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/WA

• Nov. 25-  Dec. 11, 2022
  Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery , City of Fremantle ( Managed by the City of Fremantle )/WA

• Dec. 2, 2022 – Jan. 29, 2023
  Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, City of Geraldton /WA 

• Dec. 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.

Eco Fashion Designers Return to Dowerin Field Days 2019

June 1, 2019 — Western Australian slow fashion designers and university fashion design students will again be placing Australia’s iconic merino wool in the spotlight with Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) by celebrating the 55th annual Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days held August 28 and 29, 2019.

Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days is located in the central wheat belt, serving as an optimal host site for EFWA to celebrate sustainable natural fibres, especially Merino wool as the champion of all sustainable fibres.

Western Australian eco fashion designers Green Embassy, Fabric of Nature , Skylark , Claudi Jvr, Gemini Kite , Regina Bochat, Curtin University and ECU fashion design students will present a fashion parade showcasing beautiful merino wool creations during the EFWA celebration on August 28, 29 with runway shows from 11 – 11.30 a.m. and 1:30 – 2 p.m. emceed by local Merino Wool farmer and Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Fields Days coordinator Tiffany Davey.

Wool is one of the most sustainable fibres on the planet, and Australia produces 90 percent of the world’s finest wool apparel suitable for the high-end fashion market. With Australian wool’s eco credentials, it makes it a perfect choice for sustainable clothing, and therefore a prominent component of Eco Fashion Week Australia.

Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days has continually expanded over the past 55 years to be become the largest and most successful event of its kind in Western Australia, with outstanding effort from members of the community who contribute time, energy, and expertise. Income generated is injected back into Dowerin and surrounding towns, contributing to the success and survival of the region.

‘’Our 3rd Annual Slow Fashion Show Days at Dowerin Field Days on August 28and 29 is our ode to Western Australian Merino wool growers, and shows our dedication to them into the future, ‘’ said Dr. Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, Founder of Eco Fashion Week Australia. “EFWA will always celebrate Merino wool as a sustainable fibre.”

Eco Fashion Week Australia showcasing at a previous Dowerin Field Days with local and international eco designers pieces made from Merino wool.

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 of 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. Currently preparing for 2020 for International Slow Fashion Art exhibitions and Fashion Shows in Australian cities, Europe, North America and in Asia. www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com

Call for Submissions for Eco Fashion Week Australia ‘Anita Moon’ Design Awards

Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) is committed to supporting home-grown Australian talent – student and emerging designers, as well as community members who are interested in creating their own sustainable clothing.

The Anita Moon Awards of Excellence were established in loving memory of Perth artist, mother, wildlife and environment protector Anita Moon who was a strong supporter of sustainability, eco fashion, and protecting nature.

The October 1 deadline for submissions is fast approaching. There are three awards available, and six designers will show their designs on the runway at EFWA. Below is more information about each award and the submission criteria.

Mia Pearce, Anita Moon’s daughter wearing Green Embassy. (Photo: Shelbi Eastwood)

Best Australian Student Designer Award
Sponsored by Curtin Springs Paper, the winner will receive a 2 week designer in residence opportunity, which includes a return flight from any major city in Australia to Ayers Rock with accommodation (and meals) included at Curtin Springs, a fully operational pastoral cattle station. While there, the chosen designer will learn about paper making from native grasses, and other natural materials, as well as learn how to incorporate sustainability into business. Learn about the Central Australian landscape, which serves as great inspiration to design and create.

The top 3 student designs will be presented on the runway and the winning designer will also have their work displayed on a mannequin during the entire event.

Entry Criteria: One look created with eco-friendly fabric and sewn by the student personally. Please submit a photo of your garment, a description of your concept and the materials you used.

Best Australian Emerging Designer Award
Sponsored by Australia’s first internationally recognised eco fashion label, Green Embassy is the recipient of this award will receive a two week designer in residence opportunity including flights from any major city in Australia to Perth, Western Australia, room and board at Green Embassy’s organic alpaca farm studios.

You will have to opportunity to learn about raising alpacas, the processing and use of alpaca wool to create textiles and crafts by utilising techniques such as felt making, spinning and knitting.

The top 3 collections will be presented on the runway at EFWA with one winner chosen in this category. The winning collection will also be on display on mannequins during the entire event.

Entry Criteria: A mini collection of 4 looks created with eco friendly fabrics. Please submit photos of your 4 looks, a description of your concept and the materials used.

Best Australian Homemade Sustainable Garments (Sewer and Knitter) Awards
This category is for ‘non-professionals’ only, and features personally sewn or knitted garments created with eco friendly fabrics.

The winning design in each category will be displayed on a mannequin during the entire event.

Entry Criteria: Please submit a photo of your garment, a description of your concept and the materials you used.

Deadline for Submission (for all award categories): OCTOBER 1, 2018.

Please email entries on or before the deadline to: contact@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; 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.

Mia Pearce, Anita Moon’s daughter wearing Green Embassy. (Photo: Shelbi Eastwood)

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 expands to two Australian states. www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com

The above cover photos by Harry Leonard show two of the inaugural winners at EFWA 2017. Left to right: Best Emerging Designer - Skylark and Best Student Designer - Bek Bek Timson.

Eco Fashion Week Australia’s Runway Touches the Reef and the Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland

AUG. 9, 2018  —  After an incredibly well-received launch in Perth, Western Australia in 2017, Eco Fashion Week Australia, the ‘EFWA 2018’ edition expands to Tropical North Queensland where the reef reaches to rainforest in beautiful Port Douglas.  On Nov. 4, EFWA 2018 will open with a Queensland gala night featuring international and Australian eco fashion designers.

The gala will kick start the eco-packed week-long event from Nov. 4 – 10 featuring community based activities; an educational seminar with Australian and international industry experts, academics, and conservationists; pop up op-shops to support regeneration of rainforests; a fashion swap; mending workshops to teach basic sewing skills to repair clothing; an eco market with locally handmade artisan goods; a designer showroom; and spectacular evening runway shows to prove eco fashion is the only way for sustainable and ethical clothing.

“#EFWA2018 is working with the Tropical North Queensland community, Local Government and businesses to bring international and national attention to the troubled Great Barrier Reef and the Rainforests,” said Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, CEO Eco Fashion Week Australia. “By providing education on sustainability and showcasing talented, young and creative people, we hope to encourage a sustainable way of living while protecting natural resources and the environment.”

On Sept. 8  at 6 pm. a ‘green carpet’ cocktail media launch celebrating sustainability will take place at QT Port Douglas hotel featuring an EFWA preview runway show, speakers and jazz music by the Cairns Stage Band. Radio personality, Angie Ayers will be the guest emcee.

Eco Fashion Week Australia moves to Perth, WA for events from Nov. 15 – 21.

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; 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; Boss Makeovers; 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; Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef; and Curtin Springs Paper.

Rainforest Rescue team and Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, Founder, Eco Fashion Week Australia in 2017. (Sarah Jane Prince Photography

A group of local EFWA models with Mayor Julia Leu at a planting in 2017. (Sarah Jane Prince Photography )

Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, Founder, Eco Fashion Week Australia at the Rainforest Centre in 2017.  (Sarah Jane Prince Photography

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 expands to two Australian states. www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com