashion designers with raw, but expertly produced, pure superfine Merino wool fabric sourced from wool growers in our fabulous state of Western Australia, produced by our Chinese partners, Sunshine. We can’t wait to see what is created and urge our WA wool growing community to come to see their wool on show!”
EFWA holds community, sustainability, and education at its core while also promoting locally, ethically produced fashion, conservation, and sustainability education.
In addition to full shows by established designers, EFWA will feature collections by Curtin University and Edith Cowan University fashion design students and will also present the Anita Moon Awards, and the Australian Made® Best New Designer Award.
Another 13 Australian and international fashion designers will be showcased in a collaborative show - the EFWA Upcycling Challenge by Marilyn Wilson – each creating one runway look from upcycled men's dress shirts.
Community events in both states will include Mending Workshops, Fashion Swaps, Pop-up Op Shops, ECO seminars titled, Disposable Planet 2 and a Designer Showroom offering work from Australian designers.
For EFWA2018 event details, including runway schedules and links to buy tickets, go to www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com
Green Embassy (Photo Credit: Aidan Green — Model: Lauren Di Meglio —Makeup: Jessica Vlog)
About Eco Fashion Week Australia 2018
Eco-Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) began in 2017 in Perth, Western Australia and was founded by Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, artist, designer and earth ambassador for Green Embassy, Australia's first internationally recognised organic fashion label. The event draws like-minded fashion designers and speakers from around the world. In 2018 EFWA expands to two Australian states. www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com
About Scanlan Wool Pty Ltd
Established in 1986 by Peter and Margaret Scanlan, the company has three decades of expertise in buying and selling West Australian wool with absolute dedication to achieving the best outcome for their loyal clientele.
Eco Fashion Week Australia proudly partners with Douglas Shire Council; Explore Tropical North Queensland; @Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef; Eluxe Magazine; The Bahamas Weekly; luxiders; Be Global Fashion Network; tommie magazine; Olio by Marilyn; Textile Beat; Circular Style Magazine; Style Drama; Dowerin GWN Machinery Field Days; LOIG'S MUSIC LAB; Dene Selby: Model School, Agency & Image Maker; Xpression Models; Claire Hair Boutique; Notre Dame University; The Beauty Room; QT Port Douglas; Ethically Kate; Slow Down Style; A Small Wardrobe; Zuii Organic; Australian Made Campaign; Edith Cowan University (ECU); Curtin University; Eco Fashion Talk; Rainforest Rescue; Sea Shepherd Australia; Reef Restoration Foundation; Indigo, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef; and Curtin Springs Paper.
EFWA2018 presenting designers: Green Embassy, Connally McDougall, Curtin Springs Paper, Gemini Kite, Francesca Phipps, Sylvia Calvo, MOLA Curated Collection, Jude Taylor, Melaleuca Rise, CLAWDI, Pattern by Design, Nickelby Designs, Zuzana Hrubos, Classic Couture Vintage & Bridal, Junk Weavers Inc., Satisha, Skylark the Label, Barbwire Noose, BIRDTRIBE, Ren, Fabric of Nature, Livie Rose Designs, Studio Membrane, Beads 'n Pods, Sustainable Couture, Murii Quu Couture, EFWA Upcycling Challenge by Marilyn Wilson, Betty Spoke, Marita Moreno, NoRuYeLo, Robert Naorem, Ku'arlu Mangga, Leah Kelly by Design, Ngali, Things of Substance.
Port Douglas media launch. (Photo: Daniel Ade)
AUSTRALIA Proudly Placed on International ECO Fashion Map
EFWA the Biggest Eco Fashion Week of the World
October 4. 2018 – With the second edition of Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) ready to hit the runway in November, the event has certainly placed the Land Down Under on the international Eco fashion map!
35 designers will present collections during week-long events running from Nov. 4 – 10 in Port Douglas, Queensland; and from Nov. 15 – 20 in Perth, Western Australia.
This innovative, forward-thinking event will feature incredible runway shows exhibiting the best in organic, handmade, local, re/up-cycled, fair-trade, ethically produced, traditional, fashions and textiles.
Runway shows will present Australian indigenous, local and interstate designers, along with designers from Canada, England, India, Uruguay, Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Vietnam, and the Czech Republic.
EFWA holds community, sustainability, and education at its core while also promoting locally, ethically produced fashion, conservation, and sustainability education.
In addition to full shows by established designers, EFWA will feature collections by Curtin University and ECU University fashion design students and will present the Merino Wool Design Awards, the Anita Moon Awards, and the Australian Made® Best New Designer Award.
Another 13 Australian and international fashion designers will be showcased in a collaborative show - the EFWA Upcycling Challenge by Marilyn Wilson – each creating one runway look from upcycled men's dress shirts.
“The incredible response we have received clearly shows the strong growing demand for sustainable, locally made, and ethical fashion,” said Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, EFWA CEO and designer of Green Embassy. “It's time to stop the sweatshops and fast fashion forever.”
Community events in both states will include Mending Workshops, Fashion Swaps, Pop-up Op Shops, ECO seminars titled, Disposable Planet 2 and a Designer Showroom offering work from Australian designers.
For EFWA2018 event details, including runway schedules and links to buy tickets, go to www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com
About Eco Fashion Week Australia 2018
Eco-Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) began in 2017 in Perth, Western Australia and was founded by Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, artist, designer and earth ambassador for Green Embassy, Australia's first internationally recognised organic fashion label. The event draws like-minded fashion designers and speakers from around the world. In 2018 EFWA expands to two Australian states. www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com
Eco Fashion Week Australia proudly partners with Douglas Shire Council; Explore Tropical North Queensland; Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef; Eluxe Magazine; The Bahamas Weekly; luxiders; Be Global Fashion Network; tommie magazine; Olio by Marilyn; Textile Beat; Circular Style Magazine; Style Drama; Dowerin GWN Machinery Field Days; LOIG’S MUSIC LAB; Dene Selby: Model School, Agency & Image Maker; Xpression Models; Claire Hair Boutique; Notre Dame University; The Beauty Room; QT Port Douglas; Ethically Kate; Slow Down Style; A Small Wardrobe; Zuii Organic; Australian Made; Edith Cowan University; Curtin University; Eco Fashion Talk; Rainforest Rescue; Sea Shepherd; Reef Restoration Foundation, Indigo, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef; and Curtin Springs Paper.
EFWA2018 presenting designers: Green Embassy, Connally McDougall, Curtin Springs Paper, Gemini Kite, Francesca Phipps, Sylvia Calvo, MOLA Curated Collection, Jude Taylor, Melaleuca Rise, CLAWDI, Pattern by Design, Nickelby Designs, Zuzana Hrubos, Classic Couture Vintage & Bridal, Junk Weavers Inc., Satisha, Skylark the Label, Barbwire Noose, Ren, Fabric of Nature, Livie Rose Designs, Studio Membrane, Beads 'n Pods, Sustainable Couture, Murii Quu Couture, EFWA Upcycling Challenge by Marilyn Wilson, Betty Spoke, Marita Moreno, NoRuYeLo, Robert Naorem, Ku'arlu Mangga, Leah Kelly by Design, Ngali, Things of Substance.