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)

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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).  

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, 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.

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.