What is the essence or fabric of modern Australia? Stemming from our nation’s diverse landscape are a myriad of unique stories, perspectives, customs, and social identities, all of which function harmoniously to position multiculturalism as one of Australia’s greatest strengths. At WEST, we seek out, explore, discover, and share that very strength of our modern society—the fabric of modern Australia—through the lens of travel, food, and culture. These elements are intrinsically intertwined and inseparable when it comes to gaining an appreciation of our fellow neighbors.
From showcasing contemporary examples of fashion through the perspective of First Nations culture and history to a contemporary appreciation of all living cultures, Australian multiculturalism is full of beauty, elegance, and most importantly, storytelling. A critical platform exploring just that is FOMA – Fabrics of Multicultural Australia FOMA is the definitive platform for connecting culture with creativity, fashion, and, in the process, bridging the divide between contemporary culture, the fashion industry, and business. The annual major runway show is a spectacle of color, pattern, design excellence, and contemporary expression from designers representing their countries and cultures.
Embassies and High Commissions support and showcase the talent of their designers, and the variety, depth, and range of talent and creativity is breathtaking. FOMA’s journey is proudly supported by Fiji Consulate General and Trade Commission, as they understand the importance of investing in Australia’s fashion industry both as a trading partner and as a producer of Australian brands we love and wear. This extraordinary cultural showcase brings together First Nations and International Designers in a celebration of cross-cultural fashion and business exchange.
Proudly supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, NSW; and in collaboration with the Australian Fashion Council, Export Council of Australia; Powerhouse and TAFE NSW; FOMA brings together over 40 nationalities in 2024. The exhibition and the activations around the event leverage the influence of our creative sectors across a variety of mediums, showcasing to a global audience the interweaving threads that collectively form the unique identity of contemporary Australia from an economic and cultural perspective.
Supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, NSW and in collaboration with the Australian Fashion Council, Export Council of Australia; Powerhouse and TAFE NSW, FOMA brings together over 40 nationalities in 2024.
The 2024 edition also marks a significant milestone with the launch of an awards program honouring outstanding designers, with finalists and winners to be announced at the 2025 event. For the first time in its history, FOMA will feature a weeklong showcase including a unique exhibition titled ‘Threads of Identity: A Tapestry of Modern Australia’, running from 11-13 October 2024 in collaboration with the NSW Government and South by Southwest (SXSW). This three-day exhibition will highlight the diverse fabric of modern Australia through fashion and design
The main event, held on October 12th at Sydney Observatory, will transform this symbolic beacon of discovery into a cultural exhibition during the day, culminating in the premier runway event in the late afternoon and evening. With the theme of a garden party, the runway show is a fashion event in and of itself. The collections showcased are beautiful, and the stories they tell evoke emotion and pride. Attendees leave with a profound sense of how culture, connection, multiculturalism, and the future of fashion coexist, looking both to the past and into the future with a global sense of connection through fashion.
Most importantly, Australia is host to this annual event, a continent rich in multiculturalism and filled with a sense of wonder and curiosity. FOMA is the perfect place to discover the future of fashion. The 2024 event will also celebrate First Nations talent, with Buluuy Mirri, an Aboriginal fashion brand, and Aboriginal artists such as Danielle Mate, who will present their work in celebration of Australia’s First Nations people and their artistic heritage.
Australia’s fashion and textile industry is a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, generating over $27.2 billion and exporting $7.2 billion annually. With 489,000 people employed in the industry, 77% of whom are women, the sector continues to thrive and evolve. As FOMA Founder Sonia Sadiq Gandhi says, "Our platform not only showcases Australian designers on the world stage but also contributes significantly to the nation’s
economy through their success stories". Visit the exhibitions and visit FOMA in 2024.
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