Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, 27th August 2025 - The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has launched Global Gateways, a new international export program designed to drive long-term growth for Australian fashion in high-value markets. The program’s first mission will take place at CENTRESTAGE in Hong Kong from 3 - 6 September 2025, delivered in partnership with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and proudly supported by Investment NSW. 

The inaugural delegation of seven leading Australian designers - Bondi Born, Maara Collective, bond-eye, West 14th, Re/lax Remade, Monika Branagan and Neuono - will present collections to buyers and media, supported by targeted business-matching and in-market programming to secure successful commercial outcomes. With buyers from China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the UAE and beyond, CENTRESTAGE is a powerful launchpad for brands expanding beyond the U.S. and Europe.

The delegation will also take part in a cultural diplomacy event co-hosted with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), further strengthening cultural ties and trade relationships. 

Flights for designers are supported by Hong Kong Airlines, marking the launch of its new Sydney - Hong Kong route, and will launch its direct service to Melbourne from mid-December. This partnership celebrates and symbolises the opening of fresh opportunities for Australian fashion in one of the region’s most influential trade hubs.

Global Gateways complements Australian Fashion Week (AFW) - now under AFC stewardship - and together create the AFC’s inbound-outbound annual program of international buyer engagement to bring the world to Australia and take Australian brands to the world.

Jaana Quaintance-James, CEO of AFC, says: “Global Gateways is about embedding Australian fashion into the world’s most high-value markets and we’re thrilled to begin this program in Hong Kong. As one of Asia’s most influential fashion centres, its proximity to Australia and position as a re-export hub creates unmatched advantages for export-ready brands.

There is a significant, growing global appetite for Australian fashion and the AFC is well-positioned to create new export pathways that provide our industry with enduring commercial growth. We’re grateful for the support of HKTDC, Investment NSW and Hong Kong Airlines to bring this important inaugural mission to life.”

The Australian fashion and textile industry generates $28 billion annually, employs almost 500,000 Australians, and exports around $7.2 billion - more than wine and beer combined. Recent changes to U.S. tariff settings, including removal of the de minimis threshold, have increased pressure on exporters and reinforced the need for diversified market strategies across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The AFC has strategically positioned Global Gateways and Australian Fashion Week to support this critical opportunity for Australian fashion.  

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Over the past decade, CENTRESTAGE has become the perfect meeting point for fashion brands and designers from across the globe, and Asia in particular, to showcase their latest creations. As the flagship fashion event for Asia, CENTRESTAGE not only celebrates virtuosity in design and craftsmanship, but also propels both local and international brands into the broader Asian market, supporting the vigorous development of the local fashion industry and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global fashion hub and world-class East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.”

Looking ahead, the AFC will expand Global Gateways in 2026, building a rolling schedule of in-market activations supported by export education, capability-building resources and  aftercare to support successful commercial outcomes.

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For further information and imagery:

Liz Anderson

Head of Policy & Communications, AFC

eanderson@ausfashioncouncil.com | +61 424 991 231

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ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN FASHION COUNCIL:

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is a not-for-profit and the peak body for the Australian fashion and textile industry, representing the sector for over 70 years. AFC members are Australian founded or majority owned businesses involved in producing fabric, clothing, footwear or accessories, including individuals that contribute creatively and economically to the Australian fashion and textile industry. The AFC champion and advocate for a prosperous and creative Australian fashion and textiles industry, with the purpose of building a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem for our member community through education, collaboration and innovation.

ABOUT CENTRESTAGE:

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), CENTRESTAGE – the annual gala event for the Asian fashion industry – takes place from 3 to 6 September 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Unveiling a grand celebration of style for its 10th anniversary edition, this year’s CENTRESTAGE sees a record participation of some 260 brands from 24 countries and regions. The programme features more than 40 events, including around 30 fashion shows and parades – another record for the event. The four-day showcase is open to industry professionals and the public free of charge, welcoming visitors from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas to experience the charm and creativity of Asia’s fashion capital.